Always aim to get at least three quotes before deciding which repair shop or mobile mechanic you should call for vehicle service. Local auto repair shops typically have more affordable rates on parts and labor, but you’ll get top-of-the-line service and results if you bring your car to your

local Hyundai dealership.

Hyundai tune-ups include routine maintenance

A tune-up simply means that your mechanic is performing routine maintenance on your car to ensure it stays in good condition. While it’s always a good idea to ask, you can generally expect a combination, if not all, of these services as part of your next Hyundai vehicle tune-up:

Fuel inspection and maintenance: Inspection and replacement of spark plugs, caps, engine air filters, fuel filters, and cabin air filters

Fluids, belts, brakes inspection: Inspection and replacement of fluids, belts, hoses, other connections, brake pads, rotors

Liquids top-up: Brake fluid, coolant, transmission fluid (but not usually power steering fluid)

Engine vacuum test: To detect air leaks

Battery: A battery voltage check and alternator inspection

Emission test: An exhaust emissions check to make sure that you’re up to EPA standards

OBD-II scan: Scanning for fault codes using the OBD-II scanner and other diagnostic equipment

MORE: How to tune up a car

Get a Hyundai tune-up every 5,000 miles or 6 months

While this is the recommended maintenance schedule according to the Hyundai owner’s manual, you may need to bring your car in more or less often. It depends on:

How often you drive your car

The model you own

Where you live

How old your car is

Some services should happen more frequently. For instance, your car might need an oil change a lot sooner than it needs replacement spark plugs. Keep your tune-up schedule flexible to account for services that need attention sooner.

Warning signs: Aren’t sure whether your car needs a tune-up yet? Keep an eye out for these tell-tale signs that your car requires maintenance service:

The

check engine light

is on

You’re getting decreased gas mileage

Your car is accelerating slowly

The air conditioning system isn’t working very well

You can’t get your car to start, or you’re experiencing other electrical malfunctions

Strange noises are coming from under the hood

Doing regular tune-ups will save you money over time

Regular maintenance for your Hyundai is just good automotive hygiene and it will save you money in the long run.

Improve performance: You may view your engine as a robust machine that can handle anything, but it’s a complex system with many different components. You must routinely maintain your engine with filter replacements to keep it working smoothly so that your gas mileage stays low and your acceleration stays optimal.

Prevent breakdowns: Even though it seems like a pain, an oil change only costs about $50 and 15 minutes of your time. On the flip side, replacing your engine can cost anywhere from $4,000 to $10,000. Taking the time for routine maintenance can save you thousands of dollars.

Stay safe: Another huge benefit of regular tune-ups? Your car won’t randomly shut down while you’re on the highway. Maintenance is a fantastic way to avoid the headache (and humiliation!) of a breakdown away from home.

The average Hyundai annual maintenance cost is $468

According to RepairPal, the average cost for Hyundai maintenance is $468 annually—but the industry average is $652 per year. If you own a Hyundai, you’re paying much less for routine maintenance than the average driver!

Of course, the precise number on your Hyundai’s maintenance bill will depend on the model you own, your driving habits, where you live, and which mechanic you use.

Maintenance costs by model: Hyundai’s top five models all have average repair costs below the industry average. Take a look at how these models compare:

: $458

$452

: $426

: $515

: $444

What’s covered under Hyundai’s complimentary maintenance plan?

As if the savings weren’t enough, if you’ve bought a Hyundai as recently as 2020, you’re eligible for Hyundai’s complimentary maintenance program.

Maintenance coverage: Includes normal, factory-scheduled maintenance intervals for three years or 36,000 miles—whichever comes first.

Here are the services included in the program:

Engine oil and oil filter changes

Tire rotations

Multi-point inspection

Hyundai Genuine Oil filters & Hyundai recommended oil

Warranty coverage: Hyundai also offers a 5-year 100,000 km comprehensive warranty, powertrain warranty, and emission warranty. Between the maintenance program and your warranty coverage, you may be able to get away without paying maintenance fees for the first few years of owning a Hyundai—especially if you bought an extended warranty.

How to keep Hyundai maintenance costs down

If you’re interested in keeping your maintenance fees even lower, try a few of these tried-and-true tips:

Practice

safe driving

: Keep your tires, engine, and suspension in prime condition by accelerating slowly, making careful turns, and avoiding bumpy roads. These simple driving habits can help avoid huge repair bills.

Stay on top of maintenance: Follow a regular

maintenance schedule

to cut down on larger surprise-repair bills. Routine maintenance helps prevent more extensive repairs from happening.

Learn a few DIY repairs: If you don’t mind getting your hands a little greasy, you can tackle some repairs at home. For example, most repair shops will charge you $50 for an oil change, but you can do it in your garage for free with the proper tools.