If the owner of a new vehicle has strictly adhered to the schedule of routine maintenance procedures since the day of its purchase (see section Schedule of current maintenance), performed critical parameter checks quite often, maintained the required level of lubricating fluids, the engine will extremely rarely need additional maintenance and repairs (in addition to the replacement of components and consumables subject to increased wear).
On the other hand, if regular maintenance procedures are carried out carelessly and the established inspection periods are not observed, the engine's efficiency will sooner or later inevitably decrease. The probability of such a situation occurring is especially high when purchasing a used car. In such cases, it becomes necessary to perform a set of powertrain adjustments in addition to the volume of work on the current maintenance of the car.
The first step in tuning or diagnosing a poorly performing engine is always to check the cylinder compression pressure (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 upcoming adjustment and / or restoration work. For example, if a compression pressure check reveals signs of serious internal engine wear, a regular set of adjustments will not be enough to correct the situation, and its implementation will be a waste of time and money. In view of the value of the information obtained as a result of checking the compression pressure, its implementation should be entrusted to a sufficiently experienced and qualified mechanic who has the necessary diagnostic tools.
Below are lists of basic tuning procedures to obtain maximum performance from an engine that is in good mechanical condition.
List of minimum checks and adjustments
- Check the condition and inflation pressure of your tyres, including the spare tyre (see section Checking the condition of the tires and their inflation pressure);
- Check the condition of the windscreen wiper blades (see section Checking the condition of the windshield wipers and adjusting the washer nozzles);
- Check the condition of the door locks and lubricate them if necessary;
- Check the proper functioning of all electricity consumers (lighting devices, horn, indicator lights, etc.);
- Check the condition of your seat belts;
- Check the levels and leaks of working fluids (see section Checking fluid levels, leak control);
- Check the condition of the battery and clean its terminals if necessary (see section Checking and caring for your battery);
- Check all hoses, tubes and wiring in the engine compartment for leaks and wear (see section Checking the condition and replacing hoses and tubes in the engine compartment, localizing leaks).
(The original source of the article is on the website: bmwman.ru)