When many think of preventative maintenance, they think of Tune-up. Let’s define a tune-up: It means to adjust. Because modern cars are computer controlled, the tune-up is dead. Years ago, you could gap spark plugs, adjust points, adjust timing, adjust the fuel mixture, adjust valves and adjust the idle.
“Tune-up” is no longer pertinent because all the above components or systems have evolved. Early spark plugs wore out after 15,000 miles. Modern spark plugs are constructed of durable metals and last 60,000-120,000 miles.
Modern vehicles have an engine control module for regulating ignition and fuel timing. In older cars, points wore out, and the engine’s ignition timing suffered. The ECM receives signals from the crank sensor for spark timing and the cam sensor for fuel injector timing. We replace these sensors when they go bad. Our state-of-the-art diagnostic computer allows us to detect which sensors to replace.
Older cars needed frequent valve adjustments. With a few exceptions, modern vehicles use hydraulic valve lifters, and the engine valves automatically keep perfect adjustment.
Honda still makes a few engines that require classic valve adjustments. The quality of the engine parts and engine design is so good that valve adjustment is deferred until 60,000-100,000 miles.
Fuel filters also have changed. Early fuel filters were roughly the size of a large egg, made of plastic, and needed frequent replacement. Modern fuel filters are large; many last the life of the car. We will give you our opinion on your vehicle’s fuel filter service interval.
About the only thing that hasn’t changed is the air filters. We should replace the engine air filter every 15,000-30,000 miles, depending on the conditions. If you drive on dirt roads, we should change this filter more often. The cabin air filter has the same service interval. If you are sensitive to allergens, we can install a HEPA cabin air filter that will trap particles as small as pollen.
With the complexity of the modern engine, we do not have to make many manual adjustments, but we still perform computer-controlled tests. Our diagnostic equipment is the same as the dealer service department; our mechanics are all ASE-certified and committed to excellence.
Since you have a Honda, let’s talk about the valve adjustment. The importance of correct Honda valve clearances can’t be over-stressed, as it can directly affect the performance and life of the engine. If the valve clearances are too large, the engine will make less power and use more fuel. You may notice valve clatter. If the valve clearances are too tight, as the engine warms up and parts expand, the valves won’t completely close. Tight valves will cause the engine to misfire and may cause significant engine damage.
Recently Honda put out a service recommendation that valves only needed to be adjusted “if noisy.” This is terrible advice. Only loose valves make noise, and only tight valves get damaged. Also, how many everyday motorists can recognize noisy valves when the engine becomes noisier very gradually? We at M & R Automotive will give you our best recommendation on valve adjustment intervals and all the preventative maintenance you do to head off problems. M & R Automotive is your go-to place for Honda repair, no matter the model. Call \or visit our website to get a quote and book an appointment for periodic service or any auto repair you need.
