I know that staying on the road is your number one concern, but when unexpected failures happen, I would be very happy to take care of your vehicle needs. No matter what the year or make, our AAA-approved shop with the latest test equipment can diagnose your vehicle. Once the problem is pinpointed, we can make all the necessary repairs to get you back on the road. My priority is keeping your vehicle safe and dependable. Please call our store for a safety check.

What Should a Complete Tune-Up Include?

Electronic ignition, computerized engine controls, and electronic fuel injection have eliminated many adjustments that were once part of a "traditional" tune-up. Most would agree that a tune-up today is preventative maintenance service and an engine performance check. Call it what you will, at Redwood General a complete tune-up combines preventative maintenance, adjustment and performance analysis.

One of the main reasons that people bring a vehicle in for a tune-up is because they are experiencing some kind of drivability problem. Things like hard starting, stalling, hesitation, misfiring, poor fuel economy, or lack of power are seldom cured by a new set of spark plugs and a few turns of a screwdriver. Every tune-up at Redwood General includes a comprehensive performance check to verify that no drivability problems or trouble codes exist.

Another item that is included is an emissions check. Thirty-five states not have some type of annual vehicle emissions inspection program, and all but two include a tailpipe emission check. Our mechanics will check EGR valve operation, the PCV valve, and make a visual inspection of other emission and control components and plumbing. But unless an actual emissions performance check is made at the tailpipe, there is not way to know whether the vehicle will meet applicable emission standards. An emission check is a must.

Taking into account longer service intervals and reduced maintenance requirements of today's vehicles, a tune-up is probably only necessary every 30,000 miles or once every two to three years. This is altered when a drivability or emission problem arises that requires diagnosis and repair. The best guide to tune-up frequency is probably the recommended spark plug replacement interval as found in the vehicle owner's manual. Redwood General's list of items that should be included in a "complete" tune-up include:

Replace spark plugs	Check choke, engines with carburetors	Install new air filter
Replace rotor	Clean fuel injectors	Replace fuel filter
Check distributor cap, adjust if necessary	Check compression and power balance, identifies bad fuel injectors as well as compression problems	Replace PVC value
Check timing, adjust if necessary	Check manifold intake, reveals exhaust restrictions	Check all emission controls, EGR valve, air pump, etc.
Check ignition wires, replace if necessary	Check battery charging voltage	Check all vital fluid levels, engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, brakes, power steering
Check ignition performance, firing voltage and ignition patterns	Check exhaust emissions, verifies fuel mixture, ignition performance and emission performance	Check belts and hoses
Check idle speed, adjust if necessary	Check vehicle computer for trouble codes	Check safety item such as lights, wipers, tires (including inflation pressure), horn, etc.

When Cars Need Preventative Maintenance

Manufacturers know that a properly maintained car will be more dependable, safer, longer-lasting, and increase your satisfaction with their product. Car makers and owners also have a responsibility to make sure emission controls receive regular service and are functioning properly. Regular maintenance helps accomplish these goals by keeping your engine running efficiently and eliminating potential problems that may leave you stranded.

What's in it for you?

	A more dependable car
	A car that retains the "new car feel"
	Less chance of a costly breakdown
	A safer car for you and your family
	Doing your part for cleaner air
	A car worth more at trade-in or sale
	An intact warranty

Manufacturer Maintenance Schedules

The manufacturer creates detailed maintenance schedules outlining specific operations to be performed on various components and systems. This is done at different mileage intervals to ensure proper operation and prevent premature wear. The manufacturer also indicates what services must be done to maintain the factory and extend warranties.