A tune up is a preventative maintenance procedure for a vehicle to keep the engine is functioning at its best. It can include various services, such as inspecting, cleaning, and/or replacing components directly affecting engine performance. At some shops, it’s as simple as replacing spark plugs and the engine air filter, while at others, it’s a comprehensive service that includes a thorough inspection of multiple systems along with fluid changes, a new ignition coil pack, and more.
Tune ups ensure your vehicle is reliable, safe, and fuel-efficient. They can also extend the lifespan of your car, improve its resale value, and minimize the need for expensive repairs.
What Is a Car Tune Up and Do I Need One?
- What Does a Car Tune Up Include?
- How Often Does Your Car Need a Tune Up?
- Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune Up
- How Much Does a Tune Up Cost?
What Does a Car Tune Up Include?
A vehicle’s make, model, and age can all factor into what a mechanic checks during a tune up. The service may include:
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Spark-plug replacement: In a gas-powered engine, the spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber. They can wear out, though, causing misfires, reduced fuel economy, or rough idling. Replacing spark plug wires and, if necessary, the ignition coil ensures consistent ignition.
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Air-filter replacement: A clogged filter restricts airflow to the engine, causing an imbalance in the air-fuel mixture and increased engine emissions. Installing a clean air filter can often fix such issues.
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Fuel-system maintenance: This entails inspecting and sometimes replacing the fuel filter, cleaning the fuel injectors, and testing the fuel pump to ensure proper fuel delivery to the engine.
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An oil change: Fresh engine oil and oil filters help reduce friction and wear, extending the engine’s lifespan. An oil change is often part of regular maintenance and included in a tune up.
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An ignition-system check: The ignition system, including the ignition timing, is inspected to ensure proper synchronization of spark and combustion. Older vehicles may require inspecting the distributor cap.
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Coolant-reservoir and hose inspection: The mechanic should inspect all hoses for cracks and leaks as well as check the condition and level of the coolant — an essential fluid for preventing overheating. A tune up may also include a coolant flush, which many vehicles require every two years.
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Positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve replacement: The PCV valve is part of many vehicles’ emissions control systems. It needs regular inspection and possibly replacement.
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Throttle-body cleaning: The throttle body controls airflow to the engine. Cleaning ensures smooth acceleration and may resolve issues like rough idling or stalling.
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A transmission-fluid check: Some tune up services may include inspecting the condition of the transmission fluid, which acts as a lubricant and coolant for parts in the transmission and needs occasional replacement.
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An inspection of the air-conditioning system: Some technicians may check the air-conditioning system, usually upon request. The technician will inspect the compressor and condenser for leaks or other issues.
How Often Does Your Car Need a Tune Up?
Owner’s manuals don’t typically call for “tune ups” but instead call out when the vehicle needs to have certain elements inspected or replaced. Those intervals vary on the make and model. A car’s maintenance schedule may also change as it racks up miles, particularly if you drive it in harsh conditions, regularly trudge through stop-and-go traffic, or carry heavy loads.
Age also matters. Vehicles with traditional distributor caps or carburetors may need a tune up annually or every 20,000 to 30,000 miles. Modern cars with electronic ignition systems and advanced fuel injection (found in most vehicles since the early 1990s) may go 60,000 to 100,000 miles between tune ups.
It also doesn’t hurt to have a car inspected before taking it on a cross-country trip.
Signs That Your Car Needs a Tune Up
Besides following the maintenance schedule in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, you may want to consider getting a tune up should you notice any of the following:
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Decreased fuel economy: A noticeable drop in gas mileage often points to issues with the air filter, spark plugs, or fuel system.
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Engine misfires or hesitation: Frequent misfires, hesitation during acceleration, or stalling can result from loose ignition wires, dirty fuel injectors, or a failing ignition coil.
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Rough idling or stalling: A dirty throttle body, a clogged fuel filter, or a faulty PCV valve can cause the engine to idle unevenly or even stall.
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Difficulty starting: This is often a sign of a problem with the ignition system (such as a dead battery or faulty alternator), but it could also result from an issue with the spark plug wires or fuel pump.
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A check-engine light: When that light illuminates in the dash, it’s best to get your vehicle to a mechanic as soon as possible for diagnosis and treatment.
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Noisy engine or exhaust: Knocking sounds from the engine or unusual exhaust noises should concern any car owner. A tune up can possibly resolve these issues before they become debilitating (and costly) problems.
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Poor air-conditioning performance: If your air conditioning system is underperforming or simply not working, ask your mechanic to check the compressor and condenser while also inspecting the rest of the vehicle.
How Much Does a Tune Up Cost?
Given the variation in tune up services, it should be no surprise that the cost for this procedure also varies greatly.
A basic tune up — wherein the shop or dealership performs essential services like spark-plug replacement, an air-filter change, and an oil change — should cost about $200 to $300. If you purchased your vehicle from a dealership, you may be able to have some of this work done under warranty for a time.
A more comprehensive tune up involving cleaning the fuel system, replacing the PCV valve, checking coolant levels, and inspecting hoses may set you back $300 to $800.
Luxury or performance vehicles tend to demand a premium along with specialized parts, which increases the cost — sometimes beyond $1,000.
Also, not all vehicles have easily accessible parts. Getting to spark plugs and ignition wires may require a lot of effort and time, which ups the price of the service.
