Tune Up Service in Ann Arbor MI

• Rough running engine repair: this is usually most noticeable at an idle such as waiting at a traffic light.
• Trouble starting car: hard starting is most noticeable during cold winter temperatures. Everything needs to be top condition to avoid cold weather starting problems.
• Engine misfire repair: usually happens during acceleration or pulling up a steep hill. A misfiring engine problem will be quite noticeable and will usually trigger a Check Engine Light warning. Misfire can also damage the catalytic converter which is very expensive to repair.
• Engine stalling: a rough running engine is more prone to stalling. A weak or pending fuel pump failure, or emission system problems, can also cause engine stalling problem.
• Poor fuel mileage: if the spark plugs are worn out or the air filter is plugged fuel mileage will decrease.
• Excessive engine oil burning repair: Causes spark plug fouling, oxygen sensor failure, and catalytic converter damage. Common problem with high mileage vehicles.
• Seized spark plug replacement: if spark plugs are not replaced periodically they can get seized or stuck in the cylinder head. Often this requires replacing the cylinder head which can cost many thousands of dollars. Although the spark plug replacement interval may be 60,000 to 100,000 miles, there may be a risk of seized spark plug if they are not changed sooner.
• Ignition part replacement: worn spark plugs overload and cause damage to other ignition parts. Ignition coil failure can be caused by bad spark plugs.
• Catalytic converter replacement: caused by spark plug misfire and excessive engine oil burning.

Historically the term 'tune-up' was associated with the frequent replacement of ignition parts like spark plugs and breaker points. Demands for lower vehicle emissions and greater fuel economy pushed vehicle manufacturers to adopt electronic ignition systems and replace the carburetor with electronic fuel injection. This eliminated the need for frequent tune up part replacement and adjustment of many ignition and fuel system parts.

As vehicle technology progressed the procedures required to perform a tune up changed dramatically. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems using one or more computers to control critical engine and transmission management functions required sophisticated tools and auto repair technician skills. Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions decreased, and tune-up intervals became much longer.

Contrary to common belief modern hi-tech vehicles still need tune ups to keep them performing at peak performance and efficiency.

Although tune-up parts and procedures have changed greatly, there is still a need to maintain the ignition and fuel systems. Modern vehicles are very reliable and will run unmaintained for a long time, but parts eventually wear out and fail if not properly maintained at regular intervals.

Spark plug life has been greatly extended with the accurate fuel control provided by computer managed fuel-injection. Part replacement schedules vary greatly so the manufacturer's maintenance recommendation should be followed.

Air and fuel filters have a major impact on engine performance and should be replaced on a regular basis. Filter life depends greatly on the conditions the vehicle is operated under.

With the demands of high energy electronic ignition systems and exposure to extremely high engine compartment temperatures these ignition parts deteriorate and place extra load on expensive ignition coils and control system components. It is highly recommended to replace spark plug wires, and where used, the distributor cap and rotor. Your vehicle maintenance schedule will recommend when these parts be serviced.

The electrical system is the heart of a modern vehicle and should be tested at each tune-up. A weak battery or charging system problem can cause major problems such as engine stalling or poor performance, erratic check engine warning lights, or cause serious damage to highly sensitive electronics throughout the vehicle resulting in costly repairs

A weak or bad battery can be the result of a battery defect, over-charging, or under-charging from a bad drive belt, faulty voltage regulator, or alternator problems, or an electrical drain due to an electrical short. A defective starter can also damage the battery by placing a higher electrical load on the battery.