“My Car Needs a Tune-Up!” (Spoiler: It Probably Doesn’t)
A brief history of buzzing coils, confused terminology, and why your car’s just trying to keep up with modern times.
Let’s be honest—we’ve all said it.
“My car’s running weird. I think it needs a tune-up.”
It’s the go-to phrase whenever something feels a little… off. A weird idle, sluggish acceleration, or just a general “vibe” that your car is rebelling against your Monday morning routine. But let’s clear something up: modern cars don’t actually need tune-ups.
Wait, what?
Yep. The phrase “tune-up” is a bit like using “tape” to describe streaming your favorite show. We still say it, but it doesn’t mean what it used to.
So… where did it come from?
The term “tune-up” goes way back—like Model T back. In fact, it was Henry Ford himself who coined the phrase while working on his first automobile prototype. Back then, the ignition system was refreshingly (and terrifyingly) simple: one ignition coil per spark plug. So if your car had four spark plugs, it had four coils—each one buzzing.
Ford would adjust each coil so it buzzed at the same intensity—in tune—which meant better idle, smoother acceleration, and fewer "Oops, the car just died again" moments. Thus, the “tune-up” was born.
Fast forward to today…
Modern engines? They’re basically rolling supercomputers. There’s no buzzing, no adjusting coils by ear, no magic knobs to twist. Instead, manufacturers give us detailed maintenance schedules telling us exactly when to replace parts and inspect components.
And while today’s cars don’t technically need “tune-ups,” they do need regular TLC. That’s where we come in.
What a Real “Major Tune-Up” Looks Like in 2025
If you're wondering what a true performance-focused tune-up looks like on today’s electronic ignition systems, here’s what we’d include to keep your engine happy, clean, and firing on all cylinders:
- Replace spark plugs
- Perform a visual inspection of all emission control-related devices
- Clean fuel injectors
- Clean the throttle body and air intake system
- Visually inspect fuel lines and fuel rail
- Check the fuel pump pressure regulator vacuum line and connections (when applicable)
- Perform a BG Induction Service, which includes: Decarbonizing the intake and exhaust valves, Cleaning the combustion chamber and piston tops, Removing carbon buildup from the intake manifold and throttle body
It’s a precision clean-up and inspection to restore performance and efficiency—and it’s often exactly what’s needed when your vehicle feels off despite being “up to date” on basic maintenance.