How Much is a Car Tuneup?

Key Takeaways:

• Preventative maintenance is essential to keeping your car road-ready.
• There are several key parts to a standard car tuneup, including spark plug replacement, an oil change and more.
• The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for car repairs promptly, keeping you on the road and where you need to be. Learn more and apply now.

Your vehicle is more than just a means of transportation — it's an asset that plays a significant role in your daily life. Whether you rely on your ride for commuting, errands or weekend adventures, your car must be reliable and safe.

Staying on top of preventative maintenance helps keep your vehicle performing optimally. Below, we'll dive into what to expect with regular car tuneups, what services are likely to be performed and how much you can expect to spend on a tuneup.

What Is a Car Tuneup?

The definition of a tuneup has shifted significantly as technology has evolved. In the past, vehicles required more intricate adjustments; modern tuneups are less about “tuning” and more about inspecting your vehicle and replacing parts as needed.

Tuneups optimize your engine’s performance and efficiency. If you stick to the regular tuneup schedule recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer, you may avoid potential problems and can keep your car performing at its best.

How Often Should I Get a Tuneup?

Check your vehicle owner’s manual to determine how often the manufacturer recommends tuneups. It’s common for older vehicles to need a tuneup every 10,000 miles. Newer cars, on the other hand, may only require a tuneup once a year. Your vehicle's make and model, the climate you live in, how you use your car and how frequently you use it can all affect your vehicle’s maintenance timeline.

What's Included in a Car Tuneup?

Here's what you can expect:

• Spark plug replacement (current average cost is $110-$370). Spark plugs ignite the air-fuel mixture in your engine’s cylinders. With time and use, they wear out, which can result in decreased fuel economy and difficulty starting your car. Replacing spark plugs ensures optimal combustion and smooth engine operation. Depending on what type of metal your car’s spark plugs are made from, they should be replaced every 30,000 to 100,000 miles.
• Fuel filter replacement (current average cost about $220). Fuel filters sift out impurities from the fuel before it reaches the engine. Clogged filters can impede the flow of fuel, which could cause your engine to stall. Replacing your fuel filter keeps the delivery of fuel running smoothly and can prevent damage to your engine components.
• Air filter replacement (current average cost is $20 to $60). Your air filter stops dirt, dust and other contaminants from entering the engine intake system. A dirty filter can block airflow, reducing engine power and fuel consumption. Changing your air filter ensures that your engine gets a stream of clean air for combustion, which helps it run optimally.
• Oil change (current average cost is $160 to $190). Oil keeps your engine’s moving parts greased to reduce friction and the buildup of heat. But oil breaks down over time, losing its effectiveness. Regular oil changes help protect your engine from premature wear and tear and ensure smooth operation.
• PCV valve inspection and replacement (current average cost is about $120 to $170). Your positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve regulates the flow of gases from the engine crankcase to the intake manifold. A malfunctioning PCV valve can cause increased emissions and problems with your engine’s performance. Having your PCV valve inspected and replaced, if needed, helps maintain proper engine ventilation.
• Ignition system inspection (current average cost is $240 to $310). Your ignition system consists of an intricate series of components including ignition coils, distributor and ignition wires. A faulty ignition system can cause engine misfires, rough idling and difficulty starting your engine. Ignition system inspections check for proper spark delivery and ignition timing.

How Much Does a Car Tuneup Cost?

On average, a car tuneup can roughly cost between $160 and $360, but the price varies depending on the make and model of your vehicle, the service provider's location and the maintenance services included. Pricing will also vary significantly from state to state, with metropolitan areas generally charging higher prices.

The table below has a breakdown of the average cost (including parts and labor) for each car tuneup service:

Car Tuneup Pricing by Service Performed

Other factors that could affect the cost of a tuneup include the use of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, labor rates and diagnostic testing.

Signs Your Car May Need a Tuneup

These warning signs could mean it's time for a tuneup:

• Engine misfire. A noticeable loss of power or a rough idle could indicate that your engine is misfiring, which is often caused by worn spark plugs or ignition components.
• Decreased fuel economy. If your visits to the gas station are more frequent, your engine may not be operating efficiently.
• Unusual engine noises. Noises like knocking or pinging from the engine could indicate underlying issues with your vehicle.
• Difficulty starting your engine. If your engine startup is sluggish, you may have ignition or fuel delivery issues.
• Check engine light. An illuminated check engine light suggests a problem with the engine or emissions system, which requires immediate attention.

By recognizing these signs early, you can proactively fix critical issues before they escalate, to help keep your car in top condition.

DIY Car Tuneup vs. Professional Tuneup

Thinking of doing your car tuneup yourself? Here are some factors to consider:

Pros of DIY Car Tuneups

1. Cost savings. DIY tuneups can save you money by eliminating labor costs.
2. Hands-on learning. DIY maintenance can help you learn about vehicle components and systems and how they work.
3. Convenience and flexibility. As a DIYer, you can complete the work where and when you want.

Cons of DIY Car Tuneups

1. Lack of expertise and equipment. You may lack the proper tools and skills, putting yourself at risk of making costly mistakes.
2. Time and effort. DIY tuneups require a significant investment of your time and labor.
3. Limited warranty coverage. Your DIY repairs may not be eligible for warranty protection and may void your manufacturer's warranty. You definitely don’t want that.

Pros of Professional Tuneups

1. Expertise and experience. Professionals can diagnose and fix issues accurately and efficiently.
2. Comprehensive inspection. Professionals conduct thorough vehicle checks to catch potential problems early.
3. Warranty coverage. Some services may qualify for warranties on parts and labor, for cost savings and peace of mind.

Cons of Professional Tuneups

1. Costs. Professional automotive services often come with higher price tags including labor rates, parts costs and service fees.
2. Timing. Scheduling service appointments can be inconvenient, which could lead to delays in your repairs or maintenance.
3. Less personalized care. Technicians often don't communicate directly with service customers, even if you’d like to. You’ll likely be speaking with a service advisor instead.

Tuneups that Align with your Budget

Routine maintenance can keep your car running smoothly and reliably. By proactively addressing issues as they arise, you can help avoid costly repairs and keep your vehicle in peak condition for years to come.

And whether your tuneup is DIY or professional, spreading out the payments over time can give you the financial flexibility to keep your future repairs on schedule too.

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