Welcome to Prospect Lake Auto Care, your trusted destination for professional automotive services in Highlands, BC. One of the crucial services we offer is the comprehensive car tune-up.
In this guide, we’ll explore what a tune-up entails, the signs indicating your vehicle needs one, and the numerous benefits of regular tune-ups. Whether you’re concerned about engine performance or simply want to ensure your vehicle’s longevity, our team at Prospect Lake Auto Care has got you covered.
A car tune-up is a critical aspect of routine maintenance that involves inspecting, adjusting, and replacing various components of your vehicle’s engine and ignition system. Here are the key elements of a typical tune-up:
Spark Plugs: One of the fundamental components in your engine’s ignition system is the spark plugs. Over time, they can become fouled or worn out, affecting combustion efficiency. During a tune-up, we inspect and replace spark plugs as needed to ensure a proper spark for combustion.
Spark Plug Wires: The spark plug wires play a crucial role in delivering electricity to the spark plugs. Damaged or worn-out wires can lead to misfires and decreased engine performance. We carefully inspect and replace these wires during a tune-up.
Distributor Cap and Rotor: In older vehicles with a distributor-based ignition system, the distributor cap and rotor are inspected and replaced if necessary. These components help distribute electricity to the spark plugs.
Air Filter: The air filter ensures that clean air enters your engine for combustion. A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow, impacting both engine performance and fuel efficiency. We replace the air filter as part of the tune-up process.
Fuel Filter: A clean fuel filter is essential for maintaining the proper fuel mixture and preventing contaminants from reaching the engine. We check and replace the fuel filter as needed to ensure optimal engine operation.
PCV Valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation): The PCV valve helps regulate the release of harmful gases from the engine’s crankcase. A malfunctioning PCV valve can lead to poor fuel efficiency and increased emissions. We inspect and replace the PCV valve as required.
Oxygen Sensor: The oxygen sensor monitors the oxygen levels in the exhaust gases and helps the engine control unit adjust the fuel mixture for optimal combustion. A faulty oxygen sensor can result in reduced fuel efficiency and increased emissions. We evaluate and replace the sensor when necessary.
Transmission Fluid: While not always part of a standard tune-up, checking and replacing transmission fluid is essential for maintaining a smoothly functioning transmission system. We offer this service separately to ensure your vehicle’s overall health.
Regular tune-ups are essential, but it’s also important to recognize when your vehicle may require immediate attention. Here are some common signs that indicate your vehicle may need a tune-up:
Decreased Fuel Efficiency: If you notice a sudden drop in your gas mileage, it could be due to worn spark plugs, a clogged air filter, or other issues addressed during a tune-up.
Rough Idling: A vehicle that idles roughly or experiences engine misfires may benefit from a tune-up to address spark plug or ignition system problems.
Difficulty Starting: Difficulty starting your vehicle, especially in cold weather, may indicate ignition system issues that can be resolved with a tune-up.
Lack of Power: If your vehicle feels sluggish and lacks power when accelerating, it may be time for a tune-up to restore engine performance.
Unusual Engine Noises: Squealing, popping, or banging sounds coming from your engine could be indicative of ignition or combustion issues that a tune-up can address.
Warning Lights: The check engine light or other warning lights on your dashboard can be triggered by various engine-related problems, some of which can be resolved with a tune-up.
Regular tune-ups offer a wide range of benefits that go beyond just improving engine performance. Here are some compelling reasons to make tune-ups a part of your preventive maintenance routine:
Enhanced Fuel Efficiency: A properly tuned engine runs more efficiently, resulting in improved fuel economy. This means you’ll spend less at the gas pump and reduce your carbon footprint.
Extended Engine Life: Regular tune-ups help identify and address potential issues before they become major problems. By maintaining your engine’s health, you can extend its lifespan and delay the need for costly repairs or replacements.
Reduced Emissions: A well-tuned engine produces fewer harmful emissions, contributing to a cleaner environment. Keeping your vehicle in top shape is not only beneficial for you but also for the planet.
Improved Safety: Reliable engine performance is crucial for your safety on the road. A vehicle that starts easily, accelerates smoothly, and responds promptly to your commands is less likely to put you in dangerous situations.
Savings in the Long Run: While it may seem like an additional expense, regular tune-ups can save you money by preventing major repairs down the road. Addressing small issues early on is more cost-effective than waiting until they escalate.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your vehicle is in excellent condition gives you peace of mind when you’re on the road. You can trust that your car will perform reliably in various driving conditions.
At Prospect Lake Auto Care in Highlands, BC, we understand the importance of routine maintenance, especially when it comes to your vehicle’s engine performance. Our comprehensive tune-up services cover all the essential aspects of your engine and ignition system, ensuring that your vehicle runs smoothly, efficiently, and safely.
Don’t wait for warning signs to appear—schedule a tune-up today to proactively maintain your vehicle and enjoy the numerous benefits it brings. Trust our experienced team to keep your vehicle in top shape for the long haul. Contact us today to book your next tune-up appointment in Highlands, BC and experience the Prospect Lake Auto Care difference.
Excellent customer service from Colin who fit me in last minute for a repair
Phil Bowers Sep 9, 2025
Great people. They were able to fit in an appointment for the very next day of my call because my car needed urgent attention. Honest and proper workmanship.
Kerem Işık Sep 9, 2025
What amazing service! Gary was fabulous! He managed to fit us in for a vehicle inspection with little notice. The vehicle inspection results were emailed to us so that we now have an electronic record for our files. The inspection report was extremely thorough. Ten out of ten guys! On one final note, the other guy in the office also told us that we should do an online search to see if there are any liens, accidents, etc. reported on the car. Of course, we folled his advice, but how decent of him.
M D Jul 7, 2025
Lost my brakes on my Ford F-350 coming down from Heartland and Prospect Lake took care of me and my daughter right away. Great service as they also did a follow-up inspection and fix on the pads months later!
Kael Campbell Jul 7, 2025
Fair prices, good service.
Wiliam Leite Jun 6, 2025
Highly recommended — their attention to detail and ability to solve what others missed is truly impressive.
Wang Dun Jun 6, 2025
Great experience at this garage. The team was professional, friendly, and explained everything clearly. Work was done on time and fairly priced. I highly recommend them and will be back. Nomi.
Nomi Levi May 5, 2025
Best service you can trust. Refreshing experience
Brad Dyrbye Apr 4, 2025
Had a great experience at Prospect Lake Auto Care getting my front brake pads and rotators replaced! Mike was wonderful to work with and the service was reasonably priced. No hidden fee's and a transparent quote provided over the phone prior to receiving service. Mike even followed up via text the next day to ensure I was satisfied with the work completed. I highly recommend Prospect Lake Auto Care!!
Stephanie Duncan Mar 3, 2025
I ended up taking my 2019 Porsche Macan to Prospect Lake Autocare after I received a ridiculously high quote to service my car from the dealer. Shannon was extremely efficient, booked me in for the following week and provided a courtesy car for the day. The service fee was reasonable and they also included a detailed inspection report. I paid a fraction of what the dealer quoted! Really happy with the experience and I’ll be returning for future service!
Julie Watkins Feb 2, 2025
I pulled into this shop unexpectedly with no appointment on a random day with a very low back tire. I chatted with the receptionist who was the most friendly kind lady ever and got the guys in the shop to take a look almost immediately. They identified the issue as my valve stems and offered to replace them right on the spot for no cost I couldn’t be more thankful for this shop as I was battling with kal tire for a long time who ultimately led me to this problem 😅 this company had my back and got them fixed in not even a bit over 30 mins. They are truly reliable and i could only imagine they succeed with full effort in all their other services:) thank you prospect
Lauren Shular Dec 12, 2024
Best Auto Care please on Vancouver island I would’ve re-commended…BUT please BE Advised.they Qouted my 61 year old mom 2400. And that would have been fine but look please help.
stephan friebe Dec 12, 2024
Highly recommend, have had a few repairs done and they keep impressing me each time, right from the start they had great communication and work hard to get things done ASAP and done right. Honest and great pricing too. Thanks again to the team at Prospect for keeping us rolling 😁
Blake Atherton Nov 11, 2024
Easy to communicate with, reasonable & honest. Replaced all my brake lines. Thanks guys
Luke Waldner May 5, 2024
They were so wonderful to work with! Would recommend to anyone.
hailey cooke Mar 3, 2024
Great experience as always! I've been going to PLA for 8 years and counting and will keep coming back. Thanks to the team for getting me in for some same day service on a small issue.
Scott Macdonald May 5, 2021
Volkswagen needed alternator work. Good honest mechanic. Wish they were all like this.
Josh C Mar 3, 2024
I was recently referred to Prospect Lake Auto for diagnosis/repairs on my Jeep. I was told that “Mike” @ Prospect was the S. Island all-things-Jeep guy and I was not disappointed! Within seconds of looking under the hood he found the problem. He knew exactly where to look and explained to me in detail what was going on. I booked in to have the repairs done and my experience with Mike as well as Shannon (who takes care of all logistics… I’m thinking she basically runs the place lol) was exceptional. Highly skilled, organized, friendly and knowledgeable folks at Prospect Lake Auto. I highly recommend this place!
Kat Hinter Mar 3, 2024
Love stopping in this place to grab gas when in the area . Such great customer service. So friendly here
Jacqueline Gaddes Mar 3, 2024
They were excellent and professional to deal with
Brent Thornicroft Nov 11, 2022
Prospect Auto has been my default auto repair for quite a few years because of their efficient, dependable service I highly recommend them to anyone looking for the same.
Lloyd Haarala Jul 7, 2021
Great service
Kevy D Feb 2, 2024
Great people and better service. Highly recommend them. Thank you
R Scott Feb 2, 2024
These folks are the best. Thanks always!
Barbara Belknap Jan 1, 2024
The service here was wonderful! Came recommended from a friend. They were upfront about when they could get it in, they delivered within that time, helped me sort out transport, and fixed an the issues I had at a reasonable cost. The owner is local and the communication was great. They have loaner cars available (one wasn't available to me at the time) but they offered to work around the loaner car schedules. This is my new place to have my car serviced. Plus it's right across from a nice cafe.
Selina McGinnis Jan 1, 2024
As always; fabulous, prompt, effective and reasonably priced services. Excellent!
Debbie Haines Aug 8, 2021
Fast efficient service. The perfect neigbourhood mechanics. Thank you Mike and crew.
Mr and Mrs Neil Cormie Dec 12, 2023
Great place . They got me in and back on the road in great time. Very understanding. Great work will be back for all my truck needs
Mouse Dec 12, 2023
Great team good fingers :)
Dwayne Strong May 5, 2023
Staff is always friendly and knowledgeable
Laura-Lea Berna Dec 12, 2023
Best car service around!! Extremely trustworthy and very honest!! This small neighborhood garage makes you feel like family!!
Katrin van der Leeden Aug 8, 2021
Great communication. Service and value!
Holly Lee Nov 11, 2023
Mike & the crew rescue me & my Fiat every time… reminding me that I am not driving a four wheel drive off-road vehicle….
Bill Milliken Aug 8, 2023
I had a flat tire emergency on vacation in Victoria and had to get to a ferry to get home. I called these guys and they took it in right away and I made my ferry. I am an auto shop owner so I know this was a sacrifice for them as they wouldn't have any real future relationship with me and a flat repair isn't exactly a big money maker. But they did it with a smile and their tech was very particular about wheel lug torque specs and tire pressures (again: I have inside knowledge). I don't write reviews but these guys deserve it. Character First - that's what they were. Thank you!
Damian Shaw Nov 11, 2023
My Bmw randomly stopped running in the middle of nowhere, i came across the only place for miles. Parts were hard to get but Mike gave me a loaner for a few days til it was fixed. Even the shops where ive bought brand new cars from didnt supply a car while mine was being fixed. More than happy with his price and his customer service was great
Brandy Buchan Nov 11, 2023
Great service, great people, professional work. Highly recommend!
Luke Davison Oct 10, 2023
Fantastic service that’s always friendly and dependable. I am not a car person and I feel very safe brining my vehicle to prospect lake auto because I know they are never going to over sell me services I don’t actually need. I really feel like family. Thank you!
Tamara Monod Oct 10, 2023
Prospect Lake auto is my go to for maintenance and repairs. They are kind, helpful, and prompt.
Cheryl Relf Oct 10, 2023