Keeping your car healthy is about more than just making it look nice in your driveway. It’s important to take care of your car by doing things like tune-ups. A tune-up helps your car’s engine work its best, uses less fuel, and makes your car last longer. But what is a tune-up? What do they do when you get one?
I write a lot about cars and get many questions about tune-ups. A common question is, “How much does a tune-up at Pep Boys cost?” Let’s look closely at tune-ups at Pep Boys. We’ll see how much they cost and what they do during a tune-up. This will help you understand why they’re suitable for your car.
Key Takeaways:
- Tune-ups at Pep Boys improve engine efficiency and fuel usage.
- Prices for Pep Boys tune-ups start around $89.99, varying with additional needs.
- Modern tune-ups include spark plug replacement and engine inspections.
In this article:
What is a Tune-Up?
A tune-up for your car includes several services that help make the engine run better and save fuel. Let’s see what these services are:
First, they might change the spark plugs. Spark plugs are necessary because they start fuel burning in the engine. If they are old, your car might not run smoothly and might be gas.
Another thing they might do is replace the air filter. The air filter helps clean the air that goes into the engine. If it gets too dirty, your car won’t run as well and can use more fuel.
They might also change the fuel filter. This filter cleans the fuel before it reaches the engine. A dirty fuel filter can make it difficult for fuel to reach the engine, making the car not work as well.
They can also check and replace the PCV valve. This valve helps control the pressure inside the engine. If it’s not working right, your car can have problems like rough running and oil leaks.
Nowadays, cars are made differently, so the things they check and fix in a tune-up can change. It depends on the kind of car you have, what model it is, and how old it is.
How Much Is a Tune-Up Cost at Pep Boys?
Pep Boys offers two car tune-up packages: the Standard Tune-Up Package and the Platinum Maintenance Tune-Up Package. Let’s look at what each package includes and how much it costs.
The Standard Tune-Up Package is the basic one, and it usually costs about $89.99. This package includes essential services such as replacing the spark plugs, changing the air filter, and, in some cars, replacing the PCV valve. They also check the engine to make sure it’s working right.
For a more complete service, there’s the Platinum Maintenance Tune-Up Package, which costs around $104.99. It offers everything the Standard Package offers, plus a few more things. They clean the fuel system, clean the throttle body if needed, and provide a multi-point fuel injection service.
It’s important to remember these are just the starting prices. There might be some extra costs based on what your car needs. For example, there’s a small shop supply fee, usually less than $35, to cover the cost of materials used in the shop. Also, if your car needs extra parts not included in the package, like a new air filter, you’ll have to pay more.
What to Expect from a Pep Boys Tune-Up?
The Platinum Maintenance Tune-Up Package from Pep Boys does even more for your car than the Standard package. Let’s see what extra things you get:
They clean the throttle body, part of your car’s engine. Keeping it clean helps your engine run smoothly and stay calm when your car is not moving.
They also clean the fuel system. This service removes stuff that shouldn’t be there and ensures the fuel gets to the engine properly. This can make your car run better and use less gas.
Lastly, they do a multi-point inspection. This is a detailed check of your car. They don’t just look at things; they might also use special tools to find problems that aren’t easy to see. This helps catch issues before they become more significant problems.
What’s Included in a Modern Tune-Up Package?
Tune-up packages for your car can differ based on your needs and who is doing the service. At Pep Boys, they offer several standard services in their tune-up packages. Let’s see what they usually include:
First, they often replace spark plugs. Spark plugs are important in your car’s engine because they burn fuel. If they get too old, your car might not run smoothly, it could use more gas, and the engine might even begin to misfire. So, in a tune-up, they put in new spark plugs.
Next, they might change the engine air filter. This filter ensures that the air entering your engine is clean, which helps your car run better. If the filter is dirty, it can make your car less powerful and use more gas.
They also usually look at essential parts of the engine, like the belts, hoses, and air intake systems. By checking these, they can find problems early, which can help prevent bigger problems later on.
Sometimes, a tune-up also includes an oil change. Changing the oil is an essential part of maintaining your car. New oil helps the engine run better and prevents wear and tear on the inside parts of the engine.
Does Your Car Need a Tune-Up? Signs to Look for (and What Pep Boys Can Do)
Knowing when your car needs a tune-up can be tricky because different cars need them at different times. A good rule is to get a tune-up every 30,000 miles. But this can change based on how old your car is, how you drive, and what the car’s manufacturer suggests. Here are some signs that your car might need a tune-up:
If you find yourself going to the gas station more often than before, it could mean your car isn’t using fuel as well as it should. A tune-up can help fix this and make your car run better.
If your car feels shaky or uneven when it’s just sitting there running, it could be a sign that the spark plugs or something else must be looked at in a tune-up.
When your car has trouble speeding up or the engine feels slow, this might mean there’s a problem with the fuel injectors or the air filter. These things are usually checked and fixed during a tune-up.
Also, seeing the check engine light on your car’s dashboard can mean many different things. Sometimes, a tune-up can solve these problems, mainly if they concern the engine’s workings.
What are the Benefits of Regular Tune-Ups?
Getting regular tune-ups for your car is helpful. Here’s why they are suitable for your vehicle:
First, they make your car’s engine work better. When all the parts in the engine are working right, your car runs smoother and can speed up faster.
Next, tune-ups can help your car use less gas. When spark plugs get old or air filters get clogged, your vehicle might use more gas than needed. Tune-ups fix these things so you can save money on gas.
Another great thing is that tune-ups can make your car cleaner for the environment. A car that’s well taken care of burns its fuel better, creating less pollution.
Lastly, tune-ups can extend the life of your car’s engine. They find small problems and fix them before they turn into big problems, so your engine can keep running well for a longer time.
How to Find the Right Tune-Up for Your Car?
When you’re thinking about getting a tune-up for your car, there are a few things to consider:
First, look at what the people who made your car recommend. Your car’s owner’s manual will tell you when to get maintenance and what specific services are good for it.
Next, consider how your car is running. If it’s not running smoothly, hesitates when you try to go or uses more gas than it used to, it might need a tune-up. When you talk to a service advisor at Pep Boys, tell them about these problems. They can help you figure out the best service for your car.
Lastly, think about how much money you want to spend. Pep Boys has different kinds of tune-up options that cost different amounts. Decide how much you can spend on taking care of your car.
See also: How Much Does a Tune-Up Cost at Meineke?
What Other Essential Things Should You Consider Beyond Tune-Ups?
Regular tune-ups are important to keep your car running well, but there’s more to caring for your car. Here are some other things you should do:
Make sure to change your car’s oil regularly. The oil helps parts inside the engine move smoothly without rubbing against each other too much. Your car’s owner’s manual will tell you how often to change the oil.
It’s also good to take care of your tires. Rotating them and ensuring they’re aligned right can make your tires last longer and help your car drive better.
Don’t forget about the air filter, either. Check it often and change it when it’s dirty. This helps ensure your engine gets clean air, which is important for it to work correctly.
Doing these things and talking to the experts at Pep Boys can help your car stay in good shape for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Pep Boys tune-ups are a great way to keep your car working well without spending too much money. They offer different services depending on what your car needs and all of them are priced nicely. Whether you’re trying to save money or want to keep your car in good shape, getting a tune-up at Pep Boys is a smart decision. It helps your car run smoothly and saves you money in the long run.
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FAQs
What is the average cost of a complete tune-up?
The average cost of a full tune-up in the United States can differ depending on a few things. Where you live can change the cost because labor rates are different in different places. Going to a dealership might cost more than going to an independent repair shop like Pep Boys. The kind of car you have can also affect the price because different cars might need other parts or exceptional work—the type of full-tune-up service you choose also matters. A complete tune-up usually costs between $200 and $800.
Does Pep Boys tune cars?
Yes, Pep Boys does tune-up services! They offer two main packages. The Standard Tune-Up Package is more budget-friendly and includes changing spark plugs, replacing the air filter, and checking the car. The Platinum Maintenance Tune-Up Package includes everything in the Standard package, like cleaning the throttle body, cleaning the fuel system, and doing a more detailed car check.
Do Pep Boys change spark plugs?
Yes! Changing spark plugs is a big part of both tune-up packages at Pep Boys. New spark plugs are important for your car’s engine to start properly and run well.
What does a tune-up usually include?
A tune-up can include different services depending on where you go and what package you choose. Some everyday things are changing the spark plugs, replacing the air filter, and checking important engine parts like belts and hoses. They also might check and fill up engine oil, coolant, and power steering fluid. Some places offer extra services in their tune-ups, like cleaning the throttle body, which helps the engine run smoothly, and cleaning the fuel system, which can make the car perform better and use less gas. A detailed car check might also be included, where they use special tools to look for problems.
