Car Maintenance Expenses [2025 Update]

Whether you drive a newer Cadillac or an old clunker, it’s important to keep up with routine car maintenance and car maintenance expenses. The problem is, many of us are tempted to save time and money by putting off repairs and ignoring car warning lights.

But does a penny-wise approach to vehicle maintenance really pay off? And what are the consequences of forgoing an oil change or a tuneup?

To find out the true cost of procrastinating on vehicle upkeep, we surveyed 1,002 car owners to learn how many put off car maintenance and ignore warning lights.

In the frequently asked questions section of this article, we’ll also include topics like monthly car maintenance costs, annual car maintenance costs, car maintenance costs by brand, and a car expenses list. We’ve also added some car maintenance cost tips.

Often car maintenance goes hand-in-hand with car insurance. After all, they both just add to the ownership costs of a vehicle — costs that can run into the tens or hundreds of thousands. A major barrier for most people is simply understanding car insurance. If they did, they might be able to save and who doesn’t like that?

To that end, we put together car insurance guides that can make you a pro in car insurance knowledge in no time. If you want to jump right into getting a quote, we have you covered there as well.

To find savings you can put towards car maintenance, just enter your ZIP code into our FREE online quote comparison tool and receive the best car insurance rates personalized for you based on your area and information.

Now, read on to discover why giving your car a little TLC could prevent mechanical failures, nasty bills, and breakdowns.

Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Car Maintenance Costs

Car maintenance is essential for ensuring the longevity and performance of your vehicle. Here, we will delve into various aspects of car maintenance costs, providing a detailed analysis of the expenses involved in keeping your car in top shape.

What is the average cost of car maintenance per month?

To maintain a vehicle properly, it’s crucial to understand the average car maintenance cost per month. On average, car maintenance costs can range from $100 to $150 per month, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, driving habits, and regional factors such as climate and road conditions.

How Much is Car Maintenance Per Month?

The cost of car maintenance per month can vary significantly. Factors influencing this include the car’s age, mileage, and specific maintenance needs. For instance, the average monthly maintenance cost for a car in California might be higher than in other states due to stricter emissions standards and higher labor costs. These factors contribute to increased expenses, especially in terms of monthly car maintenance.

Detailed List of Car Maintenance Costs

When considering car ownership, understanding the average monthly cost of car maintenance is crucial. From routine services like oil changes and tire rotations to potential repairs, these expenses can vary widely.

Car Maintenance Price List

A comprehensive car maintenance price list includes typical expenses such as:

• Oil Change: $30 – $70
• Tire Rotation: $20 – $50
• Brake Pad Replacement: $100 – $300
• Battery Replacement: $50 – $200
• Air Filter Replacement: $20 – $50

Annual Car Service Cost

The annual maintenance cost for a car encompasses routine services and potential repairs. On average, car owners might spend between $1,200 and $1,500 annually, though this amount can vary based on vehicle condition and service frequency.

Knowing the average maintenance cost for a car per month helps budget effectively and plan for unexpected repairs. By staying informed about typical expenses, you can ensure your vehicle remains reliable and cost-effective in the long run.

Car Maintenance Costs by Brand

Average Car Maintenance Cost Per Year by Brand

Different car brands have varying maintenance costs. Here’s a brief comparison:

• Toyota: $400 – $600 per year
• Honda: $500 – $700 per year
• BMW: $1,000 – $1,200 per year
• Ford: $600 – $800 per year

Understanding the average yearly maintenance costs can help you budget effectively, especially when considering car maintenance after five years.

Cheapest Car Brand to Maintain

Among the brands, Toyota and Honda are often noted for their low maintenance costs, making them some of the cheapest car maintenance brands.

Regional Variations in Car Maintenance Costs

When considering the financial aspects of owning a car, one crucial factor to budget for is the average monthly car maintenance cost. This cost can vary significantly depending on factors such as state regulations, labor costs, and the overall cost of living in different regions.

Average Car Maintenance Cost Per Month in California

Due to the state’s regulations and cost of living, the average car maintenance cost per month in California can be higher, ranging from $120 to $180.

Average Car Maintenance Cost Per Month in Texas

In contrast, the average car maintenance cost per month in Texas tends to be lower, approximately $90 to $130, owing to less stringent vehicle regulations and lower labor costs.

Understanding the average auto maintenance cost per month is essential for budget-conscious car owners. Whether you reside in California with its higher costs or Texas with more affordable rates, being prepared for regular car maintenance expenses is key to maintaining your vehicle’s performance and longevity.

Managing Vehicle Maintenance Expenses

Navigating car maintenance costs is crucial for every vehicle owner. Understanding the monthly cost of car maintenance, the average cost of car maintenance per year, and compiling a comprehensive car maintenance cost list are essential steps in managing your vehicle expenses effectively. By assessing the average maintenance cost for a car and exploring cost-effective strategies, you can maintain your vehicle without breaking the bank.

Creating a Car Maintenance Budget

To manage car maintenance expenses effectively, it’s essential to create a car maintenance budget. This budget should account for regular maintenance tasks and unexpected repairs. An example of a monthly car maintenance budget might include:

• Routine Maintenance: $50 – $100
• Savings for Major Repairs: $50
• Emergency Repairs: $30 – $50

Car Maintenance Cost Comparison

When comparing car maintenance costs, it’s important to consider factors such as vehicle make, age, and usage. For example:

• A five-year-old compact car might have lower maintenance costs compared to a luxury sedan of the same age.
• High-performance vehicles often have higher maintenance charges due to the cost of specialized parts and labor.

Reducing Car Repair Expenses

Choosing cars that are inexpensive to repair can significantly reduce auto repair costs. Some of these cars include:

• Toyota Corolla
• Honda Civic
• Ford Focus
• Hyundai Elantra

Car Repair Insurance Cost

Investing in car repair insurance can also help manage unexpected repair costs. This insurance typically covers major repairs, helping to reduce the financial burden of unexpected breakdowns.

By understanding the various aspects of car maintenance costs and budgeting accordingly, car owners can ensure their vehicles remain reliable and efficient. Regular maintenance not only extends the life of a car but also helps avoid expensive repairs in the future.

The average car repair cost per month can vary significantly based on the make and model of the vehicle, its age, and how well it is maintained. Factoring this into your budget, along with car repair insurance, can provide comprehensive financial protection against unforeseen automotive expenses.

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Understanding the Full Scope of Car Maintenance Costs

When owning a vehicle, being aware of the various costs involved in its upkeep is essential. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the typical expenses:

• Average Cost of Car Maintenance per Month: The average cost for car maintenance per month typically falls between $100 to $150.
• Average Amount Spent on Car Maintenance per Month: Car owners usually spend around $100 to $150 monthly on maintenance.
• Average Car Maintenance per Month: Regular maintenance activities contribute to an average cost of car maintenance per month of about $100 to $150.

Yearly Car Maintenance Cost

• Yearly Car Maintenance Cost: On average, car owners can expect to spend between $1,200 and $1,800 per year on maintenance.
• Average Annual Car Maintenance Cost: This annual expense includes routine services and occasional repairs.
• Average Car Repair Costs per Year: The average cost of car repairs annually typically ranges from $1,200 to $1,800.

Cost for Auto Repair

• Cost for Auto Repair: Repair costs can vary significantly based on the issue, but routine auto repairs average around $500 annually.
• Average Auto Repair Cost: Common auto repair costs typically include brake replacements, battery changes, and tire replacements.
• Average Cost of Auto Repair: Repair expenses are influenced by factors such as the car model, age, and extent of damage.
• Average Cost of Car Repairs: Major repairs can significantly increase the overall maintenance budget.
• Average Cost of Car Repairs per Month: Monthly repair costs can be mitigated by addressing issues promptly and performing regular maintenance.

Breakdown of Specific Maintenance Costs

• Average Cost of Maintenance on a Car Per Month: A structured maintenance plan can help manage the average monthly cost for car maintenance, keeping it within $100 to $150.
• Average Monthly Car Repair Cost: Regular check-ups and timely repairs help keep the average monthly car repair cost manageable.
• Average Price of a Car Service: Routine services, such as oil changes and tire rotations, typically cost between $50 to $100 per service.
• Average Vehicle Maintenance Cost per Month: This includes all regular upkeep activities necessary for vehicle longevity.

Car Maintenance Price Lists

• Car Full-Service Cost: Comprehensive services that cover multiple maintenance aspects can cost between $200 to $400.
• Car Maintenance Charges: Costs for specific maintenance activities such as brake replacements, fluid changes, and filter replacements.
• Car Maintenance Cost Chart: Detailed charts can help track and predict maintenance expenses.
• Car Maintenance Cost per Mile: Calculating costs per mile helps in understanding long-term expenses.
• Car Maintenance List by Brand: Maintenance costs can vary significantly by brand, with luxury brands typically having higher expenses.
• Car Maintenance Prices: Staying informed about standard prices for various services can help in budgeting.
• Car Maintenance Prices List: A detailed list of common maintenance activities and their respective costs.

Car Repair Statistics and Strategies

• Car Repair Prices: Keeping track of repair prices helps in making informed decisions about vehicle upkeep.
• Car Repair Statistics: Understanding common repair issues and their frequencies can aid in better planning.
• Car Service Price: Regular service prices are essential to factor into the maintenance budget.
• Car Upkeep: Regular maintenance is crucial for vehicle longevity and performance.
• Car Upkeep Cost: Proper upkeep can help avoid major repairs and reduce overall costs.

Additional Considerations

• Yearly Maintenance of a Car: Annual maintenance activities and their costs.
• Maintenance Cost for Classic Cars: Older vehicles or classic cars may have higher maintenance costs due to the rarity of parts and specialized services.
• Repair Cost for Common Cars: Common cars typically have lower repair costs due to the availability of parts and widespread service knowledge.

Monthly Car Maintenance Costs

• Car Expenses per Month: Including fuel, insurance, and maintenance, the total car expenses per month can be substantial.
• Monthly Car Maintenance Costs: Regular monthly expenses for keeping the vehicle in optimal condition.

Understanding these various aspects of car maintenance costs helps in creating a comprehensive budget, ensuring that vehicle upkeep remains affordable and manageable.

How do you stay on schedule with car maintenance?

Checked your tire pressure recently? Nearly half of the drivers surveyed were overdue on a tire pressure check. It’s recommended that you check your tire pressure every month or else they could wear out faster, and you’ll spend more on gas.

And what about oil, the lifeblood of your car? According to our survey, more than 1 in 4 drivers were overdue for an oil change. Poor engine lubrication can cause engine corrosion and reduce your car’s mileage, so it’s important to book your vehicle for an oil change every three months.

Even the simplest form of car maintenance – washing your car – can prevent dust, dirt, and bugs from damaging the paint. Nearly 10% of the car owners surveyed said they’d never washed their cars. 

Getting your car ready for a weather change can also save you a ton of money.

How much does car maintenance cost in the long run?

So how much should you spend on car maintenance? Is spending as little as possible a smart strategy?

Consider the average car maintenance cost per year. We found that drivers who had owned the same car for over 8 years spent an average of $3,400 on repairs.

It’s hardly chump change, but choosing not to visit a mechanic could be even more costly.

In fact, we discovered that people who spent the least on the purchase of their car spent the most on repairs, excluding those who bought upscale models. This is likely because parts for upscale cars tend to be pricier.
Whichever car you drive, you can extend its life by:

• Garaging your vehicle when possible
• Checking and attending to fluid levels (oil, transmission, coolant levels, etc.)
•  Replacing worn tires to prevent blowouts
•  Staying on top of repairs
•  Following the advice in the owner’s manual

Follow these simple tips, and you can minimize the cost of every mile.

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How does procrastination affect the average car maintenance costs?

Do you panic when an engine warning flashes on your dashboard? Or do you ignore it in the hope that it will go away? Over 1 in 6 car owners placed themselves squarely in the latter category by admitting that their check engine light was currently on.

Common reasons for an illuminated warning light include a faulty sensor and a loose gas cap – but it could indicate something far more severe, such as a misfire.

It’s best never to ignore a warning light, as small issues have a habit of snowballing into big, more expensive issues. And dealing with car emergencies is something no one evers wants to do.

As we discovered, the longer that drivers waited to address a dashboard light, the more they paid in repairs over time. If you do encounter a warning light, take the safe route, and get it checked out by a certified technician to ensure your safety.

The True Cost of Ignoring Indicator Lights

Warning lights are your car’s way of telling you that it’s experiencing an issue. Different warning lights on the dashboard indicate different faults, from overheating and brake malfunctions to worn spark plugs.

Take particular note of a flashing orange or steady red “check engine” warning light, since this could indicate a severe and urgent issue such as a misfire.

We found that the longer a driver owned their car, the more reluctant they were to sink money into it. The tragic irony of that reluctance, as we’ve already found, is that the longer drivers delay addressing a warning light – the more they’ll ultimately pay.

Learning about a vehicle’s history is common practice during the shopping stage of car ownership, but continued preventative maintenance is equally important for anybody seeking to avoid the headache of future repairs.

No matter the age or condition of your car, make a beeline for an auto garage to prevent any further damage to the engine. It’s likely the best way to protect your vehicle – and your pocketbook.

How can you spot warning signs to save on the cost of car maintenance?

How well do you know your way around your car’s warning lights? An impressive 84% of drivers correctly identified the brake warning light, while only 13% could identify an oil pressure warning light.

It’s well worth hitting the books to understand the meaning of your car’s indicators – you’ll likely find a simple guide to warning lights in your owner’s manual. Can’t find it? Try looking it up online by searching for your make and model.

The more you know about your vehicle’s warning lights, the easier it is to diagnose the problem – and decide how urgently it needs to be resolved.

Why should you keep up with routine maintenance?

Whether it’s skipping an oil change or ignoring that mysterious warning light on the dashboard, many of us procrastinate when it comes to vehicle maintenance.

But as we’ve discovered, a little grease goes a long way. Saving a few bucks in the short term can actually cost drivers more in the long term.

Regular maintenance is just one way to protect your vehicle – you’ll also want to shop around for the best car insurance. We make it fast and easy to buy low-cost car insurance coverage that meets your needs. We’ll help you understand state laws and find the best policy for you and your vehicle.

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Frequently Asked Questions: How much does maintenance on a car cost?

Now that we’ve covered some car maintenance statistics from our survey, let’s get to your frequently asked questions. They include:

• How much should car maintenance cost?
• What does regular car maintenance include?
• What car is the cheapest to maintain?

Scroll down for the answers to those questions and more.

#1 – How much should maintenance cost for cars?

In our study, we found that drivers who used the same car for eight years or longer paid $3,400 on car maintenance over that period. The amount paid for average car repair costs can vary by type of car as well as how expensive it was at the time of purchase.

#2 – How much is the average car maintenance cost per month?

According to AAA, the average car maintenance cost per month is roughly $100, though it depends on how much you drive your car and the road conditions of your area, for just two factors.

#3 – What does regular car maintenance include?

Regular car maintenance can include oil changes, coolant changes, transmission fluid changes, new brake rotors, changing spark plugs, and flushing out the radiator, among many other types of maintenance.

#4 – Which cars last the longest?

According to Business Insider, Toyota and Honda are the auto brands that have created the longest-lasting cars. There are stories of people who have literally run their cars up to 300,000 miles or longer. Consistent maintenance often plays a role in keeping a car that healthy for that long.

#5 – What is the cheapest car maintenance cost by brand?

According to Forbes, the four cars cheapest to maintain are the Toyota Yaris, Corolla, and Camry, followed by the Honda Fit.

#6 – How much should I budget for car repairs and maintenance?

Based on the average cost of car maintenance, budgeting around $100 per month for car repairs and maintenance is useful, as often small repairs come up that are unforeseen. There are also larger issues that are bound to happen like needing a new battery or oil changes. The amount you budget depends on how often you use your car, the road conditions in your area, and what kind of stress you put on your car dependent on driving style.

#7 – How much is car insurance per year?

Car insurance costs vary widely depending on location, demographic factors, type of vehicle, and the car insurance system in your state. States that have no-fault car insurance systems often see higher insurance rates, though that the at-fault/no-fault variable is just one that affects an individual’s car insurance rates.

#8 – How much is a car payment per month?

This depends greatly on the type of car, whether it was bought or used, how much you bought it for initially, and the terms agreed to on the loan. Some payments can be as low as just a couple hundred dollars while some can reach into the thousands if not more.

Methodology: Our Study About Car Maintenance Expenses

For this study, we surveyed 840 people who had purchased a new or used car.

• 56.6% purchased their car used
• 36.7% purchased a new car
• 6.8% received a car from a family member or friend.
• Participants in that final group were not included in our visualizations. 
• Participants ranged in age from 19 to 76 with a mean of 38.4 and a standard deviation of 12.3. 

We instructed participants to enter the number of months that had passed since they’d repaired various aspects of their car.

• Answers of “0” were excluded from the analysis.
• Outliers in spending responses greater than $5,000 were excluded from the analysis. 

We also instructed participants to identify a series of images of car indicator lights. We calculated the percentage that each respondent correctly identified and averaged the percentage correct of groups of respondents.

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Limitations of Our Study

This project is not comprehensive of all possible car repairs, and various car models and years may have slight variations in dashboard indicator lights. This was also based largely on self-reported data, which may be influenced by exaggeration or minimized responses. None of the data is weighted or statistically tested.

Fair Use Statement

If you found this article beneficial, feel free to share our findings on vehicle maintenance for noncommercial use. In return, we kindly request that you link back to this page and credit CarInsurance.org. That way, everyone can save money by keeping his or her car in the best possible condition.

And if you want to save the most on car insurance as well as maintenance costs, just plug in your ZIP code into our FREE online quote generator. It’ll give you the best quotes based on your location and information.