How To Perform Car Tune-Up at Home
4 March, 2021
Tune-up is one of the maintenance that must be performed by car owners. The goal is to ensure the car is in its best performance.
Tune-ups are usually done in a car repair shop when the driver conducts routine services. However, during a pandemic like this, activities in a repair shop remain limited due to the implementation of large-scale social restrictions or PSBB in some areas.
One alternative is to do a tune-up yourself at home. It should be noted, however, that there are several things to consider and some mandatory equipment to prepare such as screwdrivers, spanner, wrench, gap gauge, sandpaper, timing light, compression test, and rags.
Clean The Air Filter
When all equipment is ready, then you can start to tune-up. First of all, you can clean the air filter. Air filters are easier to disassemble than other components. Besides, the properties of the air filter also cool faster.
To clean the air filter, you can wash it using soap water. You can then dry it thoroughly until there is no water left. When you’re done, you can put it back in place.
Check Spark Plugs and Spark Plug Wires
You can then also perform a condition check of the spark plugs of the car. Check the cleanliness of the spark plugs, if they are dirty, clean them immediately. If cleaning does not help much, you must replace the plug with a new one.
Checking the condition of the spark plug wires is also important. If the wires are in a bad condition, this can affect the spark plug fame.
Change Engine Oil
Checking engine oil is another part of the car tune-up. Changing engine oil is commonly done in a car repair shop, but if it’s urgent you can also do it yourself.
To do this, open the oil cap of the engine, then open the cover bolt of the oil tank. Afterward, let the oil in the engine come out completely. When it’s done, fill it in with new oil, and don’t forget to replace the oil filter as well.
Check The Battery Condition
The condition of the battery is also very important to check. As is known, the battery is what determines the life of a car. Therefore, you are required to inspect and maintain the car battery when conducting a tune-up at home.
If your car uses a dray battery, check whether or not the battery condition indicator is still good. Otherwise, you need to replace it with a new one.
Check The Radiator Condition
When performing a car tune-up at home, the radiator is also a part you need to check. You can ensure the water in the radiator has not decreased. The reservoir tube needs to be inspected as well. Make sure the tube is filled with radiator water.
Adjust Idle and Ignition Settings
Remember to adjust the idle and ignition settings as well when performing a home car tune-up. The trick is to turn the distributor part when the car is running.
The idle adjustment function will then adjust the mixture between gasoline and air to a stationary condition. You must ensure that the engine speed is in a stationary condition before adjusting the idle mixture. If the stationary rotation changes after adjustment, it is necessary to reset it.
So, if you plan to tune-up your car at home, make sure you follow the six tips above. Hope this article can be useful for you!
