Routine car maintenance costs
Basic car maintenance involves inspecting or replacing various parts of your vehicle. It can help identify and prevent issues early on and ensure your car runs as smoothly as possible. To determine how often you should perform basic car maintenance, check your owner’s manual. Depending on your vehicle, you may also receive maintenance reminders on your dashboard.
Car maintenance costs depend on various factors, like car make, model, and age. On average, car maintenance costs $792 per year, or $66 per month, according to AAA.
The costs to maintain your vehicle can add up quickly, so it’s a good idea to budget for maintenance. You can even open a dedicated bank account for car maintenance and repairs and set money aside each month.
Below are some common car maintenance costs you’ll want to plan for. Rates in the table below are for a 2016 Honda CR-V in Georgia. Your costs could be higher or lower depending on where you live and the type of car you drive.
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| Oil and filter change | $77–$117 |
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| Cabin air filter change | $68–$104 |
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| Tire rotation | $47–$68 |
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| Multipoint inspection | Varies |
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| Windshield wiper replacement | $49–$63 |
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Oil and filter change: $77–$117
Oil keeps engine parts lubricated and prevents the wear and tear of crucial components. Over time, oil becomes dirty as a result of dirt, dust, and debris. Since dirty engine oil is a hazard that can take a toll on your vehicle, regular oil and filter changes are important.
Oil and filter changes protect your engine from corrosion, cool the engine parts, clean your engine, and extend its lifespan. While the vehicle’s age, oil type, and your driving habits influence how often you should change your oil and filter, most vehicles require them every 3,000 to 7,500 miles.[3]
Cabin air filter change: $68–$104
The cabin air filter is designed to clean the air that enters the vehicle’s interior through the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. It catches pollen, dust, and other pollutants that can lead to an unpleasant ride, especially if you or a passenger has allergies or other respiratory issues. Most manufacturers recommend that you change your cabin air filter every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.[4]
Tire rotation: $47–$68
A tire rotation involves moving vehicle tires from one position on the car to another. Where the tire moves depends on the vehicle, but a standard tire rotation will move tires from front to rear, sometimes crossing sides. Vehicles with different tire sizes or one-directional tread patterns will have different tire rotation patterns.
Tire rotations reduce the risk of uneven tire wear, which often occurs when the front of your vehicle is heavier than its rear. It can help you achieve a smoother ride, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance safety. The general rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every 5,000–6,000 miles.[5]
Multipoint inspection: Cost varies
Multipoint inspections are checkups for your vehicle. Through these inspections, you can find out how your vehicle is performing and initiate maintenance or repairs that will help you avoid headaches and costly issues down the road.
While it’s a good idea to get a multipoint inspection every 5,000 miles or every six months, you may also want to get one before a long road trip. A typical multipoint inspection involves an examination of engine coolant, transmission fluid, brake pads, calipers, fuel lines, wiper blades, and more.[6]
Windshield wiper replacement: $49–$63
The windshield wipers on your vehicle are crucial, as they wipe away rain, dust, and other things that land there.
Unfortunately, windshield wipers don’t last forever and need to be replaced every six to 12 months.[7] If you notice your windshield wipers are leaving streaks on your windshield or they squeak while they wipe, then it’s probably time to replace them.
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