AUTO

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CAR CARE

According to auto experts, if
you own a car with an advanc-
ed electronic ignition system,
don't overlook the importance
of a periodic tune-up, no mat-
ter how well or how long your
engine has been performing.
Advanced ignition systems
don't always show signs of
wear, even though certain
parts may be going bad.
Cars with conventional ig-
nition systems (points and
condenser) used to start hard,
idle rough, spew smoke and
offer other telltale signs of
problems when a tune-up was
needed. This isn't always the
case with electronic ignition
cars.
Electronic ignition systems
are often sophisticated
enough to compensate for pro-
blems until things get so
severe that major components
such as caps, rotors and igni-
tion wires start burning out.
The results can be poor vehi-
cle performance and an ex-
pensive repair bill . . . pro-
blems that could have been
avoided with preventive
maintenance.
As a rule, conventional igni-
tion systems should be tuned

A-20

FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1989

As a car -owner, don't overlook the
importance of keeping your car
running smoothly. You'll save
money, if you take care of your
car's problems before they happen.

device allows some unburned
fuel and emissions fumes to
be reburned in the cylinders,
thereby lowering air pollution
and increasing fuel economy.
• Fuel Filter: Replace once
a year or every 20,000 miles.

• Points and Condenser:

This applies to conventional
ignition systems only.
Replace as part of tune-up.

• Spark Plug Wires and
Boots: Replace as needed and

every year or 12,000 miles
(whichever comes first). Ad-
vanced ignition systems
should receive a tune-up
check every 15,000 to 20,000
miles.

If you are a severe service
driver (i.e., you subject your
car to continual stop-and-go
driving, a lot of short trips, or
pulling heavy loads such as a
boat or trailer), your car may
need tuning more often.

Tune-ups involve checking
the car's ignition and fuel
systems and either adjusting
or replacing parts. Prices and
extent of tune-up work vary
from shop to shop; what is
considered standard at one

shop may be an "extra" at
another. Shop around, com-
pare tune-up offers, and
always get an itemized quote
before work is performed, in
order to see what you're pay-
ing for.
If you own one of the new
computer-equipped cars and
your "check engine" light has
been coming on, you'll need a
diagnostic checkup followed
by a "maintenance" tune-up
as needed.
You'll pay more for this type
of checkup, but it's the only
way to pinpoint whether you
have a computer-related or
deep-rooted tune-up problem.
Above all, stick with a good
tune-up source once you've

found one. A shop that knows
your car's history is in the
best position to recommend
ideal tune-up intervals and
help you cut corners on costs
based on previous work
performed.
The following is intended to
serve as a guide. For further
information on tune-up inter-
vals, check the owner's
manual for your particular
vehicle.
• Air Filter: Replace as
often as necessary, but at
least every 20,000 miles.
Check and replace more fre-
quently if you drive in dusty
or dirty areas.
• PCV Valve: Replace every
12,000 miles. This handy

always in sets.

• Ignition Timing: Check
and adjust every time points
are replaced in conventional
systems and every time plugs
are replaced in electronic
systems.
• Distributor Cap: With
each tune-up, check for cracks
and erosion of the terminals.
With conventional ignition
systems, cap and rotor always
should be replaced in a set.
• Emissions Filters: 'May's
cars can have several of these
devices. Replacement inter-
vals vary widely from car to
car (consult your owner's
manual). Some vehicles have
warning lights to remind you
when these filters need
changing.