Engine Tuning - Engine Tune-up

Engine Tune-up

A tune-up usually refers to the routine servicing of the engine to meet the manufacturer's specifications. Tune-ups are needed periodically as according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure an automobile runs as expected. Modern automobiles now typically require only a small number of tune-ups over the course of an approximate 250,000-kilometre (160,000 mi) or a 10-year lifespan.

Tune-ups may include the following:

• Re-fastening of cylinder head bolts
• Adjustment of the carburetor idle speed and the air-fuel mixture
• Inspection and possible replacement of ignition system components like spark plugs, contact breaker points, distributor cap and distributor rotor
• Replacement of the air filter and other filters
• Inspection of emission controls
• Valvetrain adjustment

In early days, mechanics finished tuning up a performance car such as a Ferrari and would take it around a track several times to burn out any built-up carbon; this is known as an Italian tuneup.