Car maintenance is easy to overlook—until a sudden repair hits your wallet. Regular maintenance keeps your car running smoothly, reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns, and prevents costlier future repairs. Whether you’re saving for a small tune-up or an oil change, having a car maintenance budget keeps you prepared. Learn how to create a budget and build an emergency fund for those unexpected moments.
Key Takeaways
- Put aside $100 per month for car maintenance costs to cover routine expenses like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake replacements.
- Maintain an emergency fund of $500 to $1,000 to prepare for unexpected repairs and reduce financial stress.
- Set aside a small amount of money each month to start building your car maintenance budget.
How Much Should I Budget for Monthly Car Maintenance?
Experts recommend putting aside $100 per month for car maintenance. According to industry estimates, the average monthly car maintenance costs range from $50 to $150. This includes routine tasks like oil changes, tire rotations, and brake pad replacements.
However, that number might change depending on your vehicle’s age, make, model, and how often you drive. If you drive an older car or one with higher mileage, you may need a bigger monthly maintenance budget. Older cars typically require more frequent repairs, and their replacement parts can be pricier.
How Much Is Yearly Car Maintenance?
Over the course of a year, the cost of car maintenance for the average car is usually between $600 and $1,200. Here’s a quick breakdown of typical monthly repair maintenance costs:
- Oil change: $40–$75 (every 3,000–5,000 miles)
- Tire rotation: $25–$50 (every 6,000–8,000 miles)
- Brake pads replacement: $100–$300 (per axle, every 25,000–50,000 miles)
- Battery replacement: $100–$200 (every 3–5 years)
Prepare for the Unexpected with an Emergency Car Fund
Car repairs don’t always stick to a schedule. While routine maintenance is predictable, emergencies pop up without warning. For example, your alternator might fail during a road trip, or a pothole could damage your suspension.
Prepare for these occasions with an emergency fund. Ideally, your fund will cover most, or all of your emergency car repairs, preventing the need to take out an interest-heavy loan. Aim to save at least $500 to $1,000 in your emergency car repair fund. If you’re starting from scratch, try saving small amounts each week. Even putting away $10 to $20 regularly adds up over time.
How to Build Your Car Maintenance Budget
Budgeting for car maintenance doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Start building your budget today with these tips:
- Track Your Spending: Review what you’ve spent on maintenance and repairs in the past few years and create a budget based on those numbers.
- Save a Little Each Month: Set aside a small portion every month for car maintenance. If you have money remaining at the end of the month, roll it over into your emergency fund for larger expenses.
- Plan for Routine Services: Schedule regular maintenance like oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections. While these repairs can be costly up front, they help prevent bigger, more expensive issues down the line.
- Prepare for Larger Repairs: Even well-maintained cars will eventually need major repairs, like new tires, brake replacements, or timing belt changes. Plan ahead to make these expenses more manageable.
- Consider a Repair Fund for Older Cars: If your car is older or has high mileage, allocate a larger amount of money to monthly repairs. Older cars often require more maintenance to stay safe and reliable.
- Complete Minor Maintenance Yourself: If possible, do minor maintenance tasks yourself to save money. For example, changing your own oil can keep your vehicle running smoothly for less.
Make Car Maintenance a Priority
Regular car maintenance, while expensive, keeps your car safe and reliable. In addition, budgeting for monthly car maintenance helps you avoid financing repairs. Whether you’re building an emergency fund or putting aside a designated portion of your monthly income, a little budgeting goes a long way.
Looking for more tips on car maintenance and budgeting? Explore additional articles on The General’s blog.
