Page Contents [hide]

1 Engine Tune Up Pricing and Schedule

1.1 Every 3,000 to 10,000 Miles

1.2 Every 10,000 to 50,000 Miles

1.3 Every 50,000 to 100,000 Miles

2 What Is A Tune Up?

2.1 Signs That You Need A Tune Up

2.2 How To Do A Tune Up

3 What Is Done In A Tune Up

3.1 Changing the Oil and Oil Filter

3.2 Replacing Air Filters

3.3 Performing an Alignment

3.4 Replacing Spark Plugs

3.5 Fuel Filter Replacement

3.6 PCV Valve Replacement

3.7 Transmission Fluid Flush

3.8 Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement

3.9 Power Steering Flush

3.10 New Wires

3.11 Changing Oxygen Sensors

3.12 Timing Belt Replacement

3.13 Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaning

4 Where Can I Get A Tune Up?

The foundation of automotive maintenance is staying on top of your manufacturers

recommended service schedule. These maintenance activities are known as a tune up
and can include many different services which are discussed below. This is why the

average car tune up cost ranges from $150 to over $1,000 and will depend on which
items need to be completed.
The timing and costs of the procedures will vary between different models and years,
but every Truck, SUV and car needs to be tuned up to maintain safe and effective
operation. A standard tune up can cost $50 to $200, while more complex tasks can
range from $500 to $900. This is taking into consideration the price of the parts and
labor required to perform the work. If you are able to properly service an automobile,
you can save yourself a lot of money.

ENGINE TUNE UP PRICING AND SCHEDULE

Many people ask the question, how much does a tune up cost? There is no direct
answer to this with the wide range of service items available with vastly different
pricing. Your vehicles model will also influence the price of the service due to the
price of the parts along with the labor fees. Use the table below that provides the most
common tune up items, along with the price that you should expect to pay.
Make sure that you shop around and get a second or third opinion to make sure that
you are not being taken advantage of. There are many instances where auto service
shops will tell customers that they need more repairs than what is necessary, trying to
make as much money as they can from the visit. This is especially true if you are not
educated on what really is a straightforward topic clearly defined in the manual.

Every 3,000 to 10,000 Miles

Service

Suggested Interval

Price

Oil and Oil Filter Change

Every 3,000 miles

$30 $70

Air Filter Change

Every 10,000 miles

$20

Cabin Air Filter Change

Every 10,000 miles

$25

Wheel Alignment

Every 10,000 miles

$75 $150

Tire Balance and Rotation

Every 7,500 miles

$25-75

Every 10,000 to 50,000 Miles

Service

Suggested Interval

Price

Spark Plug Replacement

Every 50,000 -100,000 miles

$100 $200

Distributor Cap Replacement

Every 50,000 miles

$50 $150

Fuel Filter Replacement

30,000 50,000 or 2 years

$50 $100

PCV Valve Replacement

Every 30,000 miles or after 1 year

$25 $75

Transmission Flush

Every 50,000 miles or after 2 years

$150 $300

Rotor Replacement

Every 50,000 miles

$300 $400

Every 50,000 to 100,000 Miles

Service

Suggested Interval

Price

Power Steering Fluid Flush

Every 100,000 miles

$50 $100

New Spark Plug Wires

Every 60,000 miles

$150 $250

Oxygen and Air Sensor Replacement

Every 100,000 miles

$100 $300

Timing Belt Replacement

Every 100,000 miles

$150 $1000

Mass Air Flow Sensor Replacement

Every 100,000 miles

$150 $250

The tables above provide information about suggested vehicle tune up costs. The
suggested interval will vary, so please refer to your owners manual for exact
information. These costs are based on the average costs from national service

providers and feedback from users. Some of these repairs and replacements can be
completed DIY, which will save a significant amount of money.

WHAT IS A TUNE UP?

An automotive tune up is a scheduled set of

specific repair items performed throughout the life of your vehicle. They are intended
to prevent a variety of major failures from happening and are necessary to maintain
the reliability of your car, SUV or truck on the road. The manufacturer provides a
recommended checklist of maintenance to be completed each year, your preferred
mechanic can help you determine the cost to perform the service.

Signs That You Need A Tune Up

Check engine light is on.

Decreased performance and fuel efficiency.

Running rough while idling or stalling.

Squeaking from engine compartment

Unresponsive breaking or turning

How To Do A Tune Up
If you can not afford to take your vehicle to a shop, then you can perform the majority of
tune up items by yourself. It is very easy to determine what maintenance tasks need to
be completed based on your owners manual, and most parts can be purchased at a

store such as Advanced Auto Parts. You will notice that the cost of parts is cheap
compared to the overall price charged by local service stations. This is because the
majority of the total cost for a tune up comes from labor and mark ups.
We recommend that you read about each task below to get a better understanding of
the work to be done and parts required. There are many great guides
available online that will take you through the process step by step. You will find that
changing filters, spark plugs, fluids and most sensors are very quick fixes that can be
done yourself.

WHAT IS DONE IN A TUNE UP

There is a long list of items that need to be inspected and worked on to ensure your
investment is protected. All professional establishments will utilize a computer
based diagnostics system that can read information from your vehicles computer to
help diagnose problems with your car. They will also look into your manufacturers
recommended service schedule to make sure that everything is up to date. You may not
be aware of impending failures without using this reference which can lead to major
repair costs and dangerous situations. This is why you should make sure each of the
tune up described below are properly maintained. The cost of a tune up will vary
depending on how many of the below items are required for your automobile.

Changing the Oil and Oil Filter

The oil is the lifeblood of your engine which keeps it lubricated and
running smoothly and oil changes are standard routine maintenance. Oil coats all of the
metal components, such as the pistons, allowing them to work efficiently without any

friction or restriction. It will begin to break down over time and become dirty. Once this
happens, it will begin to cause wear on the parts and clog the filter which restricts the
flow.
You can easily complete this tune up task by yourself through draining the oil from your
engine through a plug underneath the car along with removing the filter. This may not
save you that much money though as standard oil changes are relatively
inexpensive. This may cost between $30 to $50 depending on the type and amount
of oil that your vehicle requires. Just follow a professional recommendation for which
choice is best for your vehicle. Synthetic and high mileage blends may be more
expensive, but worth the increased price if that is the recommendation.

Replacing Air Filters

There are two main air filters in most modern cars. One is found in
the engine compartment, while the other will be closer to the cabin. They are similar to
other air filters that you may be more familiar with and are important to keep dirt and
debris from entering your vehicless systems.
There are two main air filters that can be easily and quickly replaced on your own. A
quick trip to the auto parts store is all that is required for this replacement which will
only cost about $10. You dont even need to do any research beforehand, since a
reference book will be located near the air filters at the store. Simply look up your make
and model and the correct filter will be found there.

Performing an Alignment

Your wheels are connected to the suspension system which is

subject to being knocked out of align through things such as potholes and just normal
use. You will notice that your car may pull to either side or be difficult to steer which is a
sign that alignment is required. This will help save you money on replacing tires, as
properly aligned wheels will create even wear, extending the life of the tire.
A professional technician will be required for this service and should on average cost
between $75 to $150. There are a few different alignment options to choose from, so
be sure to shop around and find the best deal. An electronic measurement system will
be utilized to finely adjust your wheels to the original factory specifications. You should
be aware that a suspension inspection will also be performed and more work may be
recommended, but this is not often required. If it is suggested by the mechanic, you will
want to take the vehicle to another location for a second opinion.

Replacing Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are used to ignite the fuel and air mixture in internal
combustion engines. They are found at the head of each cylinder and connected to a an
insulated wire which carries the electricity required to create the spark. They have a
lifespan which depends on the material they are made of and will begin to fail after a
certain number of miles. You will notice that your car will have trouble starting or run
poorly when spark plug replacement is required.

A typical car engine has 4 spark plugs, while larger SUVs and trucks can have up to 8.
This will influence the cost of the service which can range from $100 $200 at a
shop. It is also a possibility to complete this task yourself and only requires a
specialized ratchet head with an extension to reach the spark plugs, which may be
difficult to get to. You can reference the specific plug required by consulting an associate
at a auto parts store where the plugs can be purchased. This may cost a maximum of
$50 which will definitely save you money and time.

Fuel Filter Replacement

Fuel filters sit in line between the gas tank and your engine. They
are able to remove any particles and debris suspended in the liquid gas. The gas tank
will also rust and deposit ions and moisture which can damage engine components if
not removed. A fuel filter can become clogged and block the flow of fuel to the engine
resulting in combustion problems and poor performance.
Your fuel filter is either stand alone or located within the fuel pump. The average cost
for the part is about $25 if you are able to replace it yourself. If it is complicated, a
shop will be able to complete the fuel filter replacement for close to $100.

PCV Valve Replacement

A positive crankcase ventilation valve, also known as a PCV valve,

enables an engine to relieve pressure from gases that have entered the crankcase.
Blow-by is a common issue with internal combustion engines and is remedied by this
device through venting the gas.
You should expect to change this once a year in case it becomes clogged or begins to
stick. This $10 part plays a major role in an internal combustion engine and is easy to
replace on your own. A shop might charge $50 for the replacement.

Transmission Fluid Flush

Your transmission is full of a low viscosity oil which is generally

colored red or green to appear different than motor oil. This transmission fluid is used as
a hydraulic fluid which provides the forces necessary for all of the functions of a
transmission. It simultaneously lubricates and distributes heat in the gears of an
automatic transmission.
A transmission flush is the most over-recommended service, so be very hesitant about
breaking out your wallet when your mechanic makes the suggestion. You can check the
condition of the fluid along with your service manual to see if it is actually necessary.
This service should be performed by professionals to make sure that the levels are
appropriate and will cost between $150 and $300.

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement

Brake rotors are commonly referred to as discs, and are the

surface that the brake pad comes in contact with. This applies a force to in order to
create friction which stops the wheels from spinning. Brake pads are separate, but
closely related, as they sit right on top of the rotor waiting for you to apply the braking
mechanism. The surface of the rotor becomes worn down over time and needs to be
replaced when the specified minimum thickness is reached. You can extend the life of
the rotor by staying on top of brake pad replacement, which will reduce the amount of
money you spend. This service should be completed in sets on the front or rear axle to
prevent uneven wear.
Having brake pads replaced will cost on average $150 per axle, and requiring new
rotors can increase that number by an additional $100 per axle. This puts the
combination of both services at $500 on average. This service can be performed by
experienced individuals, but it is recommended to allow a professional technician
complete the job. This is especially true if you are not sure if new rotors are required.

Power Steering Flush

Power steering fluid acts as a hydraulic liquid which helps turn the
wheels. Over time, your fluid level will go down and begin to get dirty, but nowhere near
as often as other items. You should consult your users guide to see if this service is
even recommended by the factory as it is not always required.

Just make sure that the reservoir is always filled up to the appropriate line, which should
be easily visible under the hood. A standard $10 bottle of power steering fluid from
the auto parts store should be sufficient, but some manufacturers require a specific
item so be sure to check this. If you notice any squeaking while turning, or increased
resistance, then you might want to consider having the power steering system checked
and flushed.

New Wires

Spark plug wires connect your cars electrical system to the spark
plugs and carry the electrical current required to create the spark. This ignites the fuel
inside an internal combustion engine. They come with a thick rubber insulation which
breaks down over time and starts to bleed off voltage, along with increased resistance
inside the wire from usage. If you are having trouble with you car running smoothly, then
this is commonly an overlooked culprit.
Replacing your wires is a quick and cheap job which can be purchased locally for
about $50 and requires no special tools, so you can do it yourself. Pep Boys always
seems to have a good selection of wires and professional advice to help you choose the
right set. It is as easy as removing each wire and replacing it one by one to make sure
you dont make the wrong connection. We recommend that you also purchase di-electric
gel to coat each end of the wire before connecting it to the spark plug and distributor. A
service garage may charge up to $200 for this job, so you can save a good amount of
money here.

Changing Oxygen Sensors

Modern automobiles utilize oxygen sensors to report air quality

and combustion exhaust oxygen levels to the on-board computer to fine tune the air to
fuel mixture and confirm proper engine operation. This is a common cause of the check
engine light, and the faulty sensor can be discovered through reading the error codes
from your cars computer. Locations such as Auto Zone will actually read your error
codes for free and print them out to help you diagnose the issue, so be sure to take
advantage of this opportunity.
A new oxygen sensor can cost up to $100, with the labor being an additional
$150. If you have multiple sensors that have gone bad, then this can add up quickly to
an expensive repair. It is possible for you to complete the replacement on your own, but
be weary as most sensors are very difficult to get to as they are tucked into some tight
spots underneath your vehicle.

Timing Belt Replacement

The timing belt is a very important rubber band that you can see
clearly when looking under the hood. It keeps your crank shaft and cam shafts in
synchronization which allows the engine to run well. This is also connected to the
pulleys and tensioners, which should also be replaced during this service to ensure
equal wear. A failure of any of these parts can cause serious damage to the valves and

pistons which is a very expensive repair. When the belt starts to squeak it is a good time
to have this checked or just replaced.
The parts required for the complete timing belt service will cost up to $150, but the labor
is the majority of the job. On certain automobiles, many parts have to be removed to get
to the timing belt which could increase the labor costs up to $800. On average, a timing
belt replacement will cost $500 for a car and $750 for a larger truck or SUV. This is
the most expensive part of any car tune up cost, but also is also a required automobile
service task since it can cause the most damage if it fails. Do not skip this to try and
save money, it will only end up costing you more in the long run.

Mass Air Flow Sensor Cleaning

The mass air flow sensor, commonly referred to as the MAF,

measures the temperature and volume of air flowing into the engine through the air
intake. This is used to adjust the fuel mixture and create efficient combustion in the
cylinders. If your MAF goes bad you will most likely notice a loss in engine power and
your check engine light will light up. This can be diagnosed by reading the error code
with a diagnostic computer.
The mass air flower sensor is found in between the air intake filter and engine. You can
remove this piece of inspect it for damage and check if it is dirty. If it appears to be dirty
you can use MAF cleaner available in parts stores to try and clean it off. If this doesnt
work you should consider replacing the part which costs about $75 to do it
yourself. If you have a shop do it, then this could cost up to $200. Just make sure that

you research the specific sensor that has been specified for your make and model
vehicle.

WHERE CAN I GET A TUNE UP?

Do it yourself if you want to save money.

Your local mechanic or dealership.

Firestone

Jiffy Lube

Midas

Pep Boys