Do It Yourself Tune Ups

Saving on the high price of fuel is of the utmost importance these days. Since the cost went through the roof, there has been an influx of people who are trying to save the cost of gas by making their automobiles more fuel efficient. There are several things that a person of the do it yourself caliber can do to help the car become a bit better when it comes to drinking gas. Mind you not all of these will improve gas mileage to any kind of drastic degree. If you are driving a car that is heavy as a tank and built in the 1970’s there is very little that you can do for the improvement of fuel efficiency.

One of the best ways to improve fuel efficiency is to tune the car up on a regular basis. It is suggested that you perform a tune up every ten thousand miles. This will help the car as the parts that are involved in fuel delivery and combustion can become corroded over time with the continued use. When they are corroded they are no longer operating at the top performance rate which will drop the fuel economy drastically. It has never been more important then right now to have your car tuned up on a regular basis.

A tune up consists of replacing parts on the car that have to do with fuel delivery, combustion and filtering. All of these parts are relatively easy to change and require a minimum number of tools.

Here is the best list of what you need to purchase for the car to perform a do it yourself tune up.

Spark plugs- go with the better brands of the spark plugs so they will not wear out as quick. Plugs with more than one diode are best but not required.

Plug Wires – Get a life time warranty set of plug wires to ensure that you no longer have to purchase them. They will cost a bit more but it will be worth it in the long run.

Cap and Rotor – Many newer cars no longer require these parts but some do. Check with the auto parts store about it.

Fuel Filter – The fuel filter is very important and should be changed every tune up. They are fairly inexpensive and easy to change.

Air Filter – A car is constantly circulating air and needs to have a clean filter to ensure that it can breath.

PCV Valve – This is part of the breather and will help the car to breath and displace air better.

All of these parts should be changed on a regular basis except the wires if you happen to get the life time warranty set. A tune up will take about one hour or less depending on how easy it is to get to the different parts and plugs.

WARNING: Make sure to wear the proper safety equipment, such as gloves and goggles, when working with the engine on your car or truck to prevent injuries.  Also make sure to follow all directions on parts or fluids that you purchase for your auto.