Engine Tune Up Services

There are many components, factors and conditions that affect Service Intervals, you should check with your Federal Service Manager to get a specific answer for your particular component within your particular vehicle. 

Within the automotive industry, the term "tune-up" is very often misused and misunderstood. But a quick history lesson can make sense of this.

The term "tune-up" originated with previous generations of older cars.  It covered  the adjustments and services that  were to done to keep those vehicles running at peak performance.   It applied to the maintenance operation of replacing the spark plugs, distributor points, inspecting or replacing the cap and rotor and possibly replacing the fuel and air filters. There were many adjustments to be done on these cars; point gap, ignition timing and idle mixture and dwell. This was a preventative maintenance operation that usually needed to be done about every 20,00 - 35,000 kilometres.

Today's modern cars have different technologies and onboard computers that makes this type of service irrelevant.

However, the term "tune-up" still persists in our language and has evolved to be a bit of an umbrella statement that covers engine and fuel related services.

The good news is that you now have precise manufacturer recommended service intervals for  preventative maintenance for specific components.  Many car's computers are also at the level of sophistication that the they can warn you if there are issues (Check engine/Warning light) outside regular maintenance windows.

As a rough guideline, you can use the following for reference:

• Engine Air filters Service - every 10,000km. (Severe conditions in T&T)
• Spark Plugs Service - every 50,000km.  (100,000km + for premium long life plugs)
• Ignition Coil Service - 160,000 km +
• Fuel Injectors - Every 40,000 km
• Fuel Filters - Every 40,000 km
• Throttle Body Service - Every 100,000 km
• Belts Service - Every 100,000 km / 5 years

Bringing your vehicle in at regular service intervals is the best way to prevent untimely and expensive  damage.  However, there are times that your vehicle will exhibit symptoms outside the planned service windows.  These are indications that you should bring your vehicle in as soon as possible.

• Check Engine Light  comes on
• Slow Acceleration
• Rough Idle
• Poor fuel economy
• Difficulty starting
• Increased exhaust smoke
• Knocking or taping sound

Manufacturers typically publish recommended service intervals for "average" engine usage.  They also describe conditions that they classify as "severe or extreme" that will increase the frequency of services (decrease the time during service intervals).  These conditions exists in Trinidad and Tobago and you will find our Service Manger recommending intervals that appear shorter than the average recommended interval.

• Hot Weather driving
• Humid or wet conditions
• Pollution and Dust
• Stop and Go driving
• Driving off paved roads (salt, mud, dust, dirt, sand, gravel)
• Driving in Traffic below 80 kph for long stretches.
• Short interval driving (under 5 km)
• Driving under load
• Fuel contaminants

Engine Air Filter Service:  Air and fuel combine in your engine to make the power you need to move your vehicle.  Without enough clean air, your engine doesn’t perform smoothly. Your engine may need 45,000 litres of air for every litre of fuel.  Your engine air filter’s job is to clean all of that air before it gets to your engine.  

• As air passes through your engine air filter, dust, pollen, pollution, and other contaminants are removed. Without the engine air filter, dirt would pass into your engine, fouling the combustion chamber.
• In between your engine air filter and the engine itself is the Mass Air Flow Sensor.  This important sensor measures the amount of air coming into the engine and passes that information along to the engine management computer.  The computer uses the air flow information to determine how much fuel to send to the engine.  
• When the engine air filter gets full, dirty air gets passed it and deposits can build up on the Mass Air Flow Sensor, causing damage that may require replacing the sensor.
• A damaged Mass Air Flow Sensor sends incorrect air flow information to the engine management computer.  This results in an improper amount of fuel being sent into the engine.
• Unburned fuel will pass out through the exhaust and become trapped in the catalytic converter.  This fuel burns off inside the catalytic converter, causing it to overheat and fail.

These expensive repairs can often be prevented simply by replacing the engine air filter as recommended.

Spark Plug Service:  Spark plugs provide the spark that powers your engine and while today's spark plugs last much longer than plugs of the past, they do wear down over time.  Various engine problems can also lead to accelerated fouling, inhibiting the plugs' performance.  
A damaged spark plug will lead to poor engine performance, including higher fuel burn.  Have your spark plugs replaced at manufacturer suggested intervals.

Ignition Coil Service:  Ignition coils are devices that takes a vehicle's relatively low battery voltage and converts it to the high voltage levels required to power the spark plugs.  Ignition coil design vary by manufacturer and can range from a single engine coil, to coil packs, one for each cylinder. Ignition coils do wear out over time and should be replaced at the recommended Service Intervals. In the event of an ignition coil issue, you will see a Check Engine error and experience and rough engine idle and run.

Fuel System Service:  By their very nature, gasoline and diesel fuel leave gum and varnish throughout the fuel system. A dirty fuel system hurts engine performance and fuel economy.

• The small explosions that take place in your combustion chambers leave the chambers, pistons and valves covered in carbon deposits.  A professional fuel system cleaning will remove the harmful deposits, restoring engine efficiency.
• A throttle body operates the throttle valve that in turn controls engine RPMs by regulating the air flow. Over time, carbon deposits accumulate on the throttle valve and throttle body, preventing it from operating correctly. In some cars, this may cause the throttle valve to stick, resulting in low or unstable idle speed or stalling. The Check Engine light may also come on.  The throttle body service involves cleaning the throttle body with a special cleaning solution and removing carbon deposits from the throttle valve.
• Each cylinder has a fuel injector that sprays a precise amount of fuel into the engine at exactly the right time.When your fuel injectors are dirty, they spray a weak stream of fuel in the wrong pattern, reducing performance and fuel economy.
• Fuel filters trap harmful contaminants from entering the fuel delivery system (whether carburetors or fuel injectors) as fuel passes from your fuel tank. A contaminated and clogged filter will restrict fuel flow from your vehicle’s fuel pump, thereby causing fuel starvation and engine performance issues in addition to placing unnecessary stress on the pump itself.  Replace your fuel filter at recommended service intervals.

A professional fuel system cleaning involves high performance cleaners installed using special pressurized tools – and some old fashioned scrubbing of the air induction system.  This is not a do-it-yourself-pour-a-bottle-in-the-tank proposition.  

Belts Service:  Many of today’s engines use timing belts, but not all. Some engines still use a timing chain and sprocket arrangement. 

• A timing belt is a precision component with teeth that mesh exactly with its mating sprockets.The timing belt maintains synchronization, matching valve operation to piston position.
• On some engines, the belt also drives other components. These include the oil pump, water pump, and balance shafts.  Other engines have a separate Serpentine belt that drives other accessories.

Follow your manufacturers recommended service intervals for belt replacement. If the timing belt is not replaced at the suggested interval, the belt could break, leaving you stranded and possibly causing major engine damage.

If you’re having the timing belt replaced, consider replacing other parts that may be accessed at the same time. The water pump, timing belt sprockets and tensioning pulleys are good examples. Check our Federal Service auto repair shops at San Fernando or Marabella  for service recomendations.