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As automobiles became mainstream across the country, so did auto repair shops. And as vehicles evolved to incorporate the latest technology, making driving both easier and more convenient, so did the services offered at these shops. As you can imagine, some automotive services became obsolete or had their recommended maintenance intervals changed. Motor oil is a good example. At one time, your motor oil might last 2,000 miles before you needed to change it. In time, that became 3,000 miles. Today, depending on what type of oil you use and how frequently you drive, it might be many more thousands of miles. Another change was the extent of electronic work involved with a vehicle. Many manufacturers incorporate smart screens and GPS features straight into their vehicles today. This opened the door for new services that didn't exist back in the day.

Another service that saw change over time? You guessed it: the engine tune-up.

There was a time before vehicles had electronic ignition systems, emissions controls, and fuel injection. Back then, a tune up involved a lot more. The technician had greater influence over the engine's performance and its timing.

Today, technology has made tune ups less hands-on since modern vehicles have computers to monitor their performance. Although today's engine tune-up isn't as involved as the engine tune-up of yesteryear, it's still an important service. Essentially, it's a form of engine maintenance and a way for drivers to ensure their engine is running at efficiently. The exact process may differ between shops today, but it generally involves replacing overly worn or bad spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor caps, and filters (fuel, air, oil).

Check your owner's manual for recommended engine maintenance intervals, or give Big O's Automotive a call if you notice your engine's performance slipping. Our ASE-certified technicians can check your engine's parts and ensure everything looks good. We're always learning and evolving alongside our industry to offer you the best in automotive workmanship. We proudly serve Anchorage, AK, Eagle River, AK, Wasilla, AK, and surrounding areas.