Winter in McHenry is a test for a car, truck or SUV. Parts undergo the extremes of severely cold temperatures. Rain, snow and ice assault the vehicle from all sides. If the charging system is weak, winter can provide the breaking point. On the other hand, this is one place where a tune-up can make a big difference.

Imagine that you are trying to start your pickup truck on a January night when the temperature in McHenry drops to 15-below zero. Let’s also suppose that your battery is several years old; it’s not as strong as it used to be.

When the temperature drops, the viscosity of your engine oil thickens. It’s harder for the starter to turn the engine so it can start. This is where a weak battery can leave you stranded on the side of the road. How does a tune-up play a role in this scenario?

With a tune-up, the car will run optimally. It will run better. It will start easier. So, if the battery is weak, and the SUV needs a tune-up, they may conspire to defy your wishes that the vehicle will start. On the other hand, if the car is running at its best – it doesn’t need a tune-up – it may start in spite of a weak battery and severe cold.

Does my car need a tune-up? That depends on the car, and how bad this winter is in McHenry. Older cars were designed with the expectation that they would receive a tune-up every 30,000-45,000 miles. Newer cars can go much farther between tune-ups. For instance, a new car may not need a tune-up until it has gone 100,000 miles since it was purchased, or between tune-ups.

Another way to answer the question – ‘Does my car need a tune-up?’ – is to consider how it is running. If the car is running rough, it lacks power, if the mileage has dropped recently (this could also represent a difference between winter and summer mileage), or it’s harder to start, the car may need a tune-up.

What can a tune-up include:

• Spark plugs
• Distributor cap
• Ignition wires
• Fuel filter
• Air filter
• Oxygen sensor
• Adjust/Replace timing belt
• Fuel injector/throttle body cleaning and service
• PCV valve
• EGR valve
• Air pump
• Check intake vacuum, compression, power balance
• Adjust idle speed
• Check vehicle codes
• Check exhaust emissions