Tune-Up Service

Offering Expert Tune-Up Service for More Than 20 Years

Is your car idling rough? Misfiring? Hesitating? Have you noticed a substantial decrease in fuel efficiency? These are all telltale signs that your car needs an engine tune-up. If your car needs a tune-up, bring it in to see our expert Houston-area tune-up mechanics at any of the locations. With locations in Katy, Montgomery, Kingwood, and the Houston Energy Corridor, we have a tune-up shop near you! Call today or request a quote online.

Tune-ups are not just routine checks of your car’s spark plugs and oil filters. A My Transmission Experts precision tune-up is a comprehensive examination of your car’s engine that includes analyzing computer data and diagnostics, engine efficiency, and electronics with the keen eye of an experienced tune-up specialist. A cookie-cutter tune-up shop may replace your plugs and filters and send you on your way, but the health of your vehicle and the wellbeing of you and your passengers deserve a thorough tune-up from an automotive professional.

Whether you own a brand-new car, truck, SUV, or an older vehicle, a tune-up begins with a baseline examination of the engine and the overall health of the vehicle. The process focuses on basic systems and auto parts that are showing signs of wear and could cause an unnecessary breakdown. A thorough tune-up includes the following checklist.

Automotive Tune-Up & Inspection Checklist

• Battery Strength: The tremendous volume of electronic systems and devices included in today’s vehicles places a high demand on the battery. A standard voltage check is one of the first items an experienced service technician reviews when conducting a complete tune-up.
• Spark Plugs: A service technician examines the sparks plugs to check for signs of wear and discoloration of the firing noses. They should consistently appear tan or gray.
• Spark Plug Wires: The wires are checked for signs of aging that include cracks, inflexibility, and excessive dryness. Faulty wires cause unsteady delivery of electricity to the spark plugs.
• Fuel Filter: These items are assessed for unwelcome build-ups that can clog the system, lower fuel efficiency, and cause the engine to underperform.
• Fuel Pump: This auto part is directly responsible for the engine getting optimal gas or diesel flow. Its function impacts fuel economy and engine temperature. A declining fuel pump can cause a car to sputter or stall unexpectedly.
• Fuel Injectors: A clean fuel delivery system means proper acceleration and handling. A build-up in the fuel injectors can reduce combustion.
• Air Filters: These items should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles depending on dust and road conditions.
• Condensers: Often overlooked in tune-ups, full-service auto repair shops test condensers to make sure damage to the ignition points is avoided. It is not uncommon for shops to unnecessarily replace condensers at the vehicle owner’s expense without testing them.
• Engine Vacuum Integrity: In order to confirm the vehicle’s system remains a closed loop of air and exhaust, it’s vital that an air leak analysis is conducted. One of the overlooked components is the PCV valve that helps manage and limit potentially escaping gases. Faulty valves can lead to increased engine pressure, broken seals, cracked gaskets, and oil leaks among other issues.
• Fault Codes: Emissions are a hot-button issue in Houston and the state requires Houston-area drivers to pass thorough emissions tests. A diagnostic check of the vehicle’s fault codes, such as the check engine light, can verify whether or not it meets emission standards. Poor emissions may mean an increase in harmful gases being released into the vehicle and environment. Fault codes can also indicate potential ignition, fuel efficiency, and other emerging problems.
• Belts and Hoses: Items such as timing belts and coolant hoses may pass computer diagnostic tests. However, an experienced auto repair technician can visually detect signs of deterioration. First-hand experience can identify and correct defective hoses and belts before there is a problem. Proactive maintenance can help drivers avoid breakdowns, tows and expensive repairs later.
• Idle Verification: The idle speed of older and late-model vehicles is assessed. Newer vehicles generally have computer-controlled components while older vehicles often need to have the fuel mixture analyzed.
• Oxygen Sensors: An item that often flies under the radar, declining O2 sensors are responsible for many sluggish engine problems. Over the years, the sensors’ designs have improved their life expectancy. It’s important for drivers to keep in mind that the older the vehicle, the more frequently O2 sensors need to be replaced. A recent study indicates that upwards of 70 percent of vehicles fail emissions tests due to O2 sensors.
• EGR: Although many vehicles are computer regulated, this should be checked thoroughly to determine if the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve is functioning properly. When impaired, engines can run hot and suffer rough idling.

Along with systems and parts that keep a vehicle running smoothly, safety items such as brakes, brake fluid, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, lights, airbags, tires, and other items are an important part of any service check. Working with a community-based auto repair facility means that customers enjoy the full-service treatment.

How Often Do I Need a Tune-Up?

A generation ago, vehicles required frequent tune-ups, but today’s engine components may last up to 100,000 miles. If you’re not experiencing any engine problems, your best bet is to refer to your car’s owner’s manual or ask a My Transmission Experts technician when you bring in your car for service.

Even if you’re not due for a tune-up, if your car is idling rough, dying, or if you’ve noticed a marked decrease in fuel efficiency, it’s time to bring it into the tune-up professionals at My Transmission Experts! One of our experienced tune-up mechanics can diagnose the issue and get your car running smoothly again. So call or request an appointment today with any one of our Houston-area tune-up shops!

CONTINUE READING

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Automotive Suspension Repair 

Signs of a Bad Torque Converter

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