If the owner of a new car from the date of purchase strictly adhered to the schedule of routine maintenance procedures (see Section Schedule of ongoing maintenance), performed checks of critical parameters quite often, maintained the required level of lubricating fluids, the engine will very rarely need to perform additional maintenance and refurbishment (beyond the replacement of wear-prone components and consumables).
On the other hand, in the event of a careless attitude to the implementation of regular maintenance procedures and violation of the established deadlines for conducting inspections, the efficiency of the engine's output will sooner or later decrease. The likelihood of such a situation is especially high in the case of purchasing a used car. In such cases, it becomes necessary to perform a set of settings for the power unit in excess of the amount of work on the current maintenance of the car.
The first step in tuning or troubleshooting an underpowered engine is always to check the compression pressure in the cylinders (see chapter Engine), the analysis of the results of which allows you to assess the general condition of the internal components of the engine and outline a plan for future adjustment and / or restoration work. For example, if a compression test reveals signs of serious internal engine wear, a simple set of adjustments will not be enough to correct the situation, and it will be a waste of time and money. Because of the value of information obtained from a compression test, it should be performed by a suitably experienced and qualified mechanic who has the necessary diagnostic tools.
Below are lists of basic tuning procedures that allow you to achieve maximum efficiency of return from an engine that is in good mechanical condition.
List of the minimum set of checks and adjustments
- Check the condition and inflation pressure of tires, including the spare wheel (see Section Checking the condition of tires and their inflation pressure);
- Check the condition of the wiper blades (see Section Checking the condition of the wiper blades and adjusting the washer nozzles);
- Check the condition of the door locks, lubricate them if necessary;
- Check the proper functioning of all electrical consumers (lighting devices, horn, control lamps, etc.);
- Check the condition of the seat belts;
- Check fluid levels and leaks (see Section Checking fluid levels, leak control);
- Check the condition of the battery and clean the terminals if necessary (see Section Battery check and care);
- Check all hoses, pipes and electrical wiring located in the engine compartment for leaks and wear (see Section Checking the condition and replacing hoses and tubes in the engine compartment, localizing leaks).