What Should I Budget for My Car Every Month?

Car ownership costs go beyond paying for gas and insurance. They also include ongoing maintenance, which can vary widely in cost depending on the vehicle you drive, where you live, and your driving habits. Unfortunately, many drivers don’t realize just how much they’ll need to set aside every month until something breaks. 

Keep reading to learn more about the routine costs of owning a vehicle, what unexpected repairs to anticipate, any seasonal factors that can affect costs, and budgeting tips to stay ahead of any repair or service. 

What Factors Affect Your Monthly Car Costs 

Many variables affect how much you can expect to spend on your vehicle each month. For example, your vehicle’s age and mileage: Older vehicles or cars with higher mileage generally cost more to maintain, because parts wear out more often. 

Driving conditions also affect your vehicle. Compared to highway driving, consistent stop-and-go traffic speeds up brake wear and tear, as well as increases fuel consumption. 

How much you drive is another factor. A driver commuting 40,000 km a year will hit service intervals faster than someone driving only 10,000 km. 

Canadian winter driving also increases wear on brakes and tires and can break down fluids faster. Road salt and slush, as well as rougher road conditions from potholes and frost heaves can affect many components on your vehicle. 

If you drive a luxury or specialty vehicle, you can expect higher parts and labourfees. Drivers who stay on top of consistent preventive maintenance can expect to see a higher upfront monthly cost, but routine maintenance can reduce large and unexpected repair bills in the future. 

Routine Maintenance Costs 

NAPA AUTOPRO automotive experts recommend routine maintenance visits at four intervals, and each one builds on the one before it. 

The base service, recommended every 6,000 km or 3 to 4 months, covers: 

• an oil and filter change 

• a check and top-up of your cooling system, brake, power steering, transmission, and windshield washer fluids 

• tire pressure adjustment and a tire inspection 

• a visual inspection of your drive belt, exhaust system, steering, and suspension 

• a check for leaks 

• lubrication of chassis, steering, and suspension components 

• replacement of exterior lights and wiper blades, if needed 

From there, each package adds more: 

24,000 km or 12 months: everything in the base service, plus a road test, wheel alignment, tire rotation and balancing, a full brake system service, and cooling system testing. Your engine air filter and cabin filter are inspected and replaced if needed. 

48,000 km or 24 months: everything above, plus fluid flushes and replacements (coolant, transmission, brake, power steering, and differential), spark plug and ignition inspection, a new fuel filter, heating and A/C testing, and a diagnostic scan for stored computer codes. AUTOPRO also recommends this service after buying a used vehicle with an unknown service history. 

96,000 km or 48 months: everything above, plus the bigger wear items, such astiming belt, spark plugs, ignition cable, and hoses and belts. 

Note that later checks are not one-time procedures. For example, a wheel alignment and tire rotation and balancing should be carried out every 24,000 km or 12 months. 

Later interval visits are more comprehensive and therefore cost more, since they include additional checks and part replacements. The more consistent you are with routine maintenance, the more predictable your average monthly maintenance costs become. 

Budgeting for Unexpected Repairs 

Some parts, like brakes, A/C components, batteries, and alternators, don’t wear on a predictable schedule. While these can be an unpleasant surprise, putting money aside for these unexpected repairs can save a lot of stress. 

Certain repairs can vary in cost depending on the severity of the fix. For example, an A/C system repair may simply require a lower-cost diagnostic session, somewhat more costly general repairs, or an expensive compressor replacement. The overall cost will simply depend on the components that need to be replaced and how much time is required in labour to complete the job. 

Try to set aside a monthly repair buffer on top of your usual routine costs, rather than treating maintenance as a fixed monthly number. If you have an older vehicle, plan for a larger financial buffer, so you’ll have a sufficient emergency fund ready to go. 

Seasonal Considerations 

From hot and humid summers to snowy and frosty winters, Canada’s seasons throw a lot at your vehicle. For many Canadians, the semi-annual seasonal tire swap means owning two sets of tires. 

Cold weather is also hard on batteries, and a battery failure is a classic unexpected winter cost. Check your washer fluid, too, since some products useseasonal formulations, while others work all year round, depending on outside conditions. 

Seasonal vehicle maintenance not only prepares your vehicle for the new season ahead, but it can also help catch potential issues early. For example, road salt and freeze-thaw cycles in the winter and spring can increase wear on your brakes and vehicle undercarriage components. Pre-booking these routine service appointments can help prevent larger (and more expensive) breakdowns and extend the life of your vehicle. 

Tips to Stay on Budget 

Try to stick to your vehicle manufacturer’s or AUTOPRO’s recommended service intervals. Skipping or avoiding ongoing maintenance may feel like you’re saving money, but it could set you up for a large and costly repair in the future, as well as reduce the lifespan of your vehicle. 

Always address small issues early before they snowball into something larger, and if you do need a large repair, always ask for a written estimate before authorizing any work. In addition, keep a maintenance log so you can anticipatewhat’s coming up soon and budget accordingly. 

Planning ahead means you can avoid nasty surprises. Set aside a fixed monthly amount that is dedicated to a car maintenance fund, rather than reacting only when something breaks. 

While no one likes to think about paying for regular maintenance or unexpected repairs, planning can reduce stress and ensure your vehicle receives essential services that keep it running for years to come. 

For help planning the best maintenance plan for your specific vehicle and driving habits, speak with your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre about routine vehicle checks.