Automotive Engine Performance Repair & Car Tune Ups, San Antonio

Performance Repair by Certified Master Mechanics at Auto Service Experts

An engine tune-up can greatly improve performance & fuel economy and can also increase the lifetime of your vehicle. Tune ups are part of manufacturer scheduled maintenance and are recommended at different mileage intervals depending on the year, make, & model of your vehicle. The specific services and part replacements involved also depend on the vehicle model and age. Older vehicles require more fine tuning & adjustments of the timing, idle speed, & fuel mixture. In today's vehicles, these things are computer controlled and cannot be manually adjusted. If an issue is detected it may indicate the computer or electrical problems. Tune ups at Auto Service Experts are custom designed to deliver the most benefits and maximum performance improvements possible for your particular vehicle.

Engine Performance Tune Up on Mercedes C230 at Auto Service Experts

Our ASE Master Technicians have over 20 years of experience performing tune ups on all makes and models of vehicles, both old and new. Whether you drive a diesel engine truck or a hybrid car, we have the training and equipment to handle any engine performance issues you may encounter. If you are experiencing driveability or performance problems, call or stop by our shop today. Diagnostics are free with repairs, and our technicians are always happy to discuss the best options for your vehicle.

Signs that it may be time for a tune up include engine knocking, stalling, reduced power, difficulty starting, poor fuel economy, or failing an emissions test.

Tune up service typically begins with some or all of the following inspections:

• Assessing the condition and performance of the spark plugs, spark plug wires, ignition coils, or points
• Checking the fuel injection system including the fuel injectors, fuel pump and fuel filter for damage, clogs, and deposit buildup
• Verifying that the idle speed, engine timing, and emissions functions are within factory specifications
• Inspecting pistons and cleaning any buildup or grime
• Checking battery voltage
• Inspecting the PVC valve, rotator and/or distributor cap
• Scanning for diagnostic fault codes
• Checking emissions & oxygen sensor function
• Engine vacuum testing
• Compression testing
• Ensuring that all fluids including engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, & transmission fluid are at the proper levels and in good condition
• Checking the cabin air filter and engine air filter for clogs and contaminant buildup
• Visually inspecting all wire, hoses & belts

Ignition system designs vary greatly between different vehicles. They are comprised of different components and require different maintenance services and repairs. Some common maintenance items include spark plug, ignition coil, & oxygen sensor replacements and fuel injection system cleaning.

Spark Plug Replacement

The electrodes on spark plugs wear a little bit each time the plug fires. After many millions of fires, sharp edges of the electrodes are rounded down and the distance between electrodes is increased. More voltage is required for the electrical current to travel between the electrodes. When the voltage required exceeds the ignition system's capabilities, misfires begin to occur. Deposits can also build up on the plugs and cause ignition problems. Not all plugs are created equally. The type and quality of plugs greatly impact their performance and lifetime (anywhere from 30K miles to 100K miles).

Spark Plug Wire Replacement

Bad spark plug wires can allow high voltage electricity to leak out and cause all sorts of problems in today's mostly electrical controlled vehicles. They also cause misfires, low acceleration, reduced power, & other performance problems. Most manufacturers recommend having spark plug wires replaced at the same time as the spark plugs. It is extremely important to use the right kind of wires for your vehicle and to follow the exact wiring schematic when installing new wires.

***Auto Service Experts always uses OEM parts for spark plug & spark plug wire replacements. Aftermarket plugs & wires are extremely problematic. They may cost less initially but are not worth the time, headache, and expense they cause in the long run.

Ignition coil replacement as part of engine performance repair on a Mercedes at our San Antonio Auto Shop

Ignition Coil Replacement

Bad ignition coils cause misfires, and can also lead to serious damage of the catalytic converter, or severe engine problems. When replacing ignition coils, spark plugs, ignition wires & electrical connectors should be inspected for damage and replaced if necessary. An experienced mechanic will also determine what caused the coil to go bad. If the coil was damaged by hot oil leaking from other components, the leak must also be repaired to prevent the problem from repeating itself.

Oxygen Sensor Replacement

O2 sensor replacements are the most commonly needed when a vehicle fails an emissions test and requires emissions system or exhaust repairs. While San Antonio does not yet require emissions testing, a bad O2 sensor still causes serious driveability issues and greatly lowers fuel economy. O2 sensor problems will often cause a check engine light to illuminate, but not always. The sensors have improved in design throughout the years, so the older your vehicle is, the more often it will need to be replaced. Newer vehicles are equipped with oxygen sensors which typically do not need to be replaced until the 100,000-mile service.

Fuel Injection Systems

Today's vehicles rely on different types of fuel injection systems, rather than carburetors, to supply the engine with fuel. One type of fuel injection system has an electronic fuel pump which sends pressurized fuel through a computer operated valve known as a fuel injector. The fuel injector atomizes the pressurized fuel into a highly flammable mist. The atomized fuel then passes through the intake manifold to each cylinder.

The fuel injection and combustion rates are measured by sensors which relay information to your car's computer. A malfunction in these sensors will prevent your vehicle from operating correctly and may require automotive electrical diagnostics and repair. Auto Service Experts auto repair shop specializes in diagnostics and our mechanics are highly trained and experienced in all types of fuel injection system repairs.

San Antonio Mechanic performs Fuel Injector Pump replacement at our full-service garage

Fuel Injector and Throttle Body Service:

Fuel Injection System maintenance is necessary to keep your engine performance at the highest level possible and to avoid more serious car repairs in the future. When low-grade fuel is exposed to the extreme heat of the engine it leaves a residue of carbon buildup, olefin wax, and impurities.

This creates a higher compression ratio and causes cars to make a "ping knock" noise in the engine. It also reduces fuel economy and decreases overall engine performance. The ASE certified engine repair mechanics at Auto Service Experts are highly trained in Fuel Injection System service and fuel injector repair and can recommend the right service to increase your car's fuel economy and improve engine performance. 

Auto Service Experts Fuel Injection Cleaning Service Includes:

• Check / Adjust Minimum Air Flow Rate
• Complete Flush of Upper Fuel Injector Screens, Pressure Regulator, and Fuel Rail
• De-Carbon Pistons
• Fuel Injector Cleaning / Repair
• Fuel Pump - Test Pressure and gallons/minute Flow Rate
• Idle Air Control Valve Cleaning and Recalibration
• Ensure Pressure Regulator is in proper working order
• Check that the Diaphragm has not ruptured creating high Line Pressure
• Reprogram Engine Control Computer if required.

Engine Performance Repair Benefits:

• Better Fuel Economy
• Enhance Engine Performance
• Improve Vehicle Response Time
• Minimize Toxic Emissions
• Prolong the Lifetime of your Fuel Injectors