A method and system performs antenna tuning which enhances radio frequency (RF) tuner reliability within a wireless communication device (WCD). The WCD, in response to receiving a request to change an active RF tuning state, retrieves component usage data corresponding to components of a tuning circuit that is tunable to an RF operating channel. The WCD selectively determines, using device environment state data and/or RF state data and the component usage data, an RF tuning state tuned to the RF operating channel. The selected RF tuning state (a) satisfies tuning performance specifications and (b) enhances component reliability performance by minimizing an operational wear on tuning circuit components. The WCD configures the tuning circuit using the selected RF tuning state and tracks session parameter values for tuning circuit components during a corresponding communication session. Following completion of the communication session, the WCD uses the tracked session parameter values to update component usage data.