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Some automotive services are controversial.

Not services like the oil change, which no sane motorist will tell you to skip, nor repairs for specific parts, which aren't arguable if they've reached their wear limit or are broken. No; controversial services are the ones where the purpose itself raises questions. Of these, one of the most well-known, if not the most well-known, is the engine tune-up.

You might know someone in your family who wants you to schedule a tune-up. At the same time, you may hear a friend say it's an antiquated service that is no longer required on modern cars. If you're scratching your head about the purpose of a modern tune-up and why some drivers include it in their maintenance schedule while others scoff at the notion, you're not alone.

Let's take a look at the history of tune-ups and their value in modern times.

What Was a Tune-Up, Historically?

Tune-ups have been around for a long time, so let's start at the beginning.

In the early days of the automotive industry, when cars were relatively simple machines, tuning was a routine maintenance procedure involving manual adjustments to make the vehicle operate at its best. Back then, tune-ups involved adjusting the ignition timing, fuel mixture, and idle speed to optimize the engine's performance, as well as cleaning the carburetor, replacing spark plugs, and inspecting other parts for wear and tear. These adjustments were necessary to keep vehicles running properly.

What is a Tune-Up for Modern Vehicles?

As automobiles advanced in complexity, they began to monitor their performance and automate adjustments.

As a result, modern cars and trucks don't require hands-on adjustments like in the past. That doesn't mean every engine maintenance service is out the window, however, and so you might think of tuning as an old-school name for a variety of maintenance services related to engine performance on the modern car. Nowadays, tune-ups typically include: an inspection of wear-and-tear parts like the spark plugs, engine air filter, belts, and hoses; an inspection and fill of fluid levels; and replacement of the Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve, if plugged.

What are the Signs that I Need an Engine Tune-Up?

Tune-ups remain a good way to keep your engine operating at its prime.

If you notice the following issues, a tune-up may be just the solution you need:

• Check engine light is on
• Poor fuel economy
• Misfires
• Stalling or sluggish acceleration
• Rough idling

At the end of the day, tune-ups to keep your engine's performance at its best.

Prevention Always Beats the Need to Find a Cure

Ask about an engine tune-up in Wichita Falls the next time you visit North Texas Automotive Service. Our goal is to keep your vehicle running at its best and to prevent problems though maintenance. If you have questions about tune-ups for modern vehicles or recommended maintenance services and intervals, don't hesitate to talk with a member of our team.

We're here to assist with all your automotive service needs!