On average, a Dodge tune-up costs between $250 and $500, depending on the vehicle model. Dodge suggests getting a tune-up—which generally includes oil filter, fluid, and spark plug replacements—every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Despite their incredibly average reliability rating, Dodge vehicles don’t have very high annual repair costs. Even so, scheduling routine tune-ups will help keep car repair
costs lower and ensure that you don’t experience a costly breakdown down the line. Regular tune-ups are a great way to keep your Dodge in peak condition, but it’s important to know how much to budget for when a tune-up is needed. That’s why Jerry,
the licensed car insurance
broker and trustworthy super app
, has put together the following guide. Read this breakdown of how much tune-ups cost, why they’re important, what they entail, and how to find the lowest Dodge car insurance costs
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How much does a Dodge tune-up cost?
Usually, a Dodge tune-up will cost between $250 and $500, but the exact price will largely depend on your specific vehicle model, your location, and the actual auto shop you go to.
If you opt for the most basic tune-up, however, you may pay as little as $100—but a more involved tune-up for a larger model may cost closer to $700.
Regardless, it’s recommended to get at least two or three quotes before deciding which mechanic is best for you. Local automotive repair shops usually offer better deals on parts, but your closest Dodge dealership will provide the best in OEM replacement parts and vehicle-specific expertise.
What does a Dodge tune-up include?
Generally speaking, a tune-up keeps your vehicle running smoothly for as long as possible—check below for a list of services you can expect each time you bring your Dodge in for one:
An OBD-II code scan of your engine control module (ECM) to check for error codes
Inspection and replacement of belts, fluids, hoses, and other connections
An engine vacuum test to check for air leaks
Inspection and replacement of air filters, spark plugs, engine filters, and caps
An exhaust emissions test to make sure you’re meeting EPA standards
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How often should I get a Dodge tune-up?
Dodge recommends that you take your vehicle in for a full tune-up every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, which amounts to roughly every four to seven years, depending on your driving habits. You’ll still need to change your oil, oil filter, and other fluids at the recommended intervals, but a comprehensive tune-up isn’t an annual affair.
That said, there is no definitive, one-size-fits-all tune-up timeframe. You may need servicing earlier than expected, so it’s always a good idea to listen to what your car is telling you. If you start noticing any of the following, it’s a sure sign that your Dodge needs to see a mechanic:
Your car won’t start, or you’re experiencing other electronic malfunctions
Strange noises can be heard from under the hood
Your gas mileage has worsened
Your car is accelerating slowly
Why do I need to tune up my Dodge?
Look—there are hundreds, probably thousands of reasons why you should get a Dodge tune-up, but we’ve decided to outline the three biggest ones: staying safe, improving vehicle performance, and breakdown prevention.
Staying safe: One of the biggest benefits of regular tune-ups is keeping you safe on the road, as it lessens the chances of something going wrong, such as an overheating engine, engine misfire, etc., you’re driving down the highway, thereby reducing the chance of an accident or collision.
Improving vehicle performance: If you’re driving with dirty oil, exhausted differential fluid, and worn-down spark plugs, your Dodge won’t run as well as it’s supposed to. This can result in worsening gas mileage, loss of power, and even poor handling—none of which are ideal. Keeping up with your car’s routine maintenance is one of the best ways to save money at the pump and optimize your Dodge’s performance.
Breakdown prevention: Most people would rather pay $45 for regular oil changes than shell out $5,000+ for a new engine. And even though it may seem trivial to bring your Dodge into the shop for simple services every few months, it’s the best way to avoid costly breakdowns and subsequent repairs.
MORE: How to tune up a car
How much does it cost to maintain a Dodge?
According to RepairPal, it costs approximately $634 a year to maintain a Dodge, which is only slightly lower than the industry average of $652 per year.
Of course, the exact amount you’ll end up paying largely depends on your vehicle model. Not every model experiences the same issues, so you may end up paying much lower. To put this in perspective, take a look at how Dodge’s five most popular models compare to one another:
So while Dodge maintenance might not be cheap, it’s not nearly as expensive as it could be. In short, it’s entirely average.
Does Dodge offer a complimentary maintenance plan?
Unfortunately, Dodge does not offer complimentary maintenance on any of its models. There aren’t even any routine maintenance services included in their limited warranties, which means you’ll be paying for a tune-up completely out of pocket.
How to keep Dodge maintenance costs down
There are, however, ways to help keep your Dodge’s maintenance costs down. Try out some of the following recommendations to lower your annual car expenses:
Keep to a regular maintenance schedule: This may seem obvious, but sticking to a regular maintenance plan is one of the easiest ways to keep car expenses low. After all, a couple of small repairs are much cheaper to fix than one severe mechanical issue.
Learn to maintain things yourself: Now, we don’t recommend repairing a complex engine or electrical issues at home, but learning a few basic maintenance skills, like how to change your Dodge’s oil and oil filter, is an easy way to save $50 to $100 every few months.
Practice safe driving: If you take care to practice safe driving
—as in going over speed bumps and railroad tracks slowly, avoiding potholes, not turning sharply, etc.—you’ll keep your suspension, tires, and engine in better condition for longer periods.
MORE: Car Loan for Dodge 2022
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