What's expected and included may be different things in tune-ups.

What's expected and included may be two different things in tune-ups

October is National Car Care month and a great time to make the most of the many advertising promotions and commercials run by tune-up parts manufacturers.

According to an independent survey of both consumers and mechanics that was presented at the last Tune-Up Manufacturer's Institute (TMI) marketing conference, the perceived benefits of tune-ups are as follows:

* Better gas mileage -- Forty-three percent of the consumers said better fuel economy was one of the benefits of getting a tune-up. Among the professional mechanics surveyed, 68 percent also mentioned better gas mileage.

* Improved engine performance -- Thirty-one percent of the consumers said better performance results from getting a tune-up. Fifty-eight percent of the professional mechanics agreed with them.

* Engine lasts longer -- Tune-ups help engines last longer, according to 16 percent of the consumers. Of the professional mechanics, 19 percent agreed (though it should be emphasized that oil and filter changes are just as important if not more so).

Eighteen percent of the consumers surveyed also …