To maintain the life and integrity of your Chrysler 300, it is important to get a yearly tune-up. Chrysler has provided a maintenance schedule that is designed to prevent major problems from occurring.
The idea is to replace the little things so that the big things do not break. You should try to follow the recommended maintenance schedule, but be aware that every car is different, and you may have additional maintenance repairs you should do beyond what is recommended.
Look for signs that you should get a tune-up even earlier. If your engine light comes on, you are noticing inefficient performance, braking is less effective or your engine feels different or is making weird noises, you should consider a tune-up.
On average a tune-up at a shop will cost between $300 and $400.A DIY approach will save you money, however. For example, an oil change will cost around $75, air filters $70, and brake pads from $10 to $40.
More expensive items include a timing belt replacement at $100 to $200. A wheel alignment should only be done by a mechanic and on average you will pay between $100 and $120 for it.
However, be wary if a mechanic tells you that you have expensive maintenance items. Get a second opinion before you agree to the repairs to avoid a scam. you should not pay more than $400 on average.
Note that even if you are going the DIY route, you should still hire a mechanic for more difficult maintenance tasks, such as wheel alignment.
Can I Do a DIY Tune-Up?
You can probably do many of the scheduled maintenance tasks in your own garage. The big issue with a DIY tune-up is usually a lack of diagnostic tools.
Professional mechanics will use a computer specifically designed to diagnose issues with your vehicle. You likely do not have such a device and will be forced to do a visual inspection. If you are going the DIY route, make sure you know what you should look for in the inspection.
You could mitigate this problem by taking the vehicle to a mechanic for just a diagnostic, but you will then have to pay for labor. Alternatively, you could choose to only take your Chrysler 300 in for a tune-up at important intervals and do regular intervals at home.
What Do You Do During a Tune-Up?
Below are listed most of the common tune-up tasks that may be required for your Chrysler 300. Most of the tasks below are only performed infrequently, but items such as an oil change are performed every 10,000.
Refer to the maintenance schedule provided to you with the vehicle for more information and be aware that cars do not always like to be on schedule. The schedule may call for a new timing belt in 10,000 miles, but if your timing belt is malfunctioning now, you need to take care of it and adjust the schedule accordingly.
Oil Change
Regardless of the interval, you will replace your oil and oil filter. Oil is the lifeblood of your engine, lubricating it and allowing for its proper function. If you were to only do one maintenance task on your vehicle, this should be that task
Luckily, this is also one of the easiest maintenance tasks for your Chrysler 300. You can expect to pay about $75 for the requisite oil and oil filter.
Air Filter Replacement
Your Chrysler 300 has two air filters, one for the cabin, and one for the engine. These are important for keeping dirt and grime away from you and your engine. A cabin filter is around $30 and the engine one is around $40.
Fuel Filter Replacement
Your fuel filter is essential for keeping debris from traveling from your gas tank to your engine. This can even include rust from the tank itself. Expect to pay between $4 and $25 for this part.
Wheel Alignment
You should take your Chrysler 300 to a mechanic for a wheel alignment. This is because the mechanic has specialized tools and computers to do it properly. A wheel alignment will cost about an hour of labor.
On average around the country, you might expect to pay between $100 and $120.
Spark Plug Replacement
Since your spark plugs ignite the combustibles in your combustion engine, they are clearly important. A bad spark plug can lead to numerous problems such as engine misfire, loud idling, startup issues, poor acceleration, and poor fuel efficiency.
The cost of replacing them will depend on whether you need wires as well, but you can reasonably expect to pay between $40 and $100 for the parts to complete this task.
PCV valve Replacement
The PCV valve in your Chrysler 300 plays an important role in moving emissions from your crankcase into the combustion chambers. This keeps those emissions from hurting you or the environment.
If you must replace your PCV valve, it will cost you around $10 to $40.
Transmission Fluid Flush
Transmission fluid is essential to the proper function of your transmission. It lubricates, maintains pressure, cools, and prevents rust. If it is at a low level or is contaminated, you will need to do a flush.
If you must do a transmission fluid flush it will cost you $65 for fluid and filter plus an hour of labor if you leave this task to a mechanic.
Brake Maintenance
When checking your brakes, you may have to just replace the brake pads. If you must also replace the rotors, the process will be more involved, and quite a bit more expensive.
For just the pads alone it will be anywhere from $10 to $40. On the other hand, if you need rotors and pads it will be closer to $200 on average.
Power Steering Flush
Power steering fluid is essential for ease of steering It allows for a hydraulic link in the steering system and provides lubrication. To maintain its effectiveness, the power steering fluid should be flushed and replaced occasionally.
The cost of this procedure is around $15 for a bottle of fluid.
Oxygen Sensor Replacement
While you can drive for a short time with a damaged oxygen sensor in your Chrysler 300, you should probably change them on schedule to prevent potential damage to your vehicle. O2 sensors monitor and help maintain the air to fuel ratio in your engine.
A bad sensor can drastically hinder performance. You can get a pack of four new oxygen sensors for around $100.
Timing Belt Replacement
Your timing belt is essential for proper engine function. It ensures that your crankshaft and camshaft are working together properly. This, in turn, allows for effective piston and valve operation.
The timing belt should be replaced on schedule, but if your engine is misfiring, stalling, or having starting issues, you may need to replace the belt before the scheduled maintenance. A replacement timing belt for a Chrysler 300 will cost you around $100 to $200.
Mass Airflow Sensor Cleaning
At some point in the life of your Chrysler 300, you will need to clean your mass airflow sensor. The mass airflow sensor measures the air that is allowed to enter your engine.
This is another essential element in maintaining a proper air-to-fuel ratio. Cleaning the mass airflow sensor is a bit involved, but on the bright side, it will only cost you around $10 for a cleaner.
Alternatively, you could use acetone, or nail polish remover, and only pay a few dollars.
Conclusion
The cost to maintain your Chrysler 300 can be drastically reduced if you provide it with scheduled maintenance. A tune-up is meant to prevent big problems before they occur.
Depending on which interval in the maintenance schedule you are at, you may have to pay a fair amount of money. However, even on the more expensive occasions, you must remember that the money you pay now is much more money saved later.
Keep in mind that even though you can do much of the scheduled maintenance in your own garage, some of the jobs are more difficult and should not be attempted by anyone except a professional.
Further, you should take your Chrysler 300 to a mechanic occasionally regardless because they have diagnostic tools that you do not. They can find problems that the human eye can not see.
Finally, regarding mechanics, they also have very accurate measuring computers which make jobs like wheel alignments much more palatable.
Yes, you can do an oil change, but it is probably better to hire a mechanic to do some tasks once you consider the additional costs of time and frustration.
In the end, whether you do the tune-up on your Chrysler 300 by yourself or hire a mechanic, just assure that you get it done. Your wallet will thank you in a few years. You may be interested in our guide on Chrysler 300 Head Gasket Replacement Cost
