Regular tune-ups maintain engine performance, fuel economy, and reliability. From spark plugs to fuel system cleaning, Tresl helps you keep your engine running at peak efficiency without straining your budget.
Get Financing NowThe "tune-up" has evolved significantly from the days of carburetors and points ignition.
Older vehicles required frequent adjustments because mechanical components wore and drifted out of specification. A technician would manually adjust timing, carburetor, and ignition points.
Computer-controlled engines self-adjust timing and fuel mixture. "Tune-up" now means replacing wear items and cleaning systems that accumulate deposits over time.
What gets replaced or serviced during a modern tune-up.
Ignite the air/fuel mixture. Worn plugs cause misfires, poor economy, and hard starting. Modern plugs last 60,000-100,000 miles.
Generate high voltage for spark plugs. Coil-on-plug designs mean one coil per cylinder. Failed coils cause misfires and check engine lights.
Removes dust and debris from intake air. Clogged filter restricts airflow, reducing power and economy. Easy DIY replacement on most vehicles.
Removes deposits from injectors that cause poor spray patterns. Restores proper fuel atomization for better combustion and economy.
Removes carbon buildup from throttle plate and bore. Dirty throttle body causes rough idle, stalling, and poor throttle response.
Carry high voltage to spark plugs (older vehicles). Cracked or worn wires cause misfires and radio interference. Not needed on coil-on-plug engines.
Watch for these symptoms indicating tune-up components are worn.
If your MPG has dropped noticeably without changes in driving habits, worn spark plugs, clogged air filter, or dirty injectors could be the cause.
Engine shakes or runs unevenly at idle, or stalls at stops. Often caused by dirty throttle body, worn plugs, or vacuum leaks.
Codes P0300-P0308 indicate misfires. Usually caused by worn spark plugs, failed coils, or fuel delivery issues.
Engine feels less responsive, takes longer to reach speed. Could be restricted air filter, carbon buildup, or worn ignition components.
Engine cranks longer than usual before firing. Worn spark plugs, weak fuel pressure, or failing ignition components may be responsible.
Engine hesitates when accelerating or stumbles under load. Often caused by fuel system issues or ignition problems.
| Service Level | 4-Cylinder | 6-Cylinder | 8-Cylinder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (plugs + air filter) | $100-$180 | $150-$250 | $200-$350 |
| Standard (+ fuel system clean) | $180-$300 | $250-$400 | $300-$500 |
| Complete (+ coils if needed) | $300-$500 | $400-$700 | $500-$900 |
| Major Service (all items) | $400-$600 | $550-$850 | $700-$1,100 |
V6 and V8 engines with plugs buried under intake manifolds or against the firewall cost more in labor. Some require removing intake manifolds to access rear plugs, adding 1-3 hours of labor. Get a quote specific to your vehicle before committing.
Tune-ups on modern vehicles with iridium plugs and coil-on-plug ignition can cost $300-$800 or more. Combining with other maintenance items makes financing sensible for managing your budget.
| Amount | 12 Mo | 24 Mo |
|---|---|---|
| $500 | $45/mo | $24/mo |
| $750 | $67/mo | $36/mo |
| $1,000 | $89/mo | $47/mo |
| $1,500 | $134/mo | $71/mo |
*Estimated at 12.99% APR
A proper tune-up improves power, economy, and reliability. Get approved for financing in minutes.