A Real Tune Up

The term 'tune-up' was coined when Henry Ford was working on his first prototype for the automobile. This first ignition system was very simple; one ignition coil for one spark plug, so if there were four spark plugs there would be four ignition coils. These coils needed to be adjusted to provide the same spark intensity for better idle and acceleration. As these coils worked they made a buzzing sound and as a result when adjusted properly they all buzzed at the same level. Consequently, they were in tune and that's how the term 'tune-up' was coined. 

This term stuck and was associated with the replacement of spark plugs and any performance or rough idles problem that could be associated to engine operation. Once the distributor was developed, the term tune-up had no meaning as to how an engine performed. However, to consumers who were use to hearing this term around a garage, they automatically associated poor running quality with the need to be in tune. Today's automobiles do not require tune-ups. 

Automobile manufacturers have set forth in their recommended maintenance schedules specific intervals for replacing spark plugs, PCV valves, fuel filters etc. Concurrently, they recommend other items related to engine operation (such as ignition timing, idle speed and other emission control related devises) be checked for proper operation and or adjustment. 

When, and only when, the maintenance has been performed should a performance problem be addressed to correct any given set of problems. If an operating or performance problem were still present after the maintenance has been performed an engine analysis would then be required. Therefore, the term tune up indicates the need for routine maintenance and should not be associated with poor performance.