5110 S Lowell Blvd, Littleton, CO 80123
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Automotive Tune-ups In Littleton

A regular tune-up keeps your vehicle running at its best. We recommend that folks have their vehicles tuned up every year or so, depending on the utility of their vehicle. Why? Well, regardless of what you drive — whether it be a car, truck, van, or SUV — a tune-up can drastically improve the efficiency and longevity of your engine. Automotive tune-ups aren’t just for highly tuned, high-performance vehicles, either. If your vehicle runs on gasoline, it can benefit from a tune-up. When performed according to manufacturer-recommended mileage intervals, tune-ups can keep your vehicle starting easier, driving smoother, and getting the most out of every gallon when you fill up.

If you’d like to schedule a tune-up at Thompson Automotive, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us to book a service appointment. Our auto shop is conveniently located here in Littleton, and we provide service for folks throughout the Denver Metro area. We also specialize in tune-ups for all makes and models including domestic, European, and Asian vehicles. You can also continue reading to learn more about our tune-up services and the benefits of a routine tune-up.

Comprehensive Tune-Ups for Air, Fuel, & Ignition Systems

Combustion is what creates the power to move your vehicle. To achieve this, three fundamental ingredients are required: air, fuel, and ignition. For optimal performance, the air needs to be clean, the fuel needs to be adequately filtered, and the ignition needs to be responsive and consistent. Tune-ups enhance the systems responsible for coordinating the delivery and activation of these three ingredients.

So, what’s the difference between a tune-up and other, regularly scheduled maintenance services like oil changes or transmission fluid flushes? First of all, a standard tune-up involves replacing important engine components that are only designed to function up to a certain point. After that point has been reached, the performance of your engine begins to suffer, and you may begin to experience sluggishness or a loss of ‘pep’ in your vehicle.

As we mentioned, you should consider a tune-up every year or so. This will ensure that your combustion process goes smoothly with the firing of every cylinder. Take note, we also provide routine vehicle maintenance services, including oil changes, fluid top-offs, and inspections — so you can take care of your car all in one fell swoop.

Expert Automotive Technicians, Quality Replacement Parts

When the ASE-certified mechanics at Thompson Automotive perform a tune-up, we make sure to replace the following:

  • Air filter: Your vehicle’s air filter is used to ensure that your engine is ‘breathing’ the cleanest air possible. The air filter is at the front of the air intake, and it wicks away particles and debris from the air, leaving clean, pure air traveling to the combustion chamber. With a gunked up air filter, your engine will begin to choke, and you may notice poorer performance when you put on the gas. A new filter will keep those damaging particles out, while providing plenty of air to fuel the tiny explosions that keep your engine turning.
  • Fuel filter: Similar to the air filter, your vehicle’s fuel filter is critical in keeping fuel debris and particulate matter from interfering with the combustion cycle. Without a filter, impurities in the fuel would be able to make their way into your vehicle’s engine, where they can create gunk and friction that can damage your engine and hinder your vehicle’s performance. A new fuel filter will provide cleaner fuel to the engine, while ensuring that the fuel line remains clean and flowing.
  • Spark plugs: Your engine is outfitted with a series of spark plugs that release a bolt of electricity which is necessary to ignite the fuel in your combustion chamber. In turn, these explosions activate the pistons that move the crankshaft. If you have damaged or dirty spark plugs, they may not release a spark of electricity every time they should. When that happens, it could send your pistons clattering, since the explosions will be out of sync, and excess fuel buildup can occur. Be wary of misfiring, vibrations, and poor gas mileage, all of which may be an indication that your spark plugs aren’t up to snuff.
  • Ignition wire set: Just as important as the spark plugs, the ignition wire set is responsible for the transmission of electricity to the spark plugs. If you have a faulty wire, your spark plugs simply won’t spark, which can lead to all the aforementioned issues. It’s best to regularly replace the wire set to ensure that your wires don’t fail while you’re cruising down the highway.

In addition to replacing these components, the professional technicians at Thompson Automotive will also set the timing and idle for your vehicle, if applicable and recommended by the manufacturer. If you’re unsure about the tune-up interval recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle, just contact us and ask. We are always happy to do the research for you and inform you of all the service recommendations specific to the year, make, model, and mileage of your vehicle.

Signs You Need a Tune-Up

When was the last time you had a tune-up? How well does your vehicle accelerate? How is your gas mileage? If you think it may be time for a tune-up, it’s likely that you do — many vehicle owners neglect to get a routine tune-up ’til well past the manufacturer’s recommendation. You should also pay attention to the following signs that it is time to bring your car into the shop:

  • Poor acceleration: When you push the gas pedal, you should get an immediate response from your engine. If your acceleration has slowed, you may have a poor air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber, and oftentimes, your air filter or fuel filter may be to blame. You may also have a blocked line that will require attention.
  • Poor gas mileage: Your gas mileage is an indication of how efficiently your vehicle consumes fuel. As such, if you have an imbalanced air-fuel mixture, then your mileage will suffer. Get a tune-up to ensure that those filters are new and their systems remain clean.
  • Clunking, misfiring, or backfiring: If one or more of your spark plugs fail to create a firing, then your pistons will misfire. That will result in poorer acceleration, clunking, and possibly loud misfires and backfiring. Unburnt fuel may eventually ignite, causing a misfire, and failed piston firings will hinder the performance of the engine and the conversion of power to the crankshaft.
  • Dashboard indicators: Your filters, plugs, and wiring may all trigger dashboard indicators if they fail or underperform. Keep an eye out for a check engine indicator or other dash indicators that can be caused by these components. We can perform a diagnostic test to pinpoint the problem at hand.

Early Detection Means Lower Costs

Automotive Tune-ups In Littleton

  • Award Winning Auto Repair Shop
  • Committed to Delivering Excellence
  • ASE-Certified Technicians
  • 7-Time Spectrum Award Winners
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Get the Most Out of Every Mile – Contact Us Today

If you’re unsure about the condition of your spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter or ignition wire set, contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our technicians. We’ll help you understand what is impacting the performance of your vehicle, and we’ll make sure you understand the purpose behind all the services we perform.

Whether you’re in Littleton or anywhere in the Denver Metro area, we’re available to provide a high-quality tune-up quickly, affordably, and professionally. As always, our parts and labor are covered by a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty – the best in the business!

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