What Can Be Done
Aligning the car tires
Through normal use, the tires may start to lean to one side or another over time, making it hard to steer, and this is all due to the suspension system be out of alignment. Properly aligned tires will increase the tires life and will help you even save money from purchasing new tires sooner than later. Aligning the tires should be about $50 to $125 and will be done electronically to bring it back to factory specifications.
Changing the air filters
There will be two air filters located inside a car: one will be located in the engine chamber and the other filter will be located inside, usually within the glovebox. This filter will keep all dirt and debris from accessing the cars system and can either be replaced by yourself for less than $15 or if you choose a professional, it could be double or triple the cost.
Changing the oil
This is considered standard maintenance and is the lifeblood of your engine. Its responsible for coating all of the metal components to allow them to work efficiently without any restriction. No matter what kind of tune-up you get, it will more than likely always include an oil change. Depending on the amount of oil your engine needs, most changes will be $20 to $40.
Fuel filter replacement
Changing the oxygen sensor
Power steering flush
Replacing the PCV valve
Replacing the spark plugs
Transmission fluid flush
How Often A Tune
The tune-up interval varies by vehicle and can range from as frequently as every 48,000 km to every 160,000 km. You can find your tune-up interval in the back of your vehicleâs ownerâs manual under the maintenance schedule. Always use the severe maintenance schedule, as Canadaâs hilly terrain and extreme temperatures fall under this category.
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.
Recommended Reading: How To Increase Horsepower In A 4 Cylinder Car
Your Check Engine Light Is On
As long as you do tune-ups on a pretty regular basis, you should decrease the chances of your carscheck engine light coming on. But even if you do tune your car up early and often, you might still be left with a check engine light that turns on and stays on. Itll be reason enough to ask yourself, How much is a tune-up?
You shouldnt ever ignore your cars check engine light if you see it light up on your dashboard. It could indicate a very minor problem under your hood, but it could also be a sign of something more serious thats going on. A mechanic will be able to pull the codes from your cars computer to let you know. Theyll also be able to tell you whether or not a tune-up might be enough to get it to turn off.
Strange Or New Noises
Are you hearing any strange or unfamiliar noises when you drive your vehicle? Some of them may be innocuous, but more often, these are indications of new problems with your vehicle. For example, that clunking noise could be something loose, and that squealing noise could be an indication of low fluids. Your vehicle depends on a series of interrelated moving parts to remain functional when one of those parts is damaged or loose enough to cause a noise, its only going to get worse until you get it taken care of.
You May Like: How To Touch Up Car Paint Chips
Brake Pad And Rotor Replacement
Brake rotors, also known as brake discs, are the first thing that your brakes touch when you engage the brake pedal. Brake pads, on the other hand, are separate but similar and are located above the rotor so that the brakes are ready when you engage.
Youll know that the exterior part of the rotor is worn out when it gets super thin and is way below minimum thickness. You can extend the rotors lifespan by replacing your brake pads regularly, alternating between the rear and front axle sets in order to avoid uneven wear.
Replacing brake pads typically costs about $150 per axle, while new rotors will set you back an extra $100 per axle. So, you can expect to pay about $500 for both services. If you do have experience in replacing brake pads and rotors, then, by all means, knock yourself out, but if youre not sure how its done then have a professional technician to do it because its not a job for inexperienced car owners.
How Much Does A Tune
Spark plugs and wires can be replaced for $40-$150 or more for a basic tune-up, but a standard tune-up can cost $200-$800 or more. This may also include oil changes, a fuel system inspection, and computer diagnosis. As well as the replacement of spark plugs, wires, distributor caps, and rotors, as well as the replacement of fuel filters, PVC valves, and air filters.
The hourly labor rate plus the cost of the necessary parts determine the total cost of the repair. Repairs and modifications for vehicles with fewer than 90,000, 100,000, or 120,000 miles might cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 or more. If you wish to find car care facilities that provide these services at an affordable rate, we have good news. We recommend you to visit Way.com or download the Way app to find the best car wash near you.
Read our blogs for information on the best airport parking and hourly parking spots near you and the most affordable insurance for your car.
Read Also: Who Will Buy My Car
How To Know Your Car Needs A Tune
Because of sophisticated electronic ignition, spark plugs with lifetimes that exceed 100,000 miles, and on-board diagnostics, the traditional tune-up for engine timing and plugs is a thing of the past. The same goes for lubrication of joints, bearings, and other suspension bits. All these moving parts are sealed and lubed for life.
When a routine service is called for, its to primarily inspect worn items. This includes the brakes and wiper blades and checking and replacing air filters. Even coolant flushes or transmission oil change intervals are no longer an annual need. Engine coolant may be replaced every two or three years, while transmission oil can go even longer.
How Often Do I Need A Tune Up
The need for an engine tune up and maintenance can vary from vehicle to vehicle. It also depends on your vehicles gas mileage and engine age.
While some manufacturers recommend a car tune service every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, others suggest booking engine tune up services at 10,000 to 12,000 miles to get better fuel economy.
Modern vehicles with an electronic engine and fuel injection may follow a different car tune up schedule, with intervals as high as 100,000 miles.
If not sure, you can always refer to your owners manual to know the recommended schedule for a regular tune up.
That said, the more heavily you use your vehicle, the more regular tune ups youll need.
Recommended Reading: How Much Is Car Insurance In Colorado
Clean The Throttle Body
One of the first things you should do during a tune-up is clean the throttle body. This part of your engine helps regulate air and fuel intake, and dirt and debris can accumulate over time. Your cars owners manual will tell you how to enter this part of your engine. Once you clean the throttle body, it should look like new again.
Tire Balancing And Rotation
Tire balancing ensures a smooth, vibration-free ride after they have been mounted on your wheels, with the bonus of extending their life. After they have been in one position on your vehicle for a specific interval, it is a good idea, following instructions from your owners manual, to move them to a different position. By doing so, your tires should wear evenly regardless of their position on your vehicle.
Read Also: Why Are My Car Brakes Squeaking
What Does A Tune Up Include
First, take a look your owners manual for the year, make and model of the vehicle to see what maintenance is required. Each and every vehicle has a schedule of suggested and required maintenance needs, which is based on the vehicles age and mileage. A typical tune takes 2-4 hours to complete.
Many of todays vehicles use platinum spark plugs, lasting between 30,000-100,000 miles. This means they will not need to be replaced during each tune up. Some newer vehicles have an electronic ignition system rather than a distributor. There are a few signs that you may need a tune up soon. These signs include a stalling engine, engine knocking or a check engine light that stays on. Most repair shops will perform a diagnostics test to determine whether or not a tune up is needed.
What Is A Tune Up
The term tune up is a generic way to describe performing maintenance tasks that keep the vehicle in its best shape. Depending on how many miles are on the odometer, you will need to get a few basic services performed or a complete overall to a system.
Most manufacturers have a recommended maintenance schedule that shows you when you need various services performed. You can find this information in the owners manual.
Also Check: What Is A Control Arm On A Car
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.
Midas Touch Maintenance Package
Routine car maintenance can help you avoid roadside breakdowns, reduce costly repairs and, most importantly, help keep your vehicle safe, reliable and running longer. The Midas Touch® Maintenance Package consists of an oil and filter change, Midas Touch® Courtesy Check and a four wheel tire rotation.
Don’t Miss: How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Car Aligned
Whats The Cost Of A Tune
Most dealership service departments advertise their ability to service all makes and models. However, many places get service at competitive prices, ranging from $40 to $150 for a minimal tune-up that replaces spark plugs and spark plug wires. More specialized tune-ups run anywhere from $200 to $800, depending on how exotic your vehicle may be. Still, a we service all shop may not be the right thing for all cars. For example, we would not recommend having your Ferrari serviced at your local Kia dealership. Thats because they likely will not have the specialized tools and parts necessary for the job.
Consider it a little bit of preventive maintenance to make sure your vehicle never leaves you in a tough spot. You can get car maintenance pricing for your specific vehicle that customers are paying in your area here at Kelley Blue Book.
When youre ready, find a repair shop that can tune up your vehicle.
Related Car Repair Stories:
How Much Does A Tune Up Cost
What is the price of a tune up and what factors influence the final bill? We have all the information you need to know.
- ByMagnus Sellén
Auto manufacturers are always pointing out the need for a car tune up. This term can be used to describe a number of services, leaving people to wonder how much does a tune up cost? The price is going to depend on what services you get done.
In this guide, we evaluate whats included in the tune up and how much you can expect to spend. We also evaluate signs that a tune up is needed.
Read Also: How To Change Vin Number On Car
Youre Not Getting Good Fuel Economy
Does it feel like youre filling up your gas tank a whole lot more often than you used to? You might not just be imagining things! Your car could actually be burning through more fuel than it used to because you havent tuned it up enough.
There are all kinds of problems that can cause your car to burn through more fuel than it should. But something as simple as a bad sensor in your car could be behind your cars sudden dip in the fuel economy department. You could bring your car back up to speed and cut your fuel costs dramatically by finding out the answer to the question, How much is a tune-up?, and have a tune-up done.
Top Retailers And Companies
You can usually have a car tune-up at local mechanics, auto repair shops, and dealerships Firestone, Jiffy Lube, Midas, and Pep Boys are known to perform this service.
They all perform basic and more thorough tune-ups, but prices can vary a lot depending on the factors mentioned above a major cost changer is the number of services your car needs.
Heres a comparison of some services and price ranges, and the recommended miles to perform them:
| Service |
Recommended Reading: How Do I Get New Plates For My Car
What Does A Tune Up Consist Of
The tasks involved in a tune-up depend on the age of the vehicle. A traditional tune-up consists of several time-consuming inspections and mechanical adjustments to engine parts such as the carburetor. This style of tune-up applies to vehicles made decades ago. Today, most engine parts are controlled and monitored electronically, leaving little to manually adjust besides the spark plugs. And as technology has evolved, so has the meaning of tune-up.
At Midas, a typical tune-up on a more modern vehicle includes the following inspections and services:
- Install new spark plugs
- Check timing chain or timing belt
- Midas Touch Courtesy Check1
And what if your vehicle is more vintage? Were just as happy to tune up your carburetor, ignition points, distributor , timing belt, and fuel filter.
Complete Service For Your Car
A well maintained vehicle is more fuel efficient, more reliable, and will last longer, making the most of your auto investment. And your neighborhood Midas is the perfect car care partner. Our Midas auto systems experts®are trained to perform diagnostic and repair services on all makes and models, and we can take care of your factory recommended maintenance service as well.
Midas has over 1200 locations across the U.S. and Canada to provide car maintenance and car repair services wherever you are. From routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations to wear-related repairs including brakes and brake repair, mufflers and exhaust, and steering and suspension repairs, our Midas auto systems experts® have you covered. Just need an oil change or new tires? Your local Midas can help with that too.
See why millions of people have trusted Midas for auto repair service for over 50 years. Book your appointment today.
You May Like: How Does A Car Horn Work
Other Services To Consider During Your Tune
While todayâs car tune-up generally includes only spark plugs, ignition wires or coil pack boots, and cleaning or replacing the PCV valve, there are other services to consider during your tune-up.
Here are some of the other car maintenance services you may want to consider while getting a tune-up.
What Is Done During A Tune
Now that you know all the signs thatll show that you need a tune-up, you might be wondering what exactly is going to be done during a tune-up when you schedule one. The answer is that, well, it all depends! There are any number of things that might be done to your car when a mechanic tunes it up.
A mechanic will usually go over your car with a fine-toothed comb to see what aspects of it need to be tuned up. Theyll perform a tune-up based on the information you provide for them, what they find when checking out your car, and how many miles are on your car. Here are some of the things that they might then do during a tune-up.
Read Also: How To Install Car Battery
Your Engine Is Running Rough Or Stalling Out Altogether
Is yourengine running rough when you idle almost all the time? Or worse, is it starting to stall out on you at the worst possible times? These are some of the other signs that you might need to have a tune-up done. You could be experiencing issues with your spark plugs or some other components that are causing fits for you and your car.
Once an engine starts running rough or stalling out, the problem is only going to get worse and worse from there on out. Itll only be a matter of time before your engine is stalling out on you every day and putting you into some precarious positions. Youll need to call a local mechanic and ask, How much is a tune-up?, right away!
