EnglishPod

Daily Life - Tune Up #D0284

A: Welcome to Al’s Garage. What seems to be the problem?

B: No problem at all! I am taking a long road trip and I want to make sure my car is in good mechanical condition.

A: Very wise decision. When was the last time you had a tune up?

B: Not that long ago, I think it was four months ago.

A: We usually recommend that you bring your car in every five thousand kilometers.

B: Why? I mean, what exactly do you do to a car that you need to check it so often?

A: First of all, we change the motor oil and oil filter. If you don’t do this, it can cause your engine to wear faster and that means you would probably have to change the pistons and intake valves.

B: I see. What else?

A: We also check your spark plugs, fuel filter, and other oil levels such as hydraulic fluid. We also check the clutch and brakes to determine when you will need new ones.

B: Ok, well, when you put it that way, it doesn’t seem like a waste of time and money.

A: Trust me, regular tune ups will keep your car running smoothly and avoid break downs.

Key Vocabulary

road trip - long trip by car

piston - a part of an engine that moves up and down inside

spark plug - a device in the engine which produces electric sparks

break down - stop working

engine - the device which helps cars getting running

clutch - pedal that you press before you change gear

brake - a device that slows down or stops something

regular - ordinary

smoothly - without problems or difficulties

Supplementary Vocabulary

brake pads - part of the disk brake, brake pads are squeezed together to help the car brake

antifreeze - a chemical compound used in internal combustion engines, helps to regulate the temperature of the engine

ABS; anti-lock braking system - prevents the wheels of the car from locking up while braking

mileage - the number of miles traveled over a period of time