Maximizing Your Mazda’s Performance: The Importance of Regular Tune-Ups

A tune-up is used to correct ignition system issues that develop over time. Nowadays, your Mazda’s computer controls these systems and adjusts when needed to ensure correct performance. A modern tune-up for your Mazda involves checking and testing a range of systems so your Mazda delivers peak performance. As your Mazda dealer, we want to tell you about some of the systems we check and adjust during a Mazda tune-up.

From Your Mazda Dealer: Checklist for a Mazda Tune-Up

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders, creating combustion. Plugs wear out due to age and won’t fire correctly. They can also loosen in their housing. If a plug doesn’t ignite perfectly, it causes a misfire, and your Mazda could stall. We examine your plugs and tighten or replace them so the fuel-air mixture will burn correctly.

Ignition Coils

The coils provide additional power to the plugs. Each plug has a coil connected to it which boosts the plug’s output from 12 volts to 30,000 volts so it can successfully ignite the fuel-air mixture. Coils also wear out over time, and a worn coil will cause misfiring, decreased engine power, and low performance. Replacing worn or damaged coils fixes these issues.

Serpentine Belt

The serpentine belt is made from tough, reinforced rubber to work effectively in the hot engine compartment. It connects to the crankshaft, and the crankshaft’s turning causes the belt to run across a series of pulleys. The belt’s movement causes the pulleys to spin, and the pulleys power essential systems like the alternator, AC compressor, and power steering pump.

A worn belt can slip, preventing it from spinning one or more pulleys. Depending on the pulley, the alternator could shut down, depriving the systems of electricity, or your steering wheel will become heavier and difficult to turn. The belt could also snap, shutting down all the systems. We ensure the belt is correctly seated and tensioned. We’ll replace a worn or damaged belt to prevent these issues.

Timing Belt

This belt is also made from tough rubber and connects the camshaft at the top of your engine to the crankshaft at the bottom of your engine. Its movement synchronizes the opening and closing of the intake and exhaust vents of the cylinders with the movement of the pistons. These movements must be precisely timed for the combustion process to work successfully.

If the belt’s tension is too tight, it suffers friction damage and could snap. A belt that is too loose could fall off. In either situation, belt failure will shut down your engine, potentially causing major engine damage in the process. We check the belt is correctly tensioned and will replace a worn belt.

Regular tune-ups increase your engine life and prevent many future repairs. Contact us today at Mazda City of Orange Park in Jacksonville, FL.

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