How Much Does Engine Tune-Up Cost?
Updated for 2026 — national average costs with state-by-state breakdowns
What Does Engine Tune-Up Include?
An engine tune-up replaces wear items that affect engine performance — spark plugs, air filter, fuel filter, PCV valve, and sometimes ignition wires. Modern tune-ups are simpler than they once were since most cars no longer need points, caps, or carburetor adjustments.
The national average cost for engine tune-up is $200 per service. Most homeowners pay between $50 and $400, though costs can vary significantly based on your location, the scope of work, and other factors outlined below.
What Affects the Price?
Cylinders
4-cylinder: $50-$150. 6-cylinder: $100-$250. 8-cylinder: $150-$400
Spark Plug Type
Copper: $2-$5/plug (replace every 30K miles). Platinum: $6-$12/plug (60K). Iridium: $8-$20/plug (100K)
Shop Type
Independent mechanic: $50-$200. Chain shop (Midas, Firestone): $100-$300. Dealership: $150-$400
Key Cost Factors
- ✓Vehicle make and model
- ✓Number of cylinders
- ✓Spark plug type
- ✓Additional items needed
- ✓Labor rates
- ✓Dealer vs independent shop
💡 Tips to Save Money
- 1.Spark plugs and air filter replacement are easy DIY jobs on most cars (30-60 minutes, $30-$80 in parts)
- 2.Iridium/platinum plugs cost more ($8-$20 each vs $2-$5) but last 60,000-100,000 miles
- 3.Independent shops charge 30-50% less than dealerships for the same service
- 4.Combine with other maintenance (oil change, tire rotation) to save on labor/shop fees
📈 Engine Tune-Up Cost Trends (2020–2024)
Prices have increased +17.6% over the last 5 years
| Year | National Avg | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $170 | — |
| 2021 | $177 | +4.1% |
| 2022 | $189 | +6.8% |
| 2023 | $194 | +2.6% |
| 2024 | $200 | +3.1% |
Based on national averages adjusted for annual inflation. Actual costs vary by location and project scope.
Engine Tune-Up Cost by State
Costs vary significantly by state due to labor rates, cost of living, and local market conditions. Click any state for a detailed breakdown.
| State | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $41 | $164 | $328 |
| Alaska | $64 | $256 | $512 |
| Arizona | $48 | $190 | $380 |
| Arkansas | $40 | $160 | $320 |
| California | $68 | $270 | $540 |
| Colorado | $54 | $216 | $432 |
| Connecticut | $61 | $244 | $488 |
| Delaware | $53 | $210 | $420 |
| Florida | $49 | $196 | $392 |
| Georgia | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| Hawaii | $71 | $284 | $568 |
| Idaho | $46 | $184 | $368 |
| Illinois | $53 | $210 | $420 |
| Indiana | $44 | $176 | $352 |
| Iowa | $43 | $172 | $344 |
| Kansas | $43 | $170 | $340 |
| Kentucky | $42 | $168 | $336 |
| Louisiana | $44 | $174 | $348 |
| Maine | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| Maryland | $57 | $230 | $460 |
| Massachusetts | $65 | $260 | $520 |
| Michigan | $46 | $184 | $368 |
| Minnesota | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| Mississippi | $39 | $156 | $312 |
| Missouri | $44 | $174 | $348 |
| Montana | $48 | $190 | $380 |
| Nebraska | $44 | $176 | $352 |
| Nevada | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| New Hampshire | $56 | $224 | $448 |
| New Jersey | $63 | $250 | $500 |
| New Mexico | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| New York | $66 | $264 | $528 |
| North Carolina | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| North Dakota | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| Ohio | $45 | $180 | $360 |
| Oklahoma | $42 | $166 | $332 |
| Oregon | $55 | $220 | $440 |
| Pennsylvania | $51 | $204 | $408 |
| Rhode Island | $57 | $230 | $460 |
| South Carolina | $44 | $174 | $348 |
| South Dakota | $43 | $170 | $340 |
| Tennessee | $43 | $172 | $344 |
| Texas | $47 | $186 | $372 |
| Utah | $48 | $190 | $380 |
| Vermont | $54 | $216 | $432 |
| Virginia | $53 | $210 | $420 |
| Washington | $57 | $230 | $460 |
| West Virginia | $40 | $160 | $320 |
| Wisconsin | $47 | $188 | $376 |
| Wyoming | $46 | $184 | $368 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a car need a tune-up?
Modern cars with electronic ignition need spark plug replacement every 60,000-100,000 miles. Air filters every 15,000-30,000 miles. There's no longer a traditional 'tune-up' interval — follow your owner's manual maintenance schedule.
What are signs my car needs a tune-up?
Rough idle, reduced fuel economy, difficulty starting, engine misfires, check engine light, sluggish acceleration, and stalling. These symptoms can also indicate other issues, so diagnosis is important before assuming a tune-up is the fix.
🏙️ Engine Tune-Up Cost by City
Compare engine tune-up costs in the most popular US cities:
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