Tune-ups today
A tune-up is routine maintenance. Honda Canada’s warranty guide, for example, lists “engine tune-up” under normal maintenance, which its warranty does not cover. Parts like spark plugs and filters wear out with use and are replaced on the manufacturer’s schedule.
- Spark plug intervals vary from brand to brand and model to model, so go by the manufacturer’s recommendation for your vehicle.
- NGK, the spark plug maker, says replacing worn plugs reduces misfires, restores power, makes the engine more economical to run and cuts emissions.
- On a modern fuel-injected engine, replacing a clogged air filter won’t improve fuel economy, but it can improve acceleration.
Signs your engine needs attention
- It runs rough, misfires or has lost power.
- Your fuel economy has dropped.
- The check engine light is on. A flashing light means a severe misfire, so slow down and have it checked as soon as you can. Our diagnostics and check engine lights page explains more.
- There is steam or a burning smell from under the hood, or the temperature gauge is in the red or H zone. These are signs of overheating.
- There is fluid under the vehicle. Engine oil is usually dark brown or black. Coolant can be green, orange, pink or blue, and has a sweet smell.
When a warning light means stop
If the oil pressure warning light comes on while the engine is running, stop as soon as it is safe, switch the engine off and check the oil level. If the engine coolant temperature light comes on, stop as soon as possible, switch off and let the engine cool. That is Ford Canada’s advice for its vehicles, and your owner’s manual explains the lights on yours.
Timing belts and coolant
If your engine has a timing belt, it is a maintenance item. Honda Canada’s warranty guide says replacing it at the scheduled interval is the owner’s responsibility and is not covered by warranty. Your owner’s manual gives the interval.
Coolant keeps the engine from freezing in winter and helps prevent overheating in summer. Its protective additives wear out over time, and how often it needs changing depends on the type, so follow your owner’s manual. AAA suggests checking its antifreeze protection at least once a year, ideally before winter.
At Hub Motor Service
We do tune-ups and major engine repairs. We have five service bays to handle your vehicle’s maintenance and repair, and our team includes Myron Warkentin, Michael Warkentin and Corey Polson, all fully licensed Red Seal Automotive Technicians. Corey has expertise in engine diagnostics.
You can have your new vehicle serviced and maintained at our shop. We follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule. Our oil changes and maintenance page has more on scheduled maintenance and new-vehicle warranties.