Getting a "Tune-Up" for Your Vehicle: Visiting The Service Center At Capitol Chevrolet

May 4, 2021

For decades, automobiles needed regular tune-ups to ensure the engine was running properly and efficiently. Are tune-ups still necessary today? For modern cars, most features of the classic tune-up are no longer needed. However, that doesn't mean regular maintenance doesn't need to be performed. Instead, you'll need the vehicle inspected regularly and routine oil and filter changes performed. Outside of that, just follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule for major service intervals. Below, we'll tell you about what's changed and why your modern Chevrolet doesn't need a tune-up in the traditional sense. However, if you're proud to own a vintage Chevrolet model, a tune-up might help keep it running strong even as it ages. New or old, classic or modern, we can keep your Chevy vehicle performing its best at Capitol!

5. Spark Timing Adjustment

Classic cars that use a spark distributor may need to be manually adjusted from time to time to achieve optimal fuel economy and engine response. Instead, modern cars use coil-on-plug systems and computer-controlled spark timing that can be adjusted in real time to achieve the best burn. That means spark timing adjustment is something you probably don't need on your modern car. Or course, if you've got a classic Chevy in need of some maintenance, we've still got talented technicians and OEM parts for vintage Chevrolet models who can perform this service on your car.

4. Carburetor Tuning

Once again, modern cars have innovated away from the need to have carburetor adjustments. In vintage cars, the carburetor helps blend the air/fuel mixture to the right ratio for optimal performance and deliver that mixture to the engine. On a modern car, fuel is injected to the intake or the engine directly, and the ratio is computer-controlled. However, if your car is equipped with a carburetor, it may need to be adjusted as part of a tune-up. The air/fuel ratio and resulting idle speed can be tweaked by a mechanic to achieve the most efficient performance.

3. Suspension Lube

Even today, some vehicles and some parts of your suspension may have refillable grease fittings. However, most modern suspension parts are internally sealed. The advantage of this is a simpler design and longer-lasting maintenance-free performance. If these parts wear out or leak, they'll just need to be replaced. By contrast, parts that have refillable grease fittings can be greased as part of a tune-up. This can help them perform better over time, but they will need more maintenance. When you stop by for an oil change service, we'll gladly take a look at your vehicle and maintain any such parts on your vehicle.

2. Oil & Filter Change

Even modern cars need oil changes, but this too has changed since the days of the regular tune-up. No longer is a 3,000-mile oil change interval always necessary. With synthetic oils designed to last even longer, 6,000, 7,500, 9,000 and even 10,000-mile oil change intervals are becoming common! Check the owner's manual for your specific Chevrolet model to see what kind of oil and oil change frequency is recommended. Or, just give us a call! After all, we're Chevrolet experts and we care for your car just the way GM suggests.