The terms for most auto repair procedures are fairly self-explanatory: “Oil change,” “transmission rebuild,” and “wheel alignment” all speak for themselves. But with a tuneup, there's not much to tell you what's getting tuned. To clarify matters for you, Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions in Oak Harbor, WA, explains what happens during an auto tuneup and how you can benefit from incorporating them into your routine maintenance routine.

Auto Tuneups Explained in 6 Steps

1. Switch Out Spark Plugs

With use and age, grime can form on the plugs' ignition ends, widening their gaps. To keep your engine firing on all cylinders, your spark plugs need to be switched occasionally with new, properly gapped replacements.

2. Replace Filters

To ensure your car can "breathe" properly, the filters need to be replaced. The fuel filter, air filter, and PC breather filter can all get clogged with dirt and moisture, which prevents them from working properly.

3. Inspect Battery

The battery voltage and charging voltage should be inspected to make sure the heart of your electrical system is in good shape. This is particularly crucial in later model vehicles with complex onboard electronics.

4. Diagnostics

A scan of onboard computer fault codes will tell whether the car's electronic monitoring system detects any problems If it does, it will identify present faults so they can be repaired.

5. Evaluate Exhaust Emissions

A check of the emissions makes sure the system is compliant with current standards. This is critical for states that require emissions testing.

6. Engine Checks

The engine is tested for compression, timing, idle speed, and other factors to make sure it's running properly. If these are out of whack, the auto technicians will try to diagnose and suggest repairs.

To schedule a tuneup with an experienced auto repair facility, contact Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions in Oak Harbor, WA. They provide a comprehensive tuneup checklist and reliable repairs. They also specialize in brake service, transmission repair, and oil changes. Connect with them online at their website, or call (360) 679-0700 to make an appointment.