The term “tune-up” is an outdated concept, required by cars manufactured during the 70s. Today’s vehicles need regular preventive maintenance, but some car dealers continue to recommend major tune-ups.

Here’s a checklist of things of items that you need to consider during a preventive maintenance check.

• Check the engine and scan for any current, pending, or past fault codes. Many new cars have an on-board diagnostic system for this, or should be able to provide the necessary equipment.
• Check the battery and charging voltage.
• Check the power balance or dynamic compression to identify any mechanical problems.
• Check engine vacuum to detect leaks.
• Check operation of the fuel feedback control loop.
• Check exhaust emissions.
• Verify idle speed.
• Check ignition timing.