A car tune-up is a scheduled maintenance service that most mechanics recommend you get every 30,000 miles or so. It includes a thorough inspection of your car’s engine and its various components, as well as a replacement of any parts that are worn out or no longer functioning properly. Its purpose is to ensure that your car is running smoothly and efficiently.
What’s included in a tune-up?
A typical tune-up will include checking and replacing the spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, and engine oil. The ignition system will also be checked and adjusted as needed. Depending on the make and model of your car, other components may also be included in the tune-up.
Dealers frequently complete maintenance tasks like:
- Filter and oil changes;
- Tire turning;
- Cleaning and adjusting the brakes;
- Replacement of the cabin and engine air filters;
- Services for fuel injection;
- Flushing the transmission fluid;
- Specialized services (for trucks and SUVs);
- Clearing the cooling system;
- Replacements for spark plugs;
- Replacement of the timing belt;
- Multifaceted examinations.
How much does a tune-up cost?
The cost of a tune-up can vary depending on the make and model of your car, as well as the location. However, you can expect to pay around $100-$200 for a basic tune-up. Franchised dealerships and independent repair shops will charge different prices.
Many mechanics will also offer discounts if you bundle a tune-up with other services, such as an oil change or tire rotation.
A tune-up usually takes about an hour to complete. However, the actual time will depend on the condition of your car and what needs to be done.
Remember that your service visit requires more time than is simply spent on the task. A technician's dispatch, lunch or coffee breaks, billing, and the numerous other duties service staff perform on a regular basis all require time. Because of this, you might have to leave your car for a 15-minute tire rotation with a 40-minute window of time.
How often should I get a tune-up?
As for how often you should get a tune-up, it really depends on how often you drive and how well you take care of your car. If you only drive a few thousand miles yearly, then once every two years should be fine. But if you drive more frequently or live in an area with harsh weather conditions, then once every year or even every 6 months might be necessary.
Most cars will need a tune-up every 30,000 miles or so. Consult your owner’s manual or a professional mechanic for more specific guidance on how often you should get a tune-up.
The oil change is an exception for many cars today. Nowadays, the majority of automobiles include an oil life monitor that keeps track of how you drive and suggests changing the oil when it suspects it is getting dirty. If your car has an oil life monitor, pay attention to it, or have your oil changed at least once a year.
Can I do my own tune-up?
In terms of doing your own tune-up, it’s possible to do some of the work yourself if you’re mechanically inclined. However, we wouldn’t recommend doing a full tune-up on your own unless you have experience working on cars. There’s just too much that can go wrong, and it’s not worth risking damaging your car or voiding its warranty.
When you bring your car in for a tune-up, the mechanic is also looking for other issues you might overlook. Compared to the majority of DIYers, they are much more likely to notice the following problems: worn suspension or brakes; indications of an alignment problem; small leaks that could develop into major issues; worn-out timing belt tensioners that could immediately destroy your new belt; or faulty O2 sensors causing the Check Engine light.
If you have recently bought a car, you can use the vin decoder in addition to information from a qualified mechanic.
Conclusion
So there you have it — everything you need to know about car tune-ups! Just remember that they’re essential for keeping your car running smoothly and avoiding costly repairs down the road. They can help diagnose any problems and recommend the best course of action for getting your car back into perfect shape!
