Based on that data, we’ve found that it typically costs $150–$600 to get a tune-up for most modern cars. On higher-mileage or performance vehicles, a comprehensive tune-up can run $400–$900+, especially if ignition coils or hard-to-reach spark plugs are involved.
Older vehicles with distributor caps and plug wires land $200–$500. Luxury, turbocharged and direct-injection engines tend to land on the higher end due to parts quality and labor time.
If your symptoms are vague—like occasional stumbles or odd noises—use the Jerry app to get guidance on likely culprits before heading to a shop.
Real customers Jerry has helped
Costs for getting a tune-up depend on your exact vehicle, where you live and the quality of parts used. With Jerry, you can quickly see what drivers are paying right now. Below are real examples of customers we’ve helped secure top prices for when they need their wheels aligned.
Estimates are modeled based on real vehicle and location data; names have been changed. Actual prices will vary by shop, parts, and vehicle condition.
Why tune-up costs vary
A tune-up is a bundle of wear items and inspections that vary by engine design, mileage and access. Key factors include:
- Spark plugs: $75–$350 installed. Iridium/platinum plugs cost more but last longer. Hard-to-reach plugs (rear bank on some V6s, boxer engines) add labor costs.
- Spark plug wires/coils : $75–$200 for a set of wires (older cars). +$80–$200 per coil.
- Air and cabin filters: +$25–$120 combined.
- Fuel filter (if serviceable): +$60–$200. Many modern cars have non-serviceable in-tank.
- Throttle body cleaning: +$50–$150. Some drive-by-wire throttles need an idle relearn.
- PCV valve: +$20–$100. Some models integrate into valve cover.
- Fluids/inspection add-ons: +$20–$200 for high-mileage direct-injection engines.
Labor time is the wild card: A simple 4-cylinder engine might take 1–1.5 hours, while a cramped V6 requiring intake manifold removal can push 2.5–4.0 hours. At $90–$200 per hour, the same tune-up can cost $250 in one area and $650 in another.
Mileage interval matters: At ~100,000 miles, coils and boots may be weak and plug tube gaskets may seep—each adds parts and time. A “light” tune-up at ~60,000 miles may simply be plugs, filters and a throttle body clean.
What is a tune-up?
Modern tune-ups focus on restoring ignition and air/fuel delivery to like-new performance. That usually means:
- Spark plugs: The heart of combustion. Fresh plugs improve starting, idle, power and emissions.
- Ignition components: Coils or wires that deliver spark; coil boots often age/crack and are cheap insurance at high mileage.
- Air management: Engine air filter, throttle body and MAF sensor cleanliness. Airflow issues mimic ignition problems.
- Fuel-related checks: Fuel quality, filter (if serviceable) and basic injector performance assessment (DI engines may need carbon evaluation).
- PCV system: Keeps crankcase ventilation in check; stuck valves can cause idle and oil issues.
- Readiness scan and code check: Verifying no active misfires or sensor faults remain, plus resets/relearns as needed.
On older vehicles, add distributor cap/rotor and plug wires. On newer ones, it’s direct coil-on-plug service with a post-repair scan to confirm health.
Signs you need a tune-up
Run a diagnostic in the Jerry app if you notice:
- Hard starts or long crank times.
- Rough idle, shaking at stoplights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Worse fuel economy than usual.
- Check Engine Light, especially misfire codes (P0300–P030X).
- A sulfur/“rotten egg” smell or sooty tailpipe (rich running).
- Noticeable loss of power, especially uphill or under load.
Your action plan: How to save money
Check your owner’s manual:
Only replace what’s due and don’t swap coils that test OK.
Ask for a line-item estimate:
Include plug and coil brand, labor hours, intake/plenum gaskets if removal is required, shop supplies and taxes. Also ask if any TSBs apply.
Approve the diagnosis, not a guess:
P030X (single-cylinder): swap coils—if misfire follows, replace that coil + boot.
P0300 (random) + rough idle: check vacuum leaks/PCV/throttle cleanliness.
Long crank + lean codes (P0171/P0174): smoke test intake, verify fuel pressure, inspect MAF before parts.
Consider staggered service:
Do plugs/filters now and return for coils only if needed.
Avoid unnecessary upsells:
Induction services help DI engines with carbon build-up (idle stumble/low-speed misfires, poor MPG, borescope evidence), but aren’t mandatory for everyone.
Pick the right parts:
Iridium plugs last longer; replace coil boots on high-mile engines.
Use Jerry to compare shops that know your engine layout—matching the right tech can cut labor time and headaches and lower your tune-up cost.
Related repairs
Tune-ups often reveal or overlap with other repairs, as do maintenance reminders in the Jerry app. Check to see if these other services line up with your tune-up:
- Ignition coils or coil boots (cracked or oil-soaked)
- Valve cover gaskets leaking into spark plug wells
- Fuel injector cleaning or replacement
- Brake inspection
- Battery service or replacement if cranking is weak
- Intake manifold/plenum gasket replacement if removal is required for rear plugs (budget extra time on tight V6s)
- Chassis lubrication
None of these are strictly part of a tune-up, but they’re commonly discovered during the process and can be bundled to save repeat labor.
DIY vs. Pro: Can I do this myself?
If you’re handy, a basic tune-up on a simple 4-cylinder is doable—but modern engines are also tighter, torque-sensitive and full of fragile connectors. Here’s how to decide:
If you DIY: Blow debris from plug wells, replace one plug at a time, start by hand and torque to spec (avoid anti-seize unless the manufacturer specifies). Use MAF-specific cleaner only; clean throttle plates carefully and perform a relearn if required. If you see oil in plug tubes, fix the gasket leak, and replace spark plugs on high-mile engines.
Two months later, the same vehicle returned riding rough. With the previous estimate in hand, they approved the valve cover gasket repair. The oil killed the new coils, but we replaced the set under warranty. It was another good reminder that fixing the root cause of the problem almost always saves time and frustration.
What our customers are asking us
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How often do I need a tune-up?
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Will a tune-up fix my check engine light?
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Why are some quotes so different for “the same” tune-up?
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Do I need to replace all coils at once?
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Are induction services worth it?
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Why are spark plugs expensive on my vehicle?
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Can I drive with a misfire?
Jerel Lawrence is an experienced and certified automotive technician with a strong foundation in diagnostics, repair and technical mentorship. A graduate of NASCAR Technical Institute in 2010, Jerel began his career at national automotive repair chain locations, where he earned eight certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
From 2017 to 2022, he worked as a General Motors-certified technician at a Cadillac dealership, refining his skills in manufacturer-specific diagnostics and service procedures. Today, Jerel leads as the senior technician and mentor at a family-owned repair facility, where he helps guide the next generation of technicians while ensuring top-quality service.
In addition to hands-on work, Jerel contributes to the automotive community through writing detailed articles and answering technical questions to help vehicle owners better understand and care for their cars.
Everett Cook is an award-winning journalist and editor with more than 10 years of experience across a variety of industries. In editing for Jerry, Everett’s mission is to help readers have a better understanding of the costs of owning or leasing a car and to better understand their vehicle in terms of insurance and repairs. Prior to joining Jerry, Everett was an editor for Axios. His previous work has been featured in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Atlantic, Atlantic Re:think, The Boston Globe, USA Today, and others. He’s also been a freelance writer and editor with experience in SEO, audience building, and long-term content roadmaps. Everett is a proud graduate of the University of Michigan.
