How Much Is Monthly Maintenance on a Car?

According to a survey by FinanceBuzz, 69% of U.S. drivers delay maintaining their vehicles even after they know it’s due. The same survey found that 46% of drivers paid for costly car repairs that could have been avoided if they’d just performed timely maintenance. While people neglect or delay car maintenance for various reasons, one of the most common reasons is cost.

‍

How much is maintenance on a car per month? The price typically varies based on the vehicle, mechanic and other factors, all of which we’ll discuss in this article. We’ll also share tips for lowering maintenance costs. 

‍

Key takeaways

• Monthly car maintenance can cost $50 to $150 depending on your vehicle’s model and condition. This equals $600-$1,800 per year.
• The average maintenance cost for cars is typically higher for luxury or larger vehicles.
• Routine maintenance at least once a year can help avoid costly repairs.

‍

What are typical car maintenance costs?

‍

Knowing typical car maintenance costs helps you financially prepare and avoid putting off necessary upkeep. However, maintenance costs will vary based on the work your vehicle needs. 

‍

To help you budget ahead, here’s a list of common car maintenance expenses:

• Oil change: Most vehicles require an oil change every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. It’s a crucial maintenance task that may cost $20 to $100 at an auto repair shop.
• Tire rotations: You should get your tires rotated every 6 months or 5,000 to 8,000 miles. It typically costs $20 to $50.
• Brake pads: Change your brake pads every 30,000 to 35,000 miles if you’re an urban driver, and every 80,000 miles if you’re a highway driver. Brake pad changes on average cost $100 to $300 per axle.
• Fluids: You should change your transmission and power steering fluid every 50,000 miles and radiator coolant and brake fluid every two years. Changing these fluids costs $300 to $650, but just a check and top-up costs $30 to $100.
• Air filter: These filters need replacements every year or 12,000 miles, and they cost $10 to $25. 
• Battery replacement: A car battery can last 3 to 5 years or more, depending on its quality and your climate. You should have it checked every 6 months or 6,000 miles, and replacing one costs about $100 to $300.
• General inspections: It involves an expert checking your essential car components are working. Most states require an annual vehicle inspection, and it can cost $50 to $150.

‍

What's the average maintenance cost for a car?

‍

According to AAA, the average maintenance cost for a car is $792 per year, $66 per month and 10.13 cents per mile. Of course, the exact cost will vary between cars based on multiple factors, such as the vehicle make and model. 

‍

Here’s a table showing yearly and monthly average maintenance cost for car brands based on 2024 data from ConsumerAffairs.

‍

‍

What factors affect maintenance costs?

‍

Here are the biggest factors that influence the cost of maintaining a vehicle:

‍

Car make and model

‍

Typical car maintenance costs are strongly influenced by your vehicle’s make and model. This is most obvious when you compare the average maintenance cost of budget-friendly car brands like Toyota against those of luxury brands. 

‍

For example, according to CarEdge, the average maintenance cost for a 10-year-old Toyota Corolla is $656. In contrast, a similarly aged luxury car like the Jaguar F-PACE costs about $2,601 to maintain.

‍

Car type

‍

Larger vehicles, like SUVs and pickup trucks, typically cost more to maintain due to their bigger, heavier components, which wear out faster. On the other hand, electric vehicles (EVs) generally have lower maintenance costs than their gas or diesel-powered counterparts.

‍

Car age, condition and mileage

‍

Older cars may require more care during maintenance because they have more worn-out parts. According to CarEdge, a Honda Civic’s maintenance cost will go from $255 in its first year to $861 in its tenth year. Also, even if your car isn’t old but has driven many miles, maintenance costs may be higher due to wear and tear from extensive use.

‍

Maintenance tasks

‍

A simple oil change will cost far less than a full car maintenance that includes fixing discovered faults and changing the oil, brakes and fluids. In short, fewer maintenance tasks equals spending less.

‍

Driving habits

‍

Certain driving habits cause car components to wear out faster, leading to higher maintenance costs. For example, constantly riding your brakes will wear them out quicker, leading to frequent replacements. Also, regularly off-roading or carelessly hitting potholes and speed bumps increases your likelihood of needing suspension and tire repairs.

‍

Mechanic or DIY

‍

Some auto shops offer more competitively priced car maintenance services. For example, dealerships typically charge more for maintenance than independent mechanics. Also, servicing your car yourself usually costs less out of pocket than using a mechanic.

‍

How to save on maintenance and repairs

‍

If the average maintenance cost for your car seems too high, you’ll be happy to know there are ways to lower expenses. Here are some tips for keeping your vehicle on the road and running smoothly without breaking the bank:

‍

• Follow your car’s maintenance schedule: Every new car comes with a manual that specifies how often it needs maintenance or specific maintenance tasks. If you bought a used car without a manual, you can usually find it online. Follow your vehicle’s recommended maintenance schedule to reduce the risk of unexpected and costly breakdowns. 
• Bundle maintenance tasks: Multiple visits to a mechanic for different maintenance tasks may initially seem cheaper, but it actually costs more in the long run. Why? The mechanic will charge you for each visit, increasing your spending. Save money by bundling maintenance tasks into one trip.
• Compare quotes from local shops: Maintenance prices typically vary between auto repair shops. Shop around and compare quotes from local shops to find the one with the best price without sacrificing service quality.

• Do minor maintenance yourself: With the right tools and know-how, you can change the oil, replace brake pads and top up fluids at home. Handling these minor maintenance tasks yourself means paying only for materials, saving money on labor costs and trips to the repair shop.
• Consider extended warranties or service contracts: An extended service contract provides continued coverage after the manufacturer’s warranty expires. With one, you won’t have to pay for covered car repairs out of pocket. 
• Lower monthly payments: Lowering your monthly car payment by refinancing, trading in your car or extending your loan term can free up more money for maintenance. 

‍

Start the online car refinancing process today by comparing offers from multiple lenders and seeing how much you could save. 

‍

FAQs

‍

Here are answers to commonly asked questions about the average maintenance cost for a car:

‍

How much should you spend on car maintenance yearly? 

‍

A common rule is to save 1% to 2% of your car’s purchase price each year for maintenance. For example, for a $50,000 car, you should save $500 to $1,000 yearly to spend on maintenance. However, actual maintenance costs may be more or less, depending on your car’s condition.

‍

What does routine maintenance on a car usually involve and cost?

‍

Routine car maintenance typically involves an oil change ($20 to $100), tire rotations ($20 to $50) and brake pad change ($100 to $300 per axle). You should also get a fluids check and top-up ($30 to $100).

‍

Are maintenance costs lower for new cars?

‍

Yes, maintenance costs are less for new cars because they have less wear and tear, leading to fewer part replacements and lower labor costs. Also, most new cars come with free maintenance plans for the first few years.

‍

How can I lower my monthly car costs? 

‍

Lower monthly car costs by regularly servicing your vehicle to prevent costly breakdowns. You can save even more money by servicing your car yourself. You could also switch to cheaper insurance or refinance your auto loan to reduce monthly payments.

‍

How do extended service contracts cost compared to regular maintenance?

‍

Extended service contracts (ESCs) typically cost more upfront than a year of routine maintenance. However, an ESC can save hundreds of dollars by covering the cost of vehicle repairs listed in the plan. The best ESCs last three to seven years and are renewable.

‍