A tune-up cost about $500 with average prices ranging from $200 to $800 in the US for 2021 according to CostHelper.com.
- Minimal Tune-up: $40-$150+
- Standard Tune-up: $200-$800+
- Major Servicing and Tune-up: $500-$1,200+
Usually done about once a year, a tune-up is a routinely scheduled preventative maintenance on a vehicle. The process differs by the vehicle’s age, make, model, and mileage, but a tune-up normally involves air filter replacement; a computer diagnostics check; and checking the condition of (and potentially replacing) the fuel filter, the spark plugs and wires, and other basic engine components.
Typical Tune-up Costs
- Prices may start at $40-$150 or more for a minimal tune-up that will include replacing the spark plugs and inspecting their wires, but it typically costs $200-$800 or more for a standard tune-up that includes replacing the distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs and wires, the fuel filter, PVC valve and air filter, in addition to changing the oil, an computer diagnosis of the ignition, fuel, and emission systems, and adjustment of the dwell, timing and fuel mixture to factory specifications. Total costs commonly depend on the parts needed along with the hourly labor rate (usually $40-$90 in traditional repair shops or $80-$150 at the dealership). From 2010 to 2012, CostHelper readers stated paying $138-$685 for a standard tune-up, with an average cost of $340.
- For vehicles that are older, a 90,000-, 100,000- or 120,000-mile tune-up may cost $500-$1,200 or more, depending on the adjustment and repairs required.
What Should be Included in the Tune-up?
- Look into the owner’s manual for the year, make and model of vehicle, or the mechanic will, for a list of precisely what maintenance is required, and when it needs to be carried out. Every vehicle has a schedule of suggested and required maintenance, based on the mileage and the vehicle’s age.
- A tune-up typically takes about 2 to 4 hours of labor, depending on what is needed.
- A lot of today’s vehicles use platinum spark plugs, that typically last 30,000 to 100,000 miles, so they don’t need to be replaced with each tune-up. A handful of newer vehicles have an electronic ignition system rather than a distributor, so a tune-up won’t involve a new distributor cap and rotor.
- Signs that a vehicle may need a tune-up include a decrease in gas mileage, an apparent loss of power, a “rough” engine or one that stalls when they stop, engine “knocking” or keeps running after the ignition is off, or a “check engine” light staying on after its first started. On the other hand, these symptoms could be caused by other issues within the vehicles computerized systems. A lot of repair shops will start by performing a diagnostics test, to find out if a tune-up is the right solution to the problem.
Shopping for a Tune-up
• When comparing prices, be sure to ask for detailed explanations of what is included in the tune-up, because it could vary considerably.
• The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), a non-profit organization for technicians and other automotive service professionals, has a searchable directory of certified repair shops.
Source:
“How Much Does a Tune-up Cost? – CostHelper.com.” CostHelper, https://cars.costhelper.com/tune-up.html.
Bridwell Automotive Offers Tune-ups In Scottsdale, Arizona
Our dedicated team of ASE Master Technicians will tune-up your vehicle quickly and within your budget. You can schedule your tune-up with Bridwell Automotive Center by using our contact form. Stop by our Automotive Repair Shop in Scottsdale located at 7171 E Lincoln Dr. Scottsdale, Arizona 85253 or by giving Bridwell Automotive Center a call today (480) 948-4781.
