Tune-up costs for older cars are higher because they often require more frequent replacement of parts like spark plugs, distributor caps, and fuel filters, and may involve more labor-intensive inspections.
Older vehicles and classic cars usually cost more to tune up because they contain more mechanical parts. High mileage can also lead to more expensive tune-ups: a car with more than 120,000 miles can cost up to $1,200 to tune up depending on the services involved.
A full tune up can run you between $200 and $800. As noted above, the cost of tune up varies depending on the cost of parts and labor where you live. DIY for the mechanically inclined. Some drivers like to roll up their sleeves and perform basic tune ups themselves.
How do you know when your car needs a tune-up? An older model that has a non-electric ignition should be serviced every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or annually. Newer vehicles with fuel injection systems and electronic ignitions should be serviced every 25,000 up to 100,000 miles.
“Mechanics” used to perform a tune-up, but now “technicians” do them. Depending on your car, you might have this work done at the 30,000-mile mark. Then again, for other types of cars, trucks, SUVs, and hybrids, the mile mark is 90,000 or more.
The most expensive car tuning types tend to involve significant modifications to the engine or the body of a vehicle: Engine tuning involves upgrading various components, such as the turbocharger, intercooler, and the exhaust system to improve power and efficiency. This type of tuning can cost several thousand dollars.
Typically older vehicles with non-electric ignitions should be serviced at least every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or yearly. Vehicles that are newer with fuel injection systems and electronic ignition can be serviced every 25,000 to 100,000 miles without needing a serious tune-up.
If your car doesn't get regular tune-ups, it won't accelerate as quickly or easily. This makes it hard to drive when you're in a hurry and easy to get frustrated with your vehicle. Plus, if your car isn't running efficiently, then it's going to lose power while driving.
The average cost of a 100k service is $500-$800 but can vary widely based on the specific procedures needed and local labor rates. Premium fluids and parts increase costs too.
When the high voltage produced by the ignition system is applied between the center electrode and ground electrode of the spark plug, the insulation between the electrodes breaks down, current flows in the discharge phenomenon, and an electrical spark is generated.
When we talk about a simple tune-up, we're basically talking about five things: changing spark plugs, ignition wires, O2 sensors, and air and cabin filters. These are well within the ability of even a novice do-it-yourselfer.
A tune-up tends to cost between $40 and $150, but in some cases the cost could be $800 or more, depending on what a tune-up consists of. Understanding what a tune-up exactly is and the proper cost of a tune-up is important.
Regardless of what vehicle you drive or how well you drive it, your car won't last very long without regular maintenance and the occasional tune-up.
But if you're inexperienced and hesitant to try the job yourself, it could be safer to have a repair shop, like AutoZone's Preferred Shops, do it for you. Rather than take a chance on damaging something and adding to the repair cost, it'll get done in a timely fashion by a professional.
Spark plugs inspection and cleaning are a must. An oil change and oil filter change, tire rotation, cabin air filter, brake inspection, transmission fluid change, and coolant-system flush may also be on the agenda.
Most older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be tuned every 10,000 to 12,000 miles or every year, whichever comes first. Newer cars with electronic ignition and fuel injection systems are scheduled to go from 25,000 miles to as many as 100,000 miles without needing a major tune-up.
The benefits of a car tune-up are longer vehicle life, improved performance, and enhanced fuel economy. Recognizing the signs your car needs a tune-up and giving it one when required will help prolong its lifespan and save you money on costly repairs.
Our tune-up services include:
Visual inspection of engine components such as choke, throttle linkage, spark plugs, wires and distributor cap. Spark plug and replacement. Spark plug wire replacement (if needed) Pre/post diagnostic check on most OBD-equipped vehicles.
Both of these services are usually part of a tune-up, but they may not be needed every single year. A car maintenance schedule will also include routine oil changes and transmission flushes, which you need to tackle based on mileage, not a calendar date.
The cost of tuning your car depends on your car type, how much you want to tune it, where you get it done, and the type of tuning. But If you're looking for a basic tune-up and want to keep your car running smoothly, expect to pay around $200-$400.
Increased Exhaust Emissions. Another sign your car may be due for a tune-up is if it's emitting more exhaust than usual, which could mean an issue with the oxygen sensor, the fuel injection system, or a vacuum leak. It's important to check and resolve any of these issues before they cause real damage to your vehicle.
A software calibration will increase the performance of your engine, allowing it to reach its highest efficiency without making any mechanical modifications. It can add 5-50 horsepower to most cars.