Basic Car Repair - Tune Up

The basics of a tune up include; Oil change(oil filter and clean oil), New air filter, spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and for some cars a rotor.
You can check with your local auto parts store for the right parts for your car and if you'll need a rotor.

You will need to make sure you also have all the right tools. You'll need: An assortment of ratchets and sockets. A oil filter wrench is helpful as well as spark plug sockets. Both flat and phillps head screw drivers, a pair of pliers and an oil funnel. Gloves can be handy if you don't want to get your hands dirty.

So lets get started. NOTE: You'll want to make sure your engine is cool or you risk the chance of being burned.

To start, pull the drain plug on oil pan, located on the underside of the engine on the oil pan. You will need a socket and ratchet to get the drain plug off. IMPORTANT: Make sure you have something under the oil pan to catch the old oil.

As soon as the oil is a thin stream you'll want to remove the oil filter. The location is different for all vehicles, the easiest way to locate it is to look at the underside of your engine for a round filter that says oil filter on it. They aren't usually on very tight and just require a firm tug to get it loose. If it doesn't come off, that is where your oil filter wrench comes in handy. NOTE: The filter has oil in it and will need something under it to place the filter in and catch any dripping oil.

While the oil is draining lets move to the plugs, wires and distributor cap. They can be a little tricky but if you change them each one at a time its a breeze. Start by disconnecting the negative batter cable, you don't want to get shocked. For that you will need a socket, ratchet and possibly a pair of pliers.

Remove the cap with all the wire's still attached with a screw driver. Place the old cap aside for a moment and replace the rotor if your car needs one(the rotor is located under the cap). Install the new cap with a screwdriver. The old cap and new cap should be identical, take the wires from the old cap and place on new cap as they appear on the old cap.
Still with me? Okay lets move on.

Move to one side of the engine pulling a wire off just the spark plug. Remove the spark plug with the spark plug socket and a ratchet and replace with a new plug. NOTE: Make sure your spark plugs are gaped correctly, your car will not run right if they're not. Most plugs come pre-gaped but any auto store clerk can give you the correct gap for your plugs and show you how to check them.

After installing the new plug, remove the wire you pulled off the plug from the distributor cap. The easiest way to tell if it is the right wire for that plug is to measure the old wire with the new one, they will be the same length. Attach the new wire to the new plug and distributor cap. Repeat these steps with the rest of the wires and plugs.

Next is the air filter. It is fairly simple and all you will need is a screwdriver. The location of the air filter is different for every vehicle however they are usually on top of the motor in a black plastic box. In some vehicles the black box is located on the side by a wheel well. All you do is open the black box with a screwdriver, remove the old filter and install the new one. Replace the black box and secure with the screw.

Okay, so now that all of that is done, lets finish with the oil change.

Start by installing the new oil filter. To do this correctly you'll need to clean the oil filter housing. Just take an old rag and wipe the area you are attaching the filter to. To make sure you get a good seal on your new oil filter you'll need to oil the seal. Simply dip your finger in the new oil and run it around the seal just lightly coating the seal. After installing the filter just as tight as you can turn it, take your oil filter wrench and tighten the filter another quarter turn. With your ratchet and socket replace the drain plug. Make sure it is tight, you don't want a leak.

On the top side of the engine, you'll see a cap that reads oil, remove that cap and place the correct amount of oil for your vehicle, checking it with the dipstick when you're finished. Different cars require different amounts of oil, again your local auto parts sales man can help you determine how much and what kind of oil you need for your car.

Replace the negative battery cable with a socket and ratchet, clean up and you are finished!!

Feel free to email me with any and all questions.

Happy car repairs.