Should i let the dealer do my tune up or should i and wats involved if the dealer does it for me??? has anyone noticed a bigg diff after gettin it done. wat kind of plugs did u guyz use need some feedback thankz

 

I snicker at the word tune up when used with cars and a service performed by someone.

A tune up was once a set of mostly standard tasks including setting the timing, cleaning or replacing the ignition points and adjusting the carb's air/fuel mix. There were probably a few other routine things involved, who knows... Yes, you could tell a difference when it was done.

The snickering I do at the word tune up now is that almost none of those things apply to cars these days.

Get a list of what will be done and ask about having only certain, specific items done.

The list will probably look something like this: (Copied from their site):

Replace engine oil and filter
Replace in-cabin microfilter
Lubricate all locks/hinges
Road test vehicle
Replace/flush automatic transmission fluid
Replace climate-controlled seat filters
Replace engine air filter
Replace engine coolant/flush system
Replace engine drive belts
Replace manual transmission oil
Replace radiator cap
Replace radiator hoses
Replace spark plugs
Replace wiper blades
Rotate tires

"Inspect"
Air conditioning system
All lights
Automatic transmission fluid
Axle & suspension parts
Battery fluid level/terminals
Brake lines & cables
Brake fluid level
Brake calipers, pads, rotors
Charging/Starting system
Clutch fluid
Cruise control vacuum hoses
Coolant level/top-off
Drive shaft boots
Engine air filter
Engine drive belts
Exhaust system
Front suspension ball joints
Fuel lines / connections
Fuel tank vapor vent system hoses
Headlights / adjust if necessary
Horn operation
Manual transmission oil
Power steering fluid/top-off
Radiator hoses
Shock absorbers/struts
Steering gear and linkage
Steering linkage ball joints
Tires/adjust air pressure
Transmission fluid/oil
Washer fluid level/top-off
Wiper blades

Most of the above list has little to do with making a difference in performance. At most, the list below is what I would (and do) ask be done instead of letting them charge me for doing stuff that's "child-easy" to do like "inspecting", "road testing", changing an air filter or wiper blades:

Just have them:
- Set timing to spec
- Replace spark plugs
- Flush automatic transmission (don't go cheap on this, get the full system flush)
...and if you don't want to do it yourself, have them flush the cooling system.
- They may also suggest a fuel treatment solution but I would decline and grab some Techron and add a couple of bottles over the next week or two.
- One more thing they might do is to adjust the throttle position sensor. You will notice this after it is completed, but only if you had a problem before hand like (on the Automatics) when slowly accelerating, the car "shudders" or "thuds" into second gear as opposed to smoothly shifting.

That's all you need them to do and it will cost less than their "tune up"
That term is now reduced to marketing for soccer mom's who have not a clue how a car works.

Now don't get me wrong, the things they'll include are good to have done like replacing hoses & belts & such but probably unnecessary unless there's already a problem or wear issue. The "inspecting" doesn't hurt but you really have the best eye for doing that ...and control on the expense.

"tune up".... Don't be fooled!

 

very well said!


One exception. If you are someone who's life is mostly work and have a decent salary, then I would suggest get it done b/c time is very precious. Else, you will never get a chance to actually do it.

 

the dealer charges way to much money

 

I had a "tune-up" in June, and had my mechanic do it for me. I could have done some parts of it myself, including the spark plugs and such, but it honestly wasn't worth my time. My mechanic charged me $200, but I know most places around here charge between $250 and $275. I think dealers charge even more?

 

Any idea how to inspect or get the following inspected and where ?!?

"Inspect"
Brake lines & cables

Cruise control vacuum hoses

Drive shaft boots

Engine drive belts

Front suspension ball joints

Fuel lines / connections
Fuel tank vapor vent system hoses

Shock absorbers/struts

Steering gear and linkage
Steering linkage ball joints

Thanks. I also have a small question on oil change. Which interval is important: time interval of 3 months or mileage interval of 3,750 ?? Everyone here at org look be concentrating on 3000 (reg. oil guys) or 5000 mi (Mobil 1 guys!). The manual says whichever happens first ... Will the oil break at the end of 3 months ?!?

 

OMG U GUYS ARE FREAKING CRAZY. Thanks for the input much appriciated.