Times Advocate, 1999-10-20, Page 16Wednesday,ictober 20, 1999
Diagnosis is
The key to
Engine
Maintenance
Exeter Times—Advocate
(CCC) -"No tune-up need-
ed until the next century."
This claim is realistic,
based on some model car
factory maintenance rec-
ommendations. So, when
your technician tells you
your car needs a tune-up,
what are they .talking,
about?
The term comes from -
the days of old when an
ignition part (the coil) liter-
ally vibrated. When the
sound was right, coil per-
formance was optimum.
Adjusting it to the right
pitch, using a tuning fork,
was called a tune-up. A
tuning fork was the first
tune-up tool. Even then, a
tune-up included new
spark plugs and servicing
the carburetor and" distrib-
utor. Later, along came fil-
ters, to extend the life of
fluids and components,
- In the 1990's federal
requirements demanded
not only improved perfor-
mance and reduced
exhaust emissions but also
longer intervals between
services. The component
most vulnerable to wear
were the ignition points,
the make -break switch
that controlled current
flow to the spark plugs.
They had to be adjusted
and replaced periodically.
Exit leaded gasoline,
sturically the number
li-§Park plug fouler.
Enter electronic ignition.
Exit ignition points, no
longer needed with elec-
tronic ignition.
New spark plug tech-
nology, combined with
advanced ignition system
design and mandatory
unleaded fuel, doubled,
even tripled, spark plug
life.
Exit the carburetor, to
be replaced by fuel injec-
tion
njection that were computer
controlled for greater effi-
ciency.
fficiency. The mechanic had
become a technician, his
equipment resembling, a
science fiction movie. No
more of those "seat -of -the -
pants" tune-ups, too often
based on the sound and
feel of the engine.
Today the technician's
tool is an impressive (and
expensive) diagnostic
tester that interfaces with
engine and transmission
components, printing out a
detailed report. It analyzes
complex emission control.
systems and can locate
elusive malfunctions.
"Tune-up", as it per-
tains to late model vehi-
cles, translates into service
known as "driveability
maintenance." While there
is virtually nothing to
adjust on these engines,
this procedure includes a
complete and accurate
analysis of engine func-
tions, helping to find
potential problems and/or
diagnosing performance
problems. It also may
include a variety of period-
ic maintenance services
that range far beyond
spark plug replacement.
r
15
Done in
29 minutes or
the next one
is free
includes: quality AC oil filter; tube chassis and -replace oil with up
to 5 litres of (iht Goudwrench Premium oil • Check and top -up
the following fluids: brake, power steering, windshield washer
• Complete inspection: tires, air filter, coolant, hoses, windshield
wipers, drive belt, battery, lights and indicators.
This is what you pay.
Limited
lifetime
warranty on
AC Delco
pads shoes.
rear shoes with AC Delco brake pads/shoes including brake fluid
• Inspection of master cylinder and calipers • While you wait
service.• -Most vehicles require new rotors or refacing of existing
rotors at an additional charge. •
1ir(i1\ J2
Survic"c
"l,j!!��l' 11i HI)
This is what you pay.
1 year
warranty
for all installed
parts and
labour.
This is what you get. • Install quality AC
spark plugs • Check: filters, belts, hoses and PCV, ignition
wires and cap • Visual battery check • Road test *While you
National
muffler
guarantee
for as long as
you own your
vehicle.
This is.wliatgou get. • 1 year guarantee on
"all other" parts and labour • Complete replacement of:
intermediate pipe, muffler, tail pipe, clamps' All labour
included • Specifically designed for GM vehicles • All makes
available • While you wait service.
This is what you pay.
Exhaust
System
Starting from
9„--,
The• GM Goodwrench" one-two tire sale -
Price includes installation, balancing, stems, lifetime rotation
every 10,000 km and an 80,000 km mileage warranty plus a 4
year road hazard warranty.
UNIROYAL TIGER PAW ASC 14" .
• Applicable to most GM vehicles. Additional charge for Diesel and Northstar engines and vehicles using synthetic oil. PST and GST extra. Dealer may sell for less.
**Applicable to most GM vehicles. Lifetime national warranty covers brake pads/shoes for as long as you own your vehicle. PST and GST extra. Dealer may sell for less. See dealer for details.
Applicable to most GM vehicles. Most vehicles will require additional parts and labour. Additional charge applies for rapidfire and platinum plugs. PST and GST extra. Dealer may sell for Tess.
Applies to 85-91 Astro/Safari Van, 6 cylinder. PST and GST extra Dealer may sell for less.