Car Tune-Up in Miami, FL

Engine

Ignition System

Your car’s ignition system is one area that causes more problems than any other part of the engine. Though more modern cars now come with computerized controllers that replace some components, many parts of the ignition still require regular maintenance. These components include spark plugs, coils, and wires.

Spark Plugs

Your spark plugs ignite the fuel within the engine. They consist of a small metal tip that can wear down over time due to heat and pressure and the continuous sparks they produce. Once the recommended space becomes bigger, the spark plug will either spark intermittently or not spark at all.

This is what you call a misfire that happens when the fuel is not being ignited. This leads to a decrease in fuel economy, poor performance, and more serious problems like engine damage. When the spark plugs are replaced during a tune-up service, your mechanic should use the original equipment as your car manufacturer recommends. This ensures the correct gap for ignition, and the plug is designed specifically for your engine’s cooling requirements.

Ignition Wires

Over time, ignition wires can break down, possibly because the connection with the spark plug or the ignition coil fails to make contact. When this happens, the cylinder doesn’t fire, and you’ll have a misfire.

During repairs, it is recommended to change all these in sets so that they are all of an equal gauge and wired in a certain configuration to match the cylinders’ rotation. If these are cross-wired, your engine may run but sound very rough as the engine will try to spark out of time.

Distributor Cap and Rotor (If Applicable)

Your distributor cap has a rotating arm with a metal tip that spins at a high speed and makes contact with metal points that allow the spark to travel down the cables and to the spark plugs. Over time, these contacts can wear and fail to make a sure contact on every rotation. You will know your car is experiencing this issue if there’s no firing at all or random firing.

During a complete tune-up, it’s recommended to change both at the same time so that they will be perfectly matched.

Filters

Your engine has many filters, and their primary function is to prevent contaminants from entering the engine or the body through the ventilation system. When blocked, these filters can have a direct effect on engine performance.

Air Filters

While your car is running, air is continuously being sucked into the engine. Over time, an air filter can become clogged with dust and particles that get sucked along with the air while you’re driving.

Did you know that a dirty air filter can reduce MPGs (Miles Per Gallon) by as much as 14% in carbureted engines and performance? Modern cars may have fuel-injected engines, so the MPGs may not be affected by a dirty air filter, but performance will still suffer.

Oil Filter

Oil is constantly moved around in an engine to lubricate. That’s why it’s crucial to maintain a clean oil filter to filter out particles that can cause wear and tear on engine parts. If it becomes clogged, contaminants can still flow around, but it can cause high oil pressure. That’s why it’s important to change oil filters at regular intervals with every oil change.

PVC (Positive Crankcase Valve)

Over time, PVCs can become clogged with carbon, leading to excessive oil usage by the engine and an increased air-to-fuel ratio.

Belts

Your engine has many belts with different functions, which can become stretched or cut. During a full engine tune-up, your mechanic will change all of these to prevent breakdowns while you’re driving. They will also make sure they are not cracked or brittle due to the extreme heat in Miami.

Serpentine Belt

This is the main belt that provides power to all the belts found inside your car’s engine. It’s essential to ensure it is in good condition because if it breaks, you will lose power steering, making handling extremely difficult.

Timing Belt

Your timing belt synchronizes the various parts of your engine, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. If a timing belt snaps, it can cause significant damage to your engine and lead to expensive repairs. During tune-up service, your mechanic will inspect this belt for any signs of wear and replace it if necessary.

Fluids

During a tune-up, all engine fluid levels are checked. They are usually changed or topped up to the required levels. Many fluids will also need replacing at different intervals, so it’s important to follow your car manufacturer’s recommendations for the best performance.

Battery

Your car’s battery is a vital part of the engine and controls everything from starting your car to powering the lights, radio, and other electronic components.

Have you observed that your batteries usually only last up to 2 years?

Well, that’s because of the extreme heat in Miami and how much it drains the battery, especially if you don’t drive your car often. Here’s a tip from us at Mobile Mechanic Pros Of Miami: When you buy a battery, get one with a 3— to 5-year warranty so that when it dies, you can swap it out for a new one without feeling like you wasted money.

Contact us today to schedule your tune-up. One of the best things about our services is that you don’t need to waste hours at a traditional auto repair service center because we will come to you! Whether you’re stuck on the side of the road, at home, or in your workplace, we will arrive on time with our equipment and tools.

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