If you want to keep your car for 200,000 miles or just a few years, tuning it will help keep it running well.  The tuning of your car doesn’t have to just mean taking it to a qualified mechanic or dealership.  There are plenty of things you can do to tune your car yourself.  Some of the items that you can handle at home to tune your car won’t cost you a lot of money either.  The most important thing you must do, however, is use the right product for your car.

By tuning your car you can expect to save some money.  You can see your fuel economy increase and maybe spend less on the parts you need.  Your labor will certainly be less than a mechanic.  You will also know that the job has been done to your satisfaction.

Changing your oil is something that many people choose to do at home.  It requires only a few items: the right oil for your vehicle, a container to hold the old oil and your car jack.  Be sure that you dispose of the oil at a recycling facility.  Usually manufacturers tell you to chance the oil every three thousand miles.

When you are changing your oil or having it done this is a good time to check the air filter.  If you hold your filter up to a light and you can’t see through it you may want to get a new filter.  Having a dirty air filter can compromise your fuel economy.

Most manufacturers suggest that you replace spark plugs about every 30,000 miles.  If you have a spark plug that isn’t working properly you will lose power and fuel economy.  Spark plugs that are made of platinum or iridium may need to be changed less frequently.  You should rely on your owner’s manual to inform you of the proper timing.  Changing your spark plugs is fairly straightforward and with the proper tools an hour should do the job.

You may think about using a fuel system cleaner to keep your fuel injectors and engine components clean.  Every six months should be enough to do the job. However, you should read your owner’s manual and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the use of this type of product.

These are some of the things that you can do to keep your car tuned.  However, there are some things that will need to be checked by a mechanic.  Special equipment is needed for the PCV system, exhaust gas system, catalytic converter, fuel injectors and charcoal canister.  Making sure that the emissions systems are in good working order will benefit your car and the environment.

Once you have taken the time to tune your car you can be assured that it won’t let you down.  You can save money at the fuel pump and on repairs because you have taken a preventative stance.