How Much Does a Chevrolet Tune-Up Cost?

A typical Chevrolet tune-up costs between $200 and $400, but the price can vary dramatically depending on the required services.
Written by David Ghanizadeh-Khoob
A Chevrolet tune-up costs $200 to $400 on average. Chevrolet recommends performing a basic tune-up every six months or 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
  • Incorporating occasional tune-ups into your Chevrolet’s
    car maintenance
    schedule will help you reduce wear and keep it in good working order.
  • A tune-up functions as a general check-up for your Chevy and might consist of filter replacements, parts inspections, and more.
  • A Chevrolet tune-up could cost between $200 to $400.
  • Consider scheduling a tune-up every six months or 5,000 miles.

How much does a Chevrolet tune-up cost?

You can expect a basic Chevy tune-up to cost around $200 to $400, depending on the extent of the service. Several general factors will also affect the price, like where you live, the model of Chevrolet you drive, and which shop you go to.
A large portion of that $200-$400 range comes from replacing your spark plugs. If needed, this bumps the price closer to the $400 mark. If the inspection reveals that other components need service, the cost of your tune-up can jump to over $500.
One strategy to save a bit of money on your tune-up is to compare quotes from a few mechanics to find the best fit. Local shops tend to be a bit cheaper than dealerships, but a dealership can give you the peace of mind of knowing you are getting the best replacement parts for your Chevy.

What does a Chevrolet tune-up include?

“Tune-up” is a catch-all for routine checks and maintenance that help keep your Chevy running smoothly. 
Here are some of the most common services performed during a tune-up:
  • Inspection and replacement of filters, caps, and spark plugs
  • Inspection and replacement of fluids, hoses, connectors, and belts
  • A vacuum test to check for air leaks in the engine
  • Engine oil change
    , if necessary
  • Coolant flush, if necessary
  • A battery voltage check
  • An emissions test to ensure your exhaust emissions meet EPA standards
  • An OBD-II scan for any fault codes
  • Wheel alignment check

How often should I get a Chevrolet tune-up?

A rule of thumb is to take your car for a basic tune-up every 5,000 miles or every six months—but check your owner’s manual for your vehicle’s specific recommendations. 
This will help you stay on top of preventative maintenance and avoid major issues creeping up unexpectedly.
While the manufacturer might recommend a tune-up every 5,000 miles, it’s not an exact science. Things like spark plugs can last for around 20,000 miles, and many fluids will stay clean beyond 5,000 miles.
If in doubt, look out for signs and symptoms that your Chevy might require a tune-up, such as:

Why do I need to tune up my Chevrolet?

This list could be virtually endless, but here are the main reasons you should tune up your Chevrolet: 
  • Performance improvements: Driving with old lubricants, worn belts, and spark plugs will ultimately reduce your vehicle's power output and fuel efficiency, costing you money down the road.
  • Wear and tear prevention: Reduced performance happens when the engine is excessively taxed when operating in sub-optimal conditions. This causes extra wear and tear, potentially shortening the engine's lifespan, transmission, and other crucial components.
  • Preventing breakdown: That extra wear and tear can lead to a large-scale failure, costing you money and making it unsafe to drive. And if your spark plugs fail on you, you can be left stuck on the side of the road.

How much does it cost to maintain a Chevrolet?

The average annual maintenance cost for Chevrolets is about the average across all auto brands. RepairPal estimates Chevy maintenance costs to be around $649 per year, close to the industry average of $652.
There is some variation in these maintenance costs between Chevrolet models. 
Here is a comparison of the annual repair costs for five of the most popular Chevy models:

How to keep Chevrolet car maintenance costs down

Here are a few tips for keeping your maintenance fees to a minimum when it’s time to schedule service:
  • Practice safe driving techniques like braking and accelerating slowly and turning carefully. 
  • Avoid bumpy roads to prevent stress on your vehicle.
  • Keep up with regular maintenance. Following a maintenance schedule can save money by preventing major breakdowns.
  • If you have a go-to repair shop, take advantage of available service specials and coupons.
  • Learn how to do some repairs yourself. The more work you can do (correctly) on your car, the more you will save in labor fees.

What’s covered under Chevrolet’s warranty?

Unlike other manufacturers, Chevrolet does not offer a complimentary maintenance plan for new vehicles. What they do offer is one free maintenance visit during your first year of ownership that includes an oil and filter change, multi-point inspection, and tire rotation.
However, new Chevys do come with a handful of limited warranties to cover damage to major components, material defects, or workmanship issues:
  • 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper limited warranty
  • 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty
  • 2-year/24,000-mile emissions control warranty that includes an 8-year/80,000-mile warranty on select parts like catalytic converters 
  • 3-year/36,000-mile corrosion protection
  • 6-year/100,000-mile rust-through protection
  • Roadside assistance–duration varies 
While Chevrolet's limited warranties are pretty comprehensive, you can always opt for an
extended warranty
to stretch out your coverage if the durations aren't enough for you.
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FAQ

Chevys are not especially expensive to repair, with average maintenance costs being almost equal to the industry average of $649 per year.
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