When an engine is tuned up, a series of parts that wear out (spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap, etc.) are replaced to bring the engine back to good operating condition. In addition, timing is checked and set.

A turbo is used to increase the volume of air that an engine can take in, resulting in more power. It is driven by the engine’s exhaust.

Overboost occurs when a turbo’s wastegate does not release excess intake pressure. This pressure instead enters the engine, causing potentially significant damage to the engine.

A turbo’s wastegate allows excess intake boost pressure to be released before it enters the engine, which may cause potentially significant engine damage.

Universal joints are part of a car’s driveline. They allow the driveshaft to continue to rotate at all angles.

Vacuum results as an engine sucks in air. Engine vacuum is also used to power some accessories, such as brake boosters.

Vacuum hoses connect between vacuum-powered accessories and a vacuum source like the engine’s intake manifold.

The valve cover is the metal cover that is attached to the cylinder head. It allows technicians easy access to an engine’s valves and rocker arms for adjustment and checks.

Valves are the part of an engine that let in air/fuel mixture and let exhaust out at specified times. They are opened and closed by the camshaft, which is timed to the crankshaft via the timing chain or belt for

Transmission fluid (ATF) is specially developed to allow automatic transmissions operate smoothly and efficiently.

A safety device found on many modern automatic transmissions that prevents drive or reverse from being selected until the brake is pressed.

This is a series of rods and/or cables that connect the gearshift lever or gear selector to the transmission.

Timing chains are metal chains that connect an engine’s camshaft to its crankshaft. Timing chains use sprockets that eventually wear out and can cause sloppy timing. When this happens, it is time to replace the sprockets and chain. If a

Timing gears are part of a timing chain system that connects the engine’s camshaft to its crankshaft.

A timing light is used to check or set ignition timing.

Tire gauges are used to measure the pressure inside of a tire. You should always check tire pressure when your tire is cold (when your vehicle hasn’t been driven for about an hour).

The fitting in the valve stem on your wheel that allows you to inflate or deflate your tire.

Overinflation occurs when a tire is inflated beyond the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Overinflating can lead to increased tire wear and sudden tire failure.

Part of an automatic transmission. The torque converter acts like a clutch does in a manual transmission; it allows smooth power transfer from the engine to the transmission through a hydrualic coupling.

Transaxles are a combination of components; the transmission and differential. Most front-wheel drive cars have transaxles. However, some rear wheel drive cars, such as some Porsches, new Corvettes and Alfa Romeos, have rear-mounted transaxles.