Tune Up Service Shop in Kent, WA
Warren Secord Automotive performs automotive tune up in Kent, WA. Our tune up technicians are ASE certified and we have tools to test and repair any tuneup problem.
Having problems with rough running engine, engine misfire, and poor gas mileage? Regular engine tune-ups can restore smooth running, performance, and fuel efficiency to your vehicle.
Warren Secord Automotive has been performing automotive tune-up service in Kent, WA area since 1965. They pride themselves in offering exceptional service for domestic and foreign cars, light trucks, and RV.
Contact Warren Secord Automotive today for a tune up estimate or to schedule your tune up service appointment.
Our Tune Up Service
We have a standard engine diagnostic (test) fee and then charge for any required service & repair. We do not use false "tuneup" prices.
Tuneup Price:
- diagnostic & inspection fee (please contact us, it differs for vehicle type).
- we quote a tune up service cost from the test and inspection.
- you decide what recommended services are completed.
Tuneup Procedure:
First we ask you a few questions:
- does your car run correctly? Any problems?
- do you have a check engine light on?
- how many miles on your vehicle?
- when was last time maintenance was done to engine?
After you drop-off the vehicle:
- We start with a visual inspection;
- then perform vehicle computer diagnostic test (Check Engine Light error codes);
- then we contact you with test/inspection results and advise on service required, and request your approval to perform required service.
The following systems are inspected as part of your tune-up service:
- computer diagnostic check;
- battery, charging, and starting systems check;
- engine mechanical condition check;
- fuel system check;
- ignition system check;
- emissions systems check (PCV, EGR, EVAP)*;
- distributor cap inspection (if applicable);
- ignition rotor inspection (if applicable).
The following parts are replaced as part of your tune-up service:
- spark plug replacement;
The following parts are replaced if required:
- fuel filter replacement*;
- air filter replacement*;
*additional cost for some vehicles.
When Is A Tune Up Required?
Often vehicle owners will wait until the Check Engine Light comes on, or when the vehicle starts running poorly, before they ask for a "tune up". In both cases waiting until there is a problem can cost you more than regular tune up service.
We recommend you follow your vehicle maintenance schedule. Vehicle manufacturers have different maintenance recommendations based on vehicle use and distance driven. Usually spark-plug replacement interval can be used as a rough tuneup service requirement guide. If you need help just contact us.
Many people think of a tuneup when their vehicle starts running rough, or the check engine light comes. If your vehicle is not running correctly, or the check engine light is on, a diagnostic inspection is the best place to start. Just asking for a tune-up may not solve your problem!
Any problems between regular maintenance intervals usually indicates a problem that should be investigated and repaired. Maintenance periods of modern vehicles vary greatly. To ensure good performance, fuel economy, and decreased emissions it is best practice to follow the vehicle's maintenance schedule found in your vehicle owner's manual.
Vehicle manufacturers specify regular vehicle maintenance that should be performed at certain time periods or mileage intervals. Most manufacturers no longer use the term "tune up" but it is a commonly used term with general public. The closest maintenance item to the commonly used "tune up" service is spark plug replacement.
Your vehicle owner's manual will recommend the service interval for spark plug replacement. If the majority of your driving is stop and go city driving you should follow the "Severe Service" maintenance schedule.
The three most common parts related to a tune up are spark plugs, fuel filter, and engine air filter. Some high-performance and import vehicles will also require a valve clearance adjustment.
Modern vehicles use high tech spark plugs and ignition parts which have longer life expectancy and extended service intervals. But as your vehicle ages other wear and high mileage related problems can shorten the life of your spark plugs.
Common Tune Up Related Problems:
Rough running engine: this is usually most noticeable at an idle such as waiting at a traffic light.
Trouble starting your car: hard starting is most noticeable during cold winter temperatures. Everything needs to be top condition to avoid cold weather starting problems.
Engine misfire: usually happens during acceleration or pulling up a steep hill. A misfiring engine problem will be quite noticeable and will usually trigger a Check Engine Light warning. Misfire can also damage the catalytic converter which is very expensive to repair.
Engine stalling: a rough running engine is more prone to stalling. A weak or pending fuel pump failure, or emission system problems, can also cause engine stalling problem.
Poor fuel mileage: if the spark plugs are worn out or the air filter is plugged fuel mileage will decrease.
Excessive engine oil burning: Causes spark plug fouling, oxygen sensor failure, and catalytic converter damage. Common problem with high mileage vehicles.
Seized spark plugs: if spark plugs are not replaced periodically they can get seized or stuck in the cylinder head. Often this requires replacing the cylinder head which can cost thousands of dollars. Although the spark plug replacement interval may be 60,000 to 100,000 miles, there may be a risk of seized spark plug if spark plugs are not removed and inspected sooner.
Damaged ignition parts: worn spark plugs overload and cause damage to other ignition parts. Ignition coil failure can be caused by bad spark plugs.
Catalytic converter damage: caused by spark plug misfire and excessive engine oil burning.
Tune-up History
Historically the term 'tune-up' was associated with the frequent replacement of key ignition system parts like spark plugs and breaker points. Demands for lower vehicle emissions and greater fuel economy pushed vehicle manufacturers to adopt electronic ignition systems and replace the carburetor with electronic fuel injection. This eliminated the need for frequent part replacement and adjustment of many ignition and fuel system parts found on older vehicles.
High Tech Tune-ups
As vehicle technology progressed the procedures required to perform a tuneup changed dramatically. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems using one or more computers to control critical engine management functions required sophisticated tools and auto repair technician skills. Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions decreased, and tune-up intervals became much longer.
Is A Tune-up Still Required?
Contrary to common belief modern hi-tech vehicles still need tuneups to keep them performing at peak performance and efficiency.
Although tune-up parts and procedures have changed greatly, there is still a need to maintain the ignition and fuel systems. Modern vehicles are very reliable and will run unmaintained for a long time, but parts eventually wear out and fail if not properly maintained at regular intervals. Running past manufacturer's recommended tuneup schedule can cause additional wear on other ignition parts or failure of expensive parts.
Tuneup Parts Replacement
Spark Plugs
Spark plug life has been greatly extended with the accurate fuel control provided by computer managed fuel-injection. Part replacement schedules vary greatly so the manufacturer's maintenance recommendation should be followed.
Air & Fuel Filters
Air and fuel filters have a major impact on engine performance and should be replaced on a regular basis. Filter life depends greatly on the conditions the vehicle is operated under.
Spark Plug Wires, Distributor Cap and Rotor
With the demands of high energy electronic ignition systems and exposure to extremely high engine compartment temperatures these ignition parts deteriorate and place extra load on expensive ignition coils and control system components. It is highly recommended to replace spark plug wires, and where used, the distributor cap and rotor when recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Your vehicle maintenance schedule will recommend when these parts be serviced or replaced.
Electrical System Analysis
The electrical system is the heart of a modern vehicle and should be tested at each tune-up. A weak battery or charging system problem can cause major problems such as engine stalling or poor performance, erratic check engine warning lights, or cause serious damage to highly sensitive electronics throughout the vehicle resulting in costly repairs.
A weak or bad battery can be the result of a battery defect, over-charging, or under-charging from a bad drive belt, faulty voltage regulator, or alternator problems, or an electrical drain due to an electrical short. A defective starter can also damage the battery by drawing too much current.
Top Ten Reasons for Engine Tune Up
The Check Engine Light is a warning light for engine tune up related problems.
A Check Engine Light is turned on when the vehicle engine computer detects a fault in any of the computer controlled engine management systems. One or more diagnostic codes will be stored in the computer and are just one piece of information our tune up technicians will use to diagnose your tune up problem.
When the Check Engine Light comes on, you may experience engine performance issues such as poor acceleration, rough idling, or an engine that won't start.
In some cases, no obvious symptoms will be experienced. Yet your vehicle fuel mileage may decrease and vehicle emissions and pollution will increase.
Determining the exact cause your tune up problem can be difficult. Intermittent tune up problems are most difficult to diagnose.
Top 10 Common Tune Up Problems
Here are the top 10 reasons for getting Tune Up. These problems can all cause rough running, poor engine performance, and poor fuel economy.
Worn Spark Plugs
Problem: Spark plugs are worn out. Often vehicle owners don't realize their vehicle needs spark plug replacement. Spark plug performance declines gradually and vehicle owners do not realize fuel economy has decreased and emissions have increased. If spark plugs are not replaced they can also cause the failure of other parts. It is best to follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommended spark plug replacement.
Repair: Remove and replace spark plugs. Check computer for error codes and clear any codes.
Bad Spark Plug
Problem: A misfiring spark plug can cause unburnt fuel which triggers a check engine light. Fouled spark plug can also cause Catalytic Converter failure if not repaired quickly.
Repair: Diagnose reason for fouled spark plug; Spark plug replacement.
Faulty Oxygen Sensor
Problem: The oxygen sensor measures the amount of oxygen in the exhaust and tells the engine computer how much fuel to inject into the engine. An oxygen sensor replacement will often solve poor fuel mileage and poor engine power problem.
Repair: Oxygen sensor replacement, check that oxygen sensor problem is fixed, and clear computer error codes.
Faulty Catalytic Converter
Problem: Catalytic Converter failure can be caused by faulty spark plugs, engine oil burning, ignition system problems, or fuel system problems. These problems must be repaired before a Catalytic Converter replacement.
Repair: Check and repair problem causing catalytic converter failure, Catalytic Converter replacement.
Faulty Ignition Coil
Problem: Ignition coil failure will cause an engine misfire. Usually caused by vehicle age and normal wear, faulty sparkplugs, or ignition wires. High under hood operating temperatures from cooling system problem and engine overheating can also cause ignition coil failure.
Repair: check for computer error codes, faulty ignition parts, and ignition coil replacement.
Mass Airflow Sensor Failure
Problem: The Mass Airflow Sensor measures the incoming air flow to the engine allowing the computer to inject the correct amount of fuel. Bad mass airflow sensor replacement can greatly improve fuel economy and engine performance.
Repair: Mass Airflow Sensor replacement
EVAP System Hose Leaks
Problem: Leaking EVAP system vacuum hoses are an emission system problem and trigger the check engine light.
Repair: EVAP system leak check, EVAP system repair.
Faulty EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve
Problem: The EGR valve helps lower vehicle emissions. A bad EGR valve can cause rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, and engine overheating.
Repair: EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve replacement. EGR Exhaust Gas passage carbon cleaning. Please contact us for EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation Valve replacement cost.
Charging System Problems
Problem: A faulty alternator or weak battery can cause a check engine light and tune up problems. Your vehicle requires a stable electrical system voltage to function. We can quickly test your battery, do a charging system test, or provide an alternator replacement cost estimate.
Repair: Battery test, charging system test, alternator replacement. We can quickly provide a battery test estimate, charging system test estimate, or an alternator replacement cost estimate.
Transmission Problems
Problem: Automotive transmissions problems can make drivers think they have an engine problem and need a tune up. Transmission problems will often trigger a Check Engine Light. Transmission repairs start with an engine performance assessment and a check engine light diagnosis to pin point the transmission problem.
Repair: engine performance assessment, check engine light diagnosis, transmission repair.
Bottom Line
Keeping your vehicle on the road for the most affordable price is our top priority. Our number one goal is to provide you with high quality, tune up service in Kent, WA. Warren Secord Automotive & Tire works hard to provide the best value tune up service in Kent, WA. Many auto repair shops talk about good service, but at Warren Secord Automotive & Tire we are committed to it!
We strive to surpass your expectations and maintain our great reputation.
