Keen to maintain your vehicle but worried about upkeep costs?
It costs a lot of money to own a car. Fuel, insurance and MOTs… then there are repairs when something unexpectedly goes wrong. Car maintenance alone averaged $1,656 per year according to AAA’s latest 2025 report (at 15,000 miles). That’s almost DOUBLE what drivers were paying just 6 years ago.
Yes, keeping your car running can be expensive.
But there’s good news:
You can dramatically reduce those costs with some smart habits and proactive measures. Car upkeep on a budget isn’t about neglecting your car. It’s the opposite. It’s about preventing maintenance issues before they have a chance to become expensive repairs.
In this article you’ll learn:
- Why Caring For Your Car On A Budget Is Important Right Now
- The Easiest Ways To Slash Your Maintenance Costs
- How To Approach Repairs Without Getting Ripped Off
- How To Save On Car Insurance Too
Why Budget Car Maintenance Is Important Right Now
The rising cost of car ownership isn’t going away anytime soon.
In fact, car maintenance and repair costs rose by 43.6% from January 2019 to January 2025 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Nearly half again as much compared to just a few years ago.
Repairs aren’t the only skyrocketing cost. Insurance premiums have also soared in recent years. Today the average full coverage insurance policy runs drivers over $2,100 per year. Drivers are starting to ask, what are the right car insurance companies? Knowing where to look can save several hundred dollars per year on insurance alone.
The point is:
Cars just cost more money these days. Budget car maintenance is about keeping those costs as low as possible. Preventative maintenance and a little DIY can save hundreds on maintenance alone. Saving money on car insurance helps too…
The Easiest Ways To Slash Your Maintenance Costs
Cheap car maintenance isn’t a magic trick. But there is a formula you can follow every single time…
Don’t wait until it’s due.
Follow Your Maintenance Schedule
It’s been said a thousand times and it bears repeating: follow the recommended maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.
While maintenance schedules don’t account for how you drive your car… they do provide general guidance on keeping your car performing at its best.
Small issues will pop up. That’s inevitable. But your maintenance schedule is your best defense for avoiding expensive repairs down the road.
The maintenance schedule should include:
- Oil changes
- Tyre rotations
- Brake inspections
- Fluid top ups (coolant, transmission fluid, brake fluid)
Skip one or two maintenances and you could be in for some expensive repairs. Your vehicle’s maintenance schedule isn’t there for fun. Follow it.
Learn To Do Your Own Maintenance
Let’s face it… car maintenance isn’t glamorous. But that doesn’t mean you have to let someone else eat up your money doing it.
While most repairs should be left to the professionals there are a number of maintenance tasks you can (and should) do yourself.
Think about how much labour costs these days. Most repair shops charge between $125 to $180 per hour for labour. To put that in perspective, an oil change only takes about 15 minutes.
DIY maintenance you should be doing includes:
- Air filter replacements
- Windshield wiper replacement
- Fluid top ups
- Headlight bulb replacements
Ease into it. No one is suggesting you immediately start doing your own transmission repairs. Start with the simple jobs and save money on maintenance.
Shop Around For Parts And Mechanics
Here’s a truth nobody wants to talk about…
Just because your local mechanic suggests a part needs replaced doesn’t mean you have to use their shop to get the new part. And you certainly don’t have to use their labor to do the install.
Get at least 2-3 quotes before approving any repairs. Prices will vary from shop to shop. You’d be surprised how often the lowest quote is actually the best.
As for parts:
- Aftermarket auto parts are perfectly fine in most cases
- Buy your parts online from a reputable auto store
- Salvage yards are great for pricey parts like sensors, catalytic converters and exhaust
You don’t always need your dealership for auto repairs. Get a few quotes and do your research.
How To Approach Repairs Without Getting Ripped Off
Preventative maintenance will keep your car running. But it’s not a miracle cure. Parts wear out and mechanical issues are bound to happen.
Here’s where most people get taken advantage of…
Address The Problem ASAP
Does your car make a weird noise when you turn? Did you notice your check engine light is on? Maybe your brakes are making a funny squealing sound.
Stop what you’re doing and address the issue. These little warning signs are your car telling you something’s wrong. Don’t ignore them.
Sure it might just be a $20 air filter. Or maybe it’s a $2,000 engine. You’ll never know if you ignore it.
Start A Car Emergency Fund
Budget car maintenance includes preparing for the inevitable. Your car is going to break down or need repairs someday.
Starting a car emergency fund will help soften the blow. If you can budget $50 to $100 a month into a dedicated savings account you’ll thank yourself later.
This is especially important if you own an older vehicle. Maintenance gets more expensive the longer you own your car.
How To Save On Car Insurance While You’re At It
Taking care of your car isn’t just about maintenance and repairs. Thoroughly reviewing your car insurance policy each year is another easy way to save.
A few simple tips:
- Compare prices from multiple companies each year
- Ask about bundling home + auto insurance for discounts
- Increase your deductible to lower your monthly premium
- Look into safe driver discounts
The key is don’t just renew that policy automatically each year. Spending 30-minutes comparing car insurance rates could save you $300+.
Wrapping Things Up
Don’t neglect your vehicle maintenance in hopes of saving money. It’s the oldest trick in the book and will come back to bite you.
Here’s your quick recap on how to maintain your vehicle without breaking the bank:
- Follow that recommended maintenance schedule
- Do your own maintenance when possible
- Compare prices between mechanics
- Address issues as soon as you notice them
- Have a car emergency fund for unexpected repairs
- Review your car insurance policy yearly
Saving money on car maintenance and repairs isn’t about skipping your oil changes. It’s about being proactive, doing a little research, and catching small issues before they turn into BIG expenses.
Plus, saving money on car insurance helps too… every little bit counts!
