What Tune-up Parts are Used?
At Clark Automotive Clinic, located in Blaine, MN we utilize parts equal to or better than the Original Manufacture (OEM) Parts. Many parts are upgraded after the car is manufactured and specific problems start to arise. These issues are published in Factory Service Bulletins and if serious may end up being a Factory Recall. An example is the common problem of conducting a Tune-up on certain Ford Pickups. In this vehicle the spark plugs are recommended to be replaced at 100,000 miles. What happens is many break off during removal. There are numerous articles published on how to successfully do this tune-up and how to remove the broken spark plugs. We at Clark Automotive will develop an article on this problem.
There’s a variety of upgraded parts to use. Each customer and the repair shop may have automotive part brand preferences. Getting together with the auto repair shop to select the desired parts is important before the tune-up is started.
The selection of parts can have a bearing on quality, price, availability, compatibility, and factory recommendations. We feel most comfortable recommending OEM type spark plugs. Generally the manufacture recommends regular (Copper), platinum, double platinum, iridium, etc. There are some aftermarket tune-up products that fall outside those factory recommendations and should be used with great caution. When it comes to the older cars using spark plug wires, we use wires with a life time warranty (just in case they break).
Are Aftermarket Treatments and Additives Relative to the Tune-up?
I was just asked about fuel treatment procedures conducted by the many oil change places. There is a time and place for fuel treatments, following factory recommendation as shown in service bulletins. These are not part of an oil change! These are specific and recommended repair procedures utilizing specific chemicals in a specified manner. The need for fuel injector cleaning as part of an oil change, and is not recommended by most automotive manufactures. In fact all gasoline dispensed by gas stations in most states contains the required amount of cleaners and additives. There was a time in the far ago past when certain additives did have a place, but that is very rare today.
Oil additives on the other hand, are a much harder subject to address. Generally speaking there is not a need for these additives in a well running vehicle nor do automotive manufactures recommend any. In fact, there are numerous service bulletins explaining what the harmful affects are. In the case of an old, tired engine there may be some appropriate applications of some additives. But in general, there is no need for you the vehicle owner to be spending money on additives and cleaners unless executing a factory recommended service procedure.
If you’ve got questions about any of the areas we have covered in this blog or you would like to schedule an appointment call Clark Automotive at 763-784-7944!
Or stop by our Blaine, MN shop:
9985 Davenport St. NE
Blaine, MN 55449
Shop Hours:
MON – FRI 8:00 – A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
SAT (BY APPOINTMENT ONLY)
