Stadium Auto Service performs automotive tune up in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Domestic and foreign cars, light trucks, and RV. Our auto service technicians are ASE certified and we have tools to test and repair any tuneup problem.

Having problems with rough running engine, engine misfire, and poor gas mileage? Regular engine tune-ups can restore smooth running, performance, and fuel efficiency to your vehicle.

Stadium Auto Service has been performing automotive tune-up service for more than 37 years. They pride themselves in offering exceptional service for domestic and foreign cars, light trucks, and RV.

Contact Stadium Auto Service today for a tune up estimate or to make an appointment.

Our Tune Up Service

We have a standard engine diagnostic (test) fee and then charge for any required service & repair. We do not use false "tuneup" prices.

Procedure

First we ask you a few questions:

does your car not run correctly?
do you have a check engine light on?
how many miles on your vehicle?
when was last time maintenance done to engine?

Once we have the vehicle:

we start with vehicle computer diagnostic test.
then perform visual inspection.
we contact you with test/inspection results and advise on service required.

Tuneup Price:

diagnostic & inspection fee (please contact us, it differs for vehicle type).
from the test and inspection we can quote a tune up service cost.
you decide what recommended services are completed.

The following systems are inspected as part of your tune-up service:

computer diagnostic check;
battery, charging, and starting systems check;
engine mechanical condition check;
fuel system check;
ignition system check;
emissions systems (PCV, EGR, Evap) check*;
distributor cap inspection (if applicable);
ignition rotor inspection (if applicable).

The following parts are replaced as part of your tune-up service:

spark plug replacement;

The following parts are replaced if required:

fuel filter replacement*;
air filter replacement*;

*additional cost for some vehicles.

When Is A Tune Up Required?

Often vehicle owners will wait until the Check Engine Light comes on, or when the vehicle starts running poorly, before they ask for a "tune up". In both cases waiting until there is a problem can cost you more than regular tune up service.

We recommend you follow your vehicle maintenance schedule. Vehicle manufacturers have different maintenance recommendations based on vehicle use and distance driven. Usually sparkplug replacement interval can be used as a rough tuneup service requirement guide. If you need help just contact us.

Many people think of a tuneup when their vehicle starts running rough, or the check engine light is on. If your vehicle is not running correctly, or the check engine light is on, a diagnostic inspection is the best place to start.

Any problems between regular maintenance intervals usually indicates a problem that should be investigated and repaired. Maintenance periods of modern vehicles vary greatly. To ensure good performance, fuel economy, and decreased emissions it is best practice to follow the vehicle's maintenance schedule found in your vehicle owner's manual.

Vehicle manufacturers specify regular vehicle maintenance that should be performed at certain time periods or mileage intervals. Most manufacturers no longer use the term "tune up" but it is a commonly used term with general public. The closest maintenance item to the commonly used "tune up" service is spark plug replacement.

Your vehicle owner's manual will recommend the service interval for spark plug replacement. If the majority of your driving is stop and go city driving you should follow the "Severe Service" maintenance schedule.

The three most common parts related to a tune up are sparkplugs, fuel filter, and engine air filter.

Modern vehicles use high tech spark plugs and ignition parts which have longer life expectancy and extended service intervals. But as your vehicle ages other wear and high mileage related problems can shorten the life of your spark plugs.

Common Tune Up Related Problems:

Rough running engine repair: this is usually most noticeable at an idle such as waiting at a traffic light.
Trouble starting car: hard starting is most noticeable during cold winter temperatures. Everything needs to be top condition to avoid cold weather starting problems.
Engine misfire repair: usually happens during acceleration or pulling up a steep hill. A misfiring engine problem will be quite noticeable and will usually trigger a Check Engine Light warning. Misfire can also damage the catalytic converter which is very expensive to repair.
Engine stalling: a rough running engine is more prone to stalling. A weak or pending fuel pump failure, or emission system problems, can also cause engine stalling problem.
Poor fuel mileage: if the spark plugs are worn out or the air filter is plugged fuel mileage will decrease.
Excessive engine oil burning repair: Causes spark plug fouling, oxygen sensor failure, and catalytic converter damage. Common problem with high mileage vehicles.
Seized spark plug replacement: if spark plugs are not replaced periodically they can get seized or stuck in the cylinder head. Often this requires replacing the cylinder head which can cost many thousands of dollars. Although the spark plug replacement interval may be 60,000 to 100,000 miles, there may be a risk of seized spark plug if they are not changed sooner.
Ignition part replacement: worn spark plugs overload and cause damage to other ignition parts. Ignition coil failure can be caused by bad spark plugs.
Catalytic converter replacement: caused by spark plug misfire and excessive engine oil burning.

Tune-up History

Historically the term 'tune-up' was associated with the frequent replacement of ignition parts like spark plugs and breaker points. Demands for lower vehicle emissions and greater fuel economy pushed vehicle manufacturers to adopt electronic ignition systems and replace the carburetor with electronic fuel injection. This eliminated the need for frequent tune up part replacement and adjustment of many ignition and fuel system parts.

High Tech Tune-ups

As vehicle technology progressed the procedures required to perform a tuneup changed dramatically. Highly sophisticated ignition and fuel systems using one or more computers to control critical engine and transmission management functions required sophisticated tools and auto repair technician skills. Fuel consumption and exhaust emissions decreased, and tune-up intervals became much longer.

Is A Tune-up Still Required?

Contrary to common belief modern hi-tech vehicles still need tuneups to keep them performing at peak performance and efficiency.

Although tune-up parts and procedures have changed greatly, there is still a need to maintain the ignition and fuel systems. Modern vehicles are very reliable and will run unmaintained for a long time, but parts eventually wear out and fail if not properly maintained at regular intervals.

Tuneup Parts Replacement

Spark Plugs

Spark plug life has been greatly extended with the accurate fuel control provided by computer managed fuel-injection. Part replacement schedules vary greatly so the manufacturer's maintenance recommendation should be followed.

Air & Fuel Filters

Air and fuel filters have a major impact on engine performance and should be replaced on a regular basis. Filter life depends greatly on the conditions the vehicle is operated under.

Spark Plug Wires, Distributor Cap and Rotor

With the demands of high energy electronic ignition systems and exposure to extremely high engine compartment temperatures these ignition parts deteriorate and place extra load on expensive ignition coils and control system components. It is highly recommended to replace spark plug wires, and where used, the distributor cap and rotor. Your vehicle maintenance schedule will recommend when these parts be serviced.

Electrical System Analysis

The electrical system is the heart of a modern vehicle and should be tested at each tune-up. A weak battery or charging system problem can cause major problems such as engine stalling or poor performance, erratic check engine warning lights, or cause serious damage to highly sensitive electronics throughout the vehicle resulting in costly repairs

A weak or bad battery can be the result of a battery defect, over-charging, or under-charging from a bad drive belt, faulty voltage regulator, or alternator problems, or an electrical drain due to an electrical short. A defective starter can also damage the battery by placing a higher electrical load on the battery.

Tune Up Service in Ann Arbor MI