How Much Does a Ram Tune-Up Cost?
A Ram tune-up typically costs between $400 and $500, though the exact cost will vary depending on the car's model.
Written by Andrew Biro
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Depending on the vehicle model, a Ram tune-up typically costs between $250 and $500. Ram advises getting a full tune-up, which usually includes an oil filter, fluid, and spark plug replacement, every 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
When compared to similar makes and models, Ram trucks have a higher reliability rating than most—but they also have higher-than-average repair costs. Routine tune-ups can help you avoid the more expensive repairs and lessen the chances of your Ram breaking down.
Regular tune-ups are a great way to keep your Ram running at its best, but knowing how much to budget for when it’s time for a tune-up can be tricky. That’s why licensed
car insurance
broker Jerry
has created the following guide to give you all you need to know about a Ram tune-up, including the cost, why they're important, and what they entail. (Stay till the end to see how you can save on your Ram insurance costs, too!)Don't get ripped off!
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How much does a Ram tune-up cost?
An average Ram tune-up will run you between $400 and $500, but the exact cost will largely depend on the model of your particular car, where you live, and which auto shop you visit.
However, if you choose the simplest tune-up, you could spend as little as $100; but if you require a more involved tune-up, it might run closer to $700.
In any case, it's advised to compare at least two or three quotes before selecting the best mechanic for you. Local auto repair shops typically offer better prices on parts, but your nearby Ram dealership will offer the highest-quality OEM replacement parts and vehicle-specific expertise.
What does a Ram tune-up include?
At its core, a tune-up is meant to keep your vehicle running smoothly for as long as possible. If you bring your Ram in for a tune-up, these are the services you can expect a mechanic to perform:
- Inspection and replacement of air filters, spark plugs, engine filters, and caps
- An exhaust emissions test to make sure you’re meeting EPA standards
- A battery voltage check
- An OBD-II scan of your engine control module
- Inspection and replacement of belts, fluids, hoses, and other connections
- An engine vacuum test to check for air leaks
MORE: How to tune up a car
How often should I get a Ram tune-up?
Seeing as your Ram’s spark plugs, belts, and hoses can go several years and tens of thousands of miles before needing to be replaced, a full tune-up is only necessary every four to seven years, or 30,000 to 50,000 miles.
Even so, you will still need to change your Ram’s oil, oil filter, and other fluids at their recommended intervals—but you can also replace them yourself, without having to visit a mechanic.
That said, there is no real one-size-fits-all timeframe for tune-ups. Your Ram may very well need servicing earlier than expected, which means it’s always a good idea to pay attention and listen to your vehicle. If you start experiencing any of the following, you’ll probably need to have your Ram looked at:
- The check engine light comes on
- You have poor gas mileage
- Your car won’t start
- You’re experiencing electrical issues
- Strange noises coming from the engine
- Your Ram begins accelerating slowly
Why do I need to tune up my Ram?
As you can probably guess, there are hundreds—if not thousands—of reasons why you should get a Ram tune-up, but we’ve elected to outline three of the most important reasons: safety, improved vehicle performance, and breakdown prevention.
- Safety: With regular maintenance, the likelihood of something going wrong as you're driving down the highway—such as an overheating engine or misfire—is greatly reduced, which lowers the possibility of an accident or collision. This is one of the biggest advantages of routine tune-ups.
- Improved vehicle performance: Your Ram won't perform as it should if you're driving with dirty oil, depleted differential fluid, or worn-out spark plugs. This may lead to decreased fuel economy, a loss of power, or even poor handling—none of which are desirable. One of the best ways to minimize gas costs and maximize your Dodge's performance is to keep up with routine maintenance.
- Breakdown prevention: Most people would rather pay $45 for routine oil changes than $5,000 or more for an entirely new engine. While taking your Ram in for a tune-up may seem trivial, it's the best way to prevent expensive breakdowns and subsequent repairs.
MORE: How to do summer car maintenance
How much does it cost to maintain a Ram?
According to data gathered by RepairPal, it costs roughly $858 a year to maintain a Ram—well above the $652 industry average for SUVs but below the average for all truck makes and models.
Of course, the precise cost you'll pay largely depends on the vehicle you drive, as not all models have the same problems—meaning the final cost might be considerably less or much higher than you’d expect. Take a look at how Ram’s five most popular models stack up against one another:
- Ram 1500—$691
- Ram ProMaster City—$795
- Ram 2500—$1,070
- Ram C/V—$1,007
- Ram ProMaster 1500—$1,072
So if you own one of Ram’s more reliable models—such as the Ram 1500—you can expect lower-than-average annual repair costs, but this certainly isn’t the case for all models.
What’s covered under Ram’s complimentary maintenance plan?
If you purchase a new Ram 1500, Ram 2500, or Ram 3500, you’ll be automatically enrolled in a 24-month
Ram Care
membership, which offers exclusive access to on-call vehicle support, complimentary maintenance, and trip interruption protection.Of course, Ram Care’s complimentary maintenance services only include routine oil changes and tire rotations—so not everything a tune-up entails, but certainly a portion of one.
A Ram Care membership can also be purchased after the fact on all Ram vehicles built in or after the 2014 model year.
MORE: Six pros and cons of extended car warranties
How to keep Ram maintenance costs down
There are several things you can do to keep your Ram’s maintenance costs low. If you want to reduce your annual vehicle expenses, try some of the recommendations listed below:
- Learn basic maintenance skills: Now, we don’t really recommend trying to fix major mechanical or electrical issues at home, but learning a few basic maintenance skills—such as changing your Ram’s engine oil or coolant—is an easy way to save a few hundred dollars.
- Stick to a regular maintenance schedule: This may seem a bit redundant, but keeping to a regular maintenance schedule is one of the easiest ways to keep annual vehicle expenses low. After all, a few small repairs can be fixed for much cheaper than a really big mechanical issue.
- Practice safe driving: If you take care to drive carefully, avoid potholes/road debris, take speed bumps slowly, and do your best to avoid making sharp turns, you can save your engine, suspension, and tires undue wear and tear, keeping your Ram running smoothly for longer intervals.
Save money on Ram insurance with Jerry
Depending on the model you own, a Ram tune-up can certainly cost a pretty penny—but that doesn’t mean your vehicle’s insurance has to break the bank.
A licensed broker and trusted super app, Jerry does all the hard work of finding cheap quotes from the top name-brand insurance companies and buying new car insurance. Jerry will even help you cancel your old policy.
And to ensure you always have the lowest rate, Jerry will send you new quotes every time your policy comes up for renewal, so you’re always getting the coverage you want at the best price. This level of service is why Jerry earned a 4.7/5 rating on the App Store and made it the top insurance app in the country.
“Jerrywas so easy to use. A representative texted me my lowest quote, and when I responded yes, Progressive emailed me 2 minutes later with next steps. Highly recommend if you don’t want to look for quotes alone!” —Sayad A.
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FAQ
Are Rams expensive to repair?
Yes—compared to similar makes and models, Ram vehicles are more expensive to repair by a fairly good margin, though the annual repair costs you’ll incur largely depends on the specific model Ram you own.
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