The term “Tune-up” is one that is slowly being replaced in the auto repair industry with the term “ignition system tune up”.  Years back, on older cars, the term “Tune-up” referred to a service that involved many things such as:

• Replace spark plugs
• Replace points and condenser
• Replace distributor cap and rotor
• Replace spark plug wires
• Replace fuel and air filter
• Clean / adjust choke
• Adjust ignition timing
• Service PCV/breather system

On newer vehicles, a “Tune-up” is usually no more than replacement of spark plugs on most cars and, unless the spark plugs are failing, its now considered preventive maintenance. Typically an owners manual will refer to a Minor service or Major Service.  These services are performed at mileage intervals typically 30K service, 60K service, 90K service.  The tune-up or ignition system tune up service has been absorbed by these factory recommended mileage interval services.  The reason this is happening is because today’s computer controlled vehicles are “tuned” numerous times a second by the Engine Control Module or “ECM” for short.  The ECM is the car’s main computer and can account for worn ignition items and adjust fuel, air, etc… accordingly due to the high sensitivity of the sensors installed on today’s vehicles.  Therefore, to make sure the vehicle runs as efficiently as possible the tune up items are addressed at their respective mileage intervals, typically: 30k service, 60K service, 90K service, and so on.  This approach is known as preventive maintenance.  Preventive maintenance allows us to address items before they cause an issue with vehicle performance.  Below (left) is a simplified illustration of how today’s ignition system components are run through the ECM.

The “tune up” parts are now referred to as “ignition components”  With that said, one of the best and easiest ways to increase your miles-per-gallon is with an ignition system tune-up.  Just think: One spark plug misfiring half of the time can reduce fuel economy by 7% and two can reduce it by 20%.  With gas prices where they are today, the tune up or ignition system service is a great value and often  overlooked.  Considering the job of the spark plug is to ignite the fuel/air mixture,  worn spark plugs have a very hard time doing this.  Below (right) is a picture of a worn spark plug compared to a new one.

When you bring your vehicle to Padonia Auto Service,  you can count on us to perform a high quality ignition system tune up.   When it comes to ignition system tuneup service and repair not all auto repair shops get it right.   At Padonia Auto Service we use the highest quality parts like NGK spark plugs and ignition wires along with the latest diagnostic equipment to ensure a job well done.   Padonia Auto Service’s ASE Certified technicians have been trained to perform a high quality ignition system tune-up on your Honda, Acura, Toyota, Lexus, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Subaru, Mitsubishi, Kia, Scion, Hyundai, Isuzu, and Hybrid vehicles.  If you have any further questions call us at 410-666-3230 or schedule an appointment online.