DIY Auto Tune-Up

You depend on your vehicle to get you where you need to go. Keeping it in shape will save you money in the long run because it will last longer, give you fewer problems and get you where you need to go. If you tune-up your auto yourself, you will save even more money.

Identify that an auto tune-up is what you need

Make sure your car is not experiencing serious problems. If it is just running a little bit sluggish, a tune-up is likely what it needs. If there are more serious things occurring, it is best to get on the phone and get quotes from mechanics to diagnose the problem. 

Determine which parts are worn out

Look under the hood for areas that show wear and tear. Examine the air filter, spark plugs, spark plug wires and the distributor cap. If the air filter looks clogged, it will need to be replaced. Look for combustion build-up on the spark plugs. If your spark plug wires look brittle or cracked, they will need to be replaced. Remove the distributor cap and look for cracks or build-up. If the distributor cap needs to be replaced, the rotors have to be replaced with it at the same time. 

Gather needed parts and supplies

Look at the owner’s manual before purchasing replacement parts. This will guide you when dealing with part shopping and the actual procedure for the replacement of worn out parts. If you cannot find your owner manual, many times you can find and download it off of the internet.  The owner manual is necessary since the way parts are replaced is dependent on the type of vehicle you own.