Car tuning is a business in and of itself, and automobile manufacturers keep stressing the need for a vehicle tune-up. This term covers a wide range of services, hence the question, “how much is a tune-up?” It depends on the services you would want to get done.
In this guide, I evaluate what’s included in the tune-up and tune-up costs. I also assess signs that a tune-up is needed.
What is a Tune-Up?
A tune-up can simply be described as setting up additional maintenance tasks needed to keep a vehicle in tip-top shape. Depending on how far the vehicle has been driven, repairs could range from basic service on a system and components to complete overhauls.
A great number of vehicle manufacturers offer “recommended maintenance” check services in the schedule. This information can easily be accessed in the owner’s manual.
How Much Does a Tune-Up Cost?
On average, a basic tune-up will set you back $50 and $250, whereas advanced maintenance appointments can exceed $500. The price varies significantly based on the services rendered, type of vehicle, and chosen automotive shop.
If done yourself, a DIY tune-up can save you considerable expense compared to paying a professional mechanic. Even so, all you’ll incur is the cost for parts and tools, which makes it relatively inexpensive.
What Services Can Be Part of a Tune-Up?
1. Oil Change.
The change of engine oil is one of the simplest and fundamental services that should be part of the tune-up procedures. It is also the most frequent service done. Owners should perform an oil change every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the type of oil used.
If you do the oil change yourself, you could spend less than $40 for the oil and filter. It is also possible to spend under 40 for the oil and filter. It is also possible to spend under $75 at a professional shop for most vehicles.
2. Spark Plug Replacement.
The air-fuel mixture present in every cylinder necessitates the use of spark plugs to ignite the mixture. Over time, the spark plugs will face wear and accumulation of excessive build-up, rendering them incapable of functioning properly.
Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, some spark plugs will need to be replaced between 30,000 to 100,000 miles. The average cost for replacement, including labor, is about $100 to $200.
3. Air Filter Change.
Two types of air filters need to be replaced in your car. Most do-it-yourselfers can replace both the engine air filter and cabin air filter. Additionally, the filters are reasonably priced.
Most air filters retail for $10 to $20. The engine air filter should be replaced between 15,000 to 30,000 miles, while the cabin air filter should be replaced every 15,000 miles.
4. Fuel Filter Replacement.
The fuel filter keeps the system safe from any dirt or contaminants. When the fuel filter gets clogged, the engine’s performance is impacted negatively, since the motor isn’t receiving the fuel it requires.
Most fuel filters require replacement every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Should you decide to carry out the tune-up, you could spend approximately $25.
5. PCV Valve Replacement.
The positive crankcase ventilation valve (PCV valve) is integrated in the combustion system of the car. It assists in relieving the pressure by removing unused emission products, which must be controlled during the combustion stage.
It is suggested that the PCV valve function be maintained after every 30,000 miles to avoid clogging. If you have the technical know-how to change out the valve, it should only cost approximately $10 to $20.
6. Brake Pad Replacement.
The braking system of the car is designed to bring the wheels of the vehicle to a halt. The brake pads tend to repeatedly press against the disc to stop the rotation of the wheels. The braking system, as time goes by, needs more force to decelerate.
The lifespan of brake pads is typically 10,000 to 20,000 miles, with rotors lasting longer at 50,000 to 70,000 miles. The cost of a full brake pad and rotor replacement is around
$400 to $600.
7. Transmission Fluid Flush.
This type of fluid is crucial for the efficient functioning of the parts of the transmission as well as for lubrication. Once the fluid begins to degrade, excess friction will be exerted on the internal components.
Most manufacturers will suggest a transmission flush every 30,000 miles. On average, this procedure will cost anywhere between $150 to $300.
8. Cooling System Flush.
The cooling system ensures the engine remains at the right temperature by circulating antifreeze, but over time, coolant needs to be flushed because contaminants can and will build up.
On average, it is advised to perform a coolant flush every 30,000 miles, and this service may cost anywhere between $50 to $250.
9. Power Steering Flush.
Another crucial component to track is the power steering fluid. This particular type of hydraulic fluid also mixes and becomes dirty over time, reducing its efficacy.
This service may be required every 50,000 to 75,000 miles, and the cost may average $40 to $150.
10. Oxygen Sensor Replacement.
The oxygen sensor’s job is to monitor the amounts in the air-fuel blend. It then sends the information to the ECU to calculate if changes are needed.
Most of the time, oxygen sensors have to be replaced every 60,000 to 90,000 miles to avoid problems. On average, their replacement costs about $125.
Signs Your Car Needs a Tune-Up
1. Check Engine Light.
The check engine light comes with an array of issues, but the first step is to check your car’s diagnostic tool. With the help of a code scanning tool, and plugging it into the vehicle’s OBD II port, you can uncover the problems.
In most situations, all that is required is a simple fix, such as a neat tune-up service. No matter what the situation, driving the car longer will only cause more damage.
2. Reduced Fuel Economy.
The fuel economy gets affected and worsened when the engine is not functioning properly. A lot of fuel will be consumed if the car engine has to function more than normal.
When a car is getting regularly tuned up, the money spent on it is not extreme at all. Concerning the overall benefits realized from the improved fuel efficiency, recovering some money at the gas station is highly likely.
3. Trouble Stopping Vehicle.
When one steps on the brake pedal, the vehicle should come to an immediate and quick stop. If this does not take place, it necessitates a thorough inspection of the brakes.
Delaying this issue could result in irreversible damage to the car. You may only need a brake pad replacement, but avoiding it could lead to more pricey worn brake rotor services.
4. Erratic Shifting.
The first sign of trouble with the transmission fluid will be difficulty shifting and moving the gears. This is one result of reduced lubrication to the transmission system, which more or less guarantees the wear and tear of its parts.
Keeping the transmission system in optimal condition requires a change in the procedure of usage. Regular flushing of the transmission fluid guarantees that the system endures for longer, and optimally responsive performance is achieved. This translates to enhanced control of the vehicle during drives.
5. Strange Vibrations.
Strange vibrations should always be a cause of worry. For instance, sustained shaking of the steering wheel without movement or turning should set off all warning bells.
A misfiring engine could be the issue, or maybe the steering component needs some advanced level of maintenance. No matter what the root cause is, examining the situation is critical, as ignoring these problems could lead to serious driving troubles.
6. Unusual Sounds/Smells.
Staying safe is not as simple as relying on standard protocols. In case something goes wrong, external damage is a given — any strange smells such as smoke, oil, or coolant leakage should ideally trigger some form of suspicion to examine the system for potential damage.
Moreover, diagnostic peculiar sounds will be particularly useful to you for figuring out the problem at hand. Pay attention to any squealing, squeaking, thumping, knocking or pinging noises.
Can I Do My Own Tune-Up?
To some degree, performing a complete automotive tune-up on your own can save you some dollars. The majority of the basic services, including filter and oil changing, can easily be accomplished with a basic set of tools and little expertise.
Other services may require specialized knowledge and specific tools; therefore, consult the service manual before proceeding.
Do not hesitate to contact a professional mechanic with questions about the tune up services. Always make the right choice and seek expert help if you’re unsure how to deal with the service described in your owner’s manual.
Tune-up is a maintenance service for cars that includes changing several parts, including spark plugs and filters. It is important to note that there isn’t a universal set of checkpoints to consider a “full tune-up,” as every service provider has their list of procedures and criteria.
Nevertheless, a comprehensive tune-up may include a full inspection of the vehicle along with oil change, filter, and brake replacement.
How often should you get a tune-up?
Getting a tune-up depends on the model of your vehicle, and no schedules exist for it. A good guess would be attempting a tune-up for every 10,000 – 12,000 miles, or every year.
How long does a tune-up take? A tune-up can stretch from 30 minutes to 6 hours, owing to the type of tune-up being undertaken and the parts that need replacement. Always check with your mechanic before starting the tune-up for the required timeframe.
What fluids are changed in a tune-up?
In most basic tune-ups, the only fluid replaced is the engine oil, as the other fluids are merely checked and topped up. Other fluids replaced include coolant, washer fluids, automatic power steering, and brake oils. In the case where a mechanic identifies any bad fluid during a tune-up, they will need to replace it during the tune-up as well.
A tune-up service can be a very different amount of work depending on what you wish to handle. With the included fluids, the expense of basic tune-ups is somewhere between $50 and $250.
It can be very tempting to skip required maintenance procedures to save some money, but regular check-ups will help keep your vehicle operating efficiently and will lower the risk of incurring expensive repairs in the future. Even though tune-ups can be costly, in the long term, they will save you plenty of money.