• Engine tune-ups help autos run smoother.Nicolas Loran/Photodisc/Getty Images
  
  The basic tune-up of a car engine is necessary for optimal performance. In addition, tune-ups help prevent future problems that may cost many thousands of dollars in repairs. As most cars are optimized from the factory floor, tune-ups are simply small fixes and replacements done to parts that wear out or come out of alignment. Every manufacturer will have its own list of specifics that need to be checked or replaced at specific intervals. These intervals are usually either determined by an amount of time or number of miles driven.
  
  

Oil Change and Filter Change

• Oil changes are a common component of a tune-up. Oil needs to be replenished over time, and can become contaminated with dirt and debris. Jacking up a car before the oil change is often necessary to remove the oil plug and filter. Place a drain pan beneath the oil plug, and remove. It is best to have warmed up the car by driving for a few minutes beforehand so the oil will be warmer, and therefore drain quicker and more completely. Once the oil has drained, move the drain pan beneath the oil filter and remove it using an oil filter wrench. Clean off the filter mount with a cloth to ensure a solid connection with the new filter. Before attaching the new filter, coat the gasket with oil. Attach the new filter in place of the old filter, and make sure the gasket makes contact with the filter mount. After the new filter is attached, replace the oil plug and fill the oil tank with the manufacturer-recommended type and amount of oil.
  
  

Change Spark Plugs

• Spark plugs, as the name implies, provide the spark in the engine that starts the combustion. Most cars employ between four and eight spark plugs. Removing the plugs and checking them, cleaning and/or replacing them will help the car run more smoothly and promotes good fuel efficiency. Most cars today can run 100,000 miles on a single set of spark plugs, but they are still important when tuning up a car. There are several reasons for a malfunctioning spark plug: oil leaking onto the plugs; carbon deposits on the plugs which is usually due to the wrong type of plug being used; or the plug is simply worn out. While the plugs can last 100,000 miles, older cars may have spark plugs that only last 30,000 miles.
  
  

Change Fuel Filter

• Fuel filters are relatively cheap, usually costing between $10 and $20, but they can prevent thousands of dollars of damage in a car. The filter can become clogged over time, which blocks the fuel as it moves into the engine. This block could cause negative pressure on fuel lines, and the engine will run at a far lower fuel efficiency. Fuel filters should be changed every 25,000 to 35,000 miles. The location of the filter varies from one vehicle to another, so it is best to consult the owner's manual before attempting to replace it. Remove the filter connections first, then remove the fuel filter mounting bracket. Install the mounting bracket on the new fuel filter, install the mounting bracket in the car, and reconnect the fuel connectors.