Do cars still need tune-ups?
Whether you have a car with an older ignition system or a new one, it’s necessary to have a tune-up done when your vehicle’s owner manual requires it. If you don’t, you run the risk of having your vehicle run poorly. A properly tuned vehicle will run smoothly and perhaps even see better fuel economy.
What does a tune up include?
The tune-up should also include cleaning or replacing the spark plugs and, on older cars, the distributor cap and rotor. Tune-ups may also include replacement of the fuel filter, oxygen sensor, PCV valve, and spark plug wires. If your vehicle contains platinum spark plugs, they may not need to be changed as frequently.
How much does tuneup cost?
However, there are many places to 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.
Does a tune up include ignition coils?
What is generally considered the tune-up today is just the replacement of the spark plugs. The next type of ignition system (mostly on older vehicles) has a distributor, coil, spark plug wires and plugs. This type of ignition system tune up normally replaces the distributor cap and rotor, wires, and plugs.
How often does car need a tune up?
Older vehicles with non-electronic ignitions should be tuned up every 10,000-20,000 miles, while newer vehicles can go anywhere between 30,000-100,000 miles before a tune-up is needed. Refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations for your vehicle’s tune-up schedule, and when in doubt, ask your mechanic.
Are tune ups worth it?
Air conditioning tune-ups provide a valuable service to homeowners. They restore much of the AC unit’s lost efficiency and capacity. Additionally, tune-ups improve reliability by catching problems before they lead to failures. However, the energy efficiency improvements rarely cover the cost of an annual tune-up.