How Much to Budget for Car Maintenance and Repairs

How Much to Budget for Routine Car Maintenance

Knowing what maintenance your car needs, how often and how much it costs can help you plan your budget. Start by checking your car manual's maintenance schedule to see what's recommended. You can also reduce maintenance costs by performing some maintenance yourself, such as changing your cabin air filter and wiper blades.

As you budget for car expenses, consider the following costs for various maintenance needs.

Oil Change: $145 to $173

Kelley Blue Book lists the average cost range of an oil change from $145 to $173, but prices vary. For example, replacing three quarts of conventional oil on an older vehicle will likely be substantially cheaper than replacing five quarts of synthetic oil on a newer performance vehicle.

How often you should change your oil depends on your car's age, the type of oil you use and driving conditions in your area. The old rule of thumb was to change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if your vehicle uses conventional oil. Most modern vehicles use synthetic blend or full synthetic oil and can go anywhere from 7,500 to 15,000 miles between oil changes, according to Kelley Blue Book. You may need to change it more frequently if you drive in harsh conditions. Follow the instructions in your vehicle's manual for best performance.

Cabin Air Filter: $85 to $114

Your car's cabin air filter helps to remove dust, pollen and pollutants from the air you breathe in your car. It's generally recommended to change this filter every 15,000 to 30,000 miles.

Replacement costs vary from $85 to $114, according to auto research firm RepairPal.

You may be able to change it yourself and save on labor costs. Look for a video tutorial for your specific vehicle before proceeding.

Tire Rotation: $20 to $50

Here's another task you may be able to perform yourself for savings. Check your manual to find out how often you should rotate your tires. AAA recommends rotating your tires and checking alignment every 5,000 miles, or about 6,000 miles with synthetic oil.

Many tire retailers will rotate, inflate and replace your tires for free if you bought them there. If you do have to pay for a tire rotation, expect to pay between $20 and $50 at most shops, according to AutoZone.

Windshield Wiper Blades: $10 to $75

Replace your wiper blades every six to 12 months to avoid visibility problems caused by rain. Do it sooner if the blade's rubber looks worn or cracked.

Thankfully, this is a job you can do yourself for just the cost of the wiper blades. Most range from $30 to $75 for the blades, depending on their quality and model. Some auto stores may install them for free if you buy the wipers there. Otherwise, expect a professionally installed replacement to cost between $20 and $60, according to CarTalk.

Brakes: $35 to $1,000 or More

When it comes to your brakes, routine maintenance could save you money in the long run. AAA recommends replacing your brake pads every 30,000 miles. You may want to do it more frequently if your usual travels require heavy braking, such as in stop-and-go traffic.

According to AutoZone, brake pads cost $35 to $150 per axle for parts, or $70 to $300 if you're replacing both the front and rear. Professional installation could run you $115 to $270 per axle. If your pads have worn down enough to damage the rotors, replacing both pads and rotors may cost from $250 to $500 per axle at a shop.

Tires: $81 to $221 per Tire

It's important to replace your tires before the tread becomes dangerously thin. The U.S. Department of Transportation recommends changing your tires before the tread depth falls below 1/16th of an inch, and some states mandate this standard. A quick way to check is to insert a penny upside down into the tire so that President Lincoln's head is pointed toward the tire. If you can see Lincoln's entire head, then the tread is at 1/16 of an inch or less. Check each tire in multiple spots to determine which tires need replacement.

Tires should last six years or 50,000 miles, according to J.D. Power. If your tires have a warranty, it may include a more specific life expectancy. The cost to replace tires can vary widely—from $89 to $221 per tire—depending on the brand, size, performance features and retailer. That means a full set of four tires will usually cost about $500 to $900, including installation.

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How Much to Budget for Unexpected Car Repairs

Kelley Blue Book reports the cost of car repairs averages $838 dollars. In addition to budgeting for routine maintenance, it's a good idea to set aside funds each month for surprise repairs, such as the following.

Catalytic Converter: $2,164 to $2,483

CarParts.com states that catalytic converters should last at least 10 years, if not the life of the car. However, theft of these anti-pollution devices surged in the early 2020s due to the valuable metals inside, leaving many car owners facing high replacement costs. Fortunately, new laws, specialty anti-theft devices and other factors contributed to a 68% decline in thefts from 2023 to 2024, according to Kelley Blue Book data.

Still, thefts continue to happen, and if your converter is stolen or stops working properly, the average cost to replace a catalytic converter ranges from $2,164 to $2,483, according to RepairPal. Some comprehensive car insurance policies cover the cost, but check with your insurance agent to confirm.

Dead Battery: $90 to $300

Your car battery provides the initial jolt of power to start your car's motor and also operates the vehicle's electrical systems.

With so much riding on the battery, it's wise to replace it before it expires. Standard 12-volt car batteries typically last about three to five years. The cost of a new battery ranges from $90 to over $300.

Tip: If you anticipate your battery's life is near its end, shop and compare prices online for a good deal. If you wait until the battery dies, you may be forced to overpay for a quick replacement to keep your car on the road.

Flat Tire: $20 to $50

Many flat tires can be repaired quickly and inexpensively at an auto shop or tire center (some places even do it for free). Lemonade estimates the typical cost of a car tire repair at $20 to $50, but up to $150 if the tire has bead damage where it mounts to the rim. If there's significant damage, you may need to replace the tire, which raises another dilemma: Should you replace the one tire or the whole set?

It's usually a bad idea to replace just one tire since differences in tread and wear can affect your car's stability. You might replace one if the others are nearly new and you buy the same tire. Otherwise, if they're worn more than 1/16 of an inch, it's best to replace all four, which can cost $500 to $1,200.

New Timing Belt: $400 to $900

If you turn on your car and the engine makes a squealing sound, or if your engine stalls or idles roughly, it could be a sign of a bad timing belt. In that case, replace it as soon as possible since a broken timing belt can lead to engine damage, or even failure.

According to AAA, timing belts usually last from 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If yours needs replacing, it could cost you from $400 to $900.

New Transmission: $5,892 to $6,402

If you keep your car long enough, you'll need to get a new transmission at some point. There's no specific amount of time for how long your transmission will last, as it depends on many factors, such as the car model, how well you maintain it and your driving habits.A new transmission could cost you between $5,892 and $6,402, according to RepairPal. You may be on the lower end of the range if you choose a rebuilt transmission at a local shop, while a remanufactured transmission at a factory could raise your expense significantly.

Engine Replacement: $4,000 to $10,000

Let's hope you never have to replace your car's engine, one of the biggest repair bills you can face. If your engine has a lot of miles and you plan to keep the car, it may be smart to budget for it.

Unfortunately, car insurance typically doesn't cover engine failure unless it results from an accident or another covered event. AAA reports the price of an engine replacement ranges from $4,000 to $10,000. You may be able to save money by choosing a rebuilt or remanufactured engine.

Learn more: How to Save Money on Car Repairs

How to Pay for Car Repairs

The average age of cars in the U.S. is nearly 13 years, according to S&P Global Data. The older your car gets, the more likely it is to need repairs. If you have enough money in your emergency fund, use it to cover the repair costs and make a plan to rebuild your emergency fund ASAP. Otherwise, consider other options. Here are a few ways to pay for car repairs:

• Budget for car repairs. Add a maintenance and repair line to your budget. Use last year's expenses to estimate your costs. Alternatively, you could use AAA's cost estimate of 11 cents per mile. Multiply it by your yearly miles, then divide by 12 to set a monthly savings goal.
• Build your emergency fund. Experts often recommend keeping your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account. Aim to save at least three to six months of basic living expenses in your fund. It takes time to save such a substantial sum, but an emergency fund can safeguard your finances from unexpected car repairs and other surprise expenses.
• Get an Intro 0% APR credit card. A 0% intro annual percentage rate (APR) credit card may give you enough time to charge a car repair and repay the debt interest-free. These cards come with a 0% promotional interest rate for up to 21 months. You typically must have good to excellent credit to qualify, and if you don't repay the balance before the introductory period ends, the remaining balance will be subject to the card's standard APR.
• Consider a personal loan. A personal loan is a type of installment loan with a fixed interest rate. Your payment stays the same for the duration of the loan term, which can range from one to seven years. According to the most recent Federal Reserve data, the average interest rate for a two-year personal loan is 11.65%, nearly half the average credit card interest rate.

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Protect Your Finances and Your Credit

Car maintenance and repairs can be costly, so it's wise to plan ahead for them. Setting aside money each month for an unexpected car expense can help protect your financial health if you suddenly incur a large repair bill.