Data compiled and adjusted by Consumer Affairs suggest that the average annual cost of car maintenance in 2024 was around $888, a massive jump compared to the average price of $652 a year in 2019. That’s a 36.2% increase in just five years.
As a whole, maintenance costs are up for the automotive industry. This is due to many reasons, some of the prominent ones being longer vehicle service lives, higher tire prices, unavailability of spare parts, and more.
Vehicle maintenance costs are higher due to high replacement tire prices, part availability, and vehicle design, among others.
Rubber costs, supply chain issues, and economic trends are raising the cost of rubber, subsequently increasing the prices of tires. And since replacing tires is common during seasonal maintenance, drivers are directly affected by the rubber industry’s hiked prices.
Supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, and shipping delays are some reasons for spare part delays across the globe. This shortage has been a problem for years, especially for electric parts like microchips required for modern vehicles.
The increased demand for parts has caused some suppliers to jack up their prices. Repair jobs are also taking longer to complete due to the lack of components.
Labor rates have been increasing throughout the years. There are a myriad of factors for labor fee growth, but it boils down to rising minimum wages, inflation rates, increased technician skills, and the like.
For comparison, the average labor rate for repairs in 2019 was under $50 per hour. In 2024, it’s ballooned to $75 per hour at general auto repair shops.
To paint you a better picture, a five-hour repair job in 2019 costs $250 (minus the actual repair cost). Compare that to 2024, where you’re staring at a $375 labor fee for the same repair.
The advancement of technology and science in the automotive industry means vehicles are more complex than ever. The average transaction cost has increased due to this fact.
Technologies like forward collision warning or automatic emergency braking systems are more expensive to maintain due to their complexity. Because these systems require technical expertise, mechanics work on them longer, resulting in higher labor fees.
Your vehicle’s age, accrued mileage, and additional running costs contribute to increased maintenance costs.
Maintaining an older car is naturally more expensive since parts will wear and need replacement. It may also need parts that may be hard to find, driving up the price even more.
These things add up and can make older vehicles costly to own. It’s why some drivers opt to buy a new car, as purchasing one may only be slightly cost more than maintaining an old vehicle.
Once your vehicle gains more mileage, you’ll have to periodically replace components like air filters, brake pads, spark plugs, and tires. You also have to account for unexpected repairs, such as flat tires, transmission issues, engine problems, and more.
Car maintenance also covers non-repair expenses related to keeping your vehicle running and prolonging its lifespan. These include refueling, buying car covers, car washes, etc. These things tend to add up over time, which counts towards your annual maintenance expenses.
Maintenance is a big part of prolonging your vehicle’s lifespan. It’s inevitable, and you’re bound to spend hundreds or thousands down the line. However, there are ways you can lessen expenses.
The easiest way to save money on repairs is to practice preventive maintenance. This includes things like keeping up with oil changes and tire rotations.
Another way is to have your vehicle’s fluids serviced before the recommended mileage. For example, if the transmission fluid is due at 100k, it might be better to do it every 50k instead. While you’ll have to pay for two services instead of one per year, it’ll still be cheaper than getting a new transmission if issues develop.
Keep in mind that car oils typically serve three specific purposes: clean, cool, and lubricate. Topping them up ahead of time can help you determine if they’re losing their ability to do these tasks and address the potential problem immediately.
There are also lots of relevant resources online that can help you get started on car maintenance. Knowing the basics should help you save money on labor fees and unnecessary visits to an auto shop.
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.