Car Tune Up? How Much? And Where to get done?

Question

Ok, so my car needs to be smogged before i can get my new tags for registration. Someone suggested that I get my car tuned up before I do it. I'm a College student, so I do have to watch my money. So I wanted to know about how much do they cost? And also who does car tune ups? Are there any major or well known places that do these?

I have a 2000 Chevy Malibu and my miles are a bit on the high side (don't know how much exactly). And I also heard that it could be a do it your self job, but I know squat about cars and would rather just pay to have it done. I would end up doing more damage to it than anything. So any advice would be appreciated.

Answer 1

You can get a tune up from any mechanic shop.  You do NOT need to go to a dealer (this is a routine / easy work).

The cost could be $100 to $250 depending on the shop.  Here is the list of items that need to be done:

(1) spark plugs

(2) spark plug wires

(3) distributors, coil, rotors (if you have them).

(4) new air filter

(5) PCV

(6) correct tire pressure

(7) clear the trunk of useless heavy items

(8) spray clean MAF sensor.

Good Luck...

P.S.  You are correct.  It can be done by home mechanic.  But if you do not know about cars, you can easily s***w thing up.

Answer 2

typical tune up consists of spark plugs plug wires oil and oil filter new airfilter and maybe a flushing of the coolant system and refilling it

as far as cost goes that is something my service writer does and hes  not around i could tell you to do it your self but the plugs are kinda hard to reach on the v6 engine in the malibus    you can change the air filter and drain  flush and refill the coolant system yourself

just make sure you double check stuff after the shop does this as ive had many many complaints about walmart and a few other shops not putting oil back in the car and so on     as soon as you pick it up make sure it has oil and coolant

good luck

Answer 3

best way to get prices is to call around to a few garages and ask them for a price quote for a basic tune up. all you will need to know when calling is the year, make, model, engine size and mileage. but beware because some garages do take advantage of people, so make sure you are getting accurate information from multiple garages before making your decision on which one will service you the best.  

Answer 4

a tune up for your car might run between 4-500 bucks.

I suggest you ask the locals or your neighbors about any good technicians in your area.

Also take a look at the maintenance schedule in your owners manual. And have a qualified technician perform the maintenance.

Good luck!