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A typical car built 50 years ago was likely a standard shift, rear-wheel drive, with a big block V-8 engine built on a steel frame with mostly mechanical systems.
By comparison, a typical car built more recently could very well be a 4WD, turbo-charged four cylinder SUV built on a unibody frame with a CVT transmission with many mechanical systems being largely governed by the engine computer.
Idle speed, gas and oxygen mixture components, and timing adjustments are all regulated via a modern car’s computer. That interrelation increases synchronicity and reduces the need for adjustments. However, that interdependency also means that failure in one part of the system may cause damage in another part or result in overall diminished engine performance and gas mileage.
What constitutes a tune-up today is vastly different from what it may have meant when Fred’s Auto Repair first opened up in 1974. In addition to the proliferation of computer integration, newer cars are engineered to reduce maintenance needs. For example, “sealed for life” ball joints and tie rod ends has reduced the need for chassis lubrication.
Let’s use the construction of the unibody as an example of unanticipated consequences. A rigid cabin zone surrounded by more pliant crumple zones transfer impact away from occupants in the middle of the car and outwards towards the front or back of the car during an accident. What may result is that a front-end collision could compromise the structural integrity of the back of the car and render the car unsalvageable.
So it is that a failing oxygen or O2 sensor that regulates the air and fuel mixture during engine combustion could damage your catalytic converter. On newer cars, O2 sensors are rated to last 100,000 miles, but that is under ideal conditions. Contamination from leaded gasoline, phosphorous from excessive oil consumption, silicone from internal coolant leaks, road splash, salt or dirt may cause failure sooner.
According to studies by Sierra Research, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), the majority of emission failures stem from compromised O2 (oxygen) sensors.
So, whereas each car has to be specifically diagnosed to determine what is the proper care during a tune up, typical components assessed are:
- O2 sensors or Air/Fuel sensors
- Ignition - spark plugs, wires and coils
- Fuel filter if equipped and cleaning of fuel injectors
- Air Filter and PCV valve
- Battery voltage
- Hoses
- Fluid levels and condition
Besides component mileage and aging, other indicators for the need of a tune-up include:
- Diminished Fuel Economy
- Sluggish engine performance, misfiring
- Engine stalling, start up difficulty
- Engine knocking during acceleration or running after turned off
- Check engine light or service engine soon indicators
Tune-ups can be either or both preventative and restorative maintenance. Let Fred’s Auto Repair examine your car to understand exactly what is needed.
