Ideally, save aside at least $100 every month for basic maintenance and unexpected auto repair bills. Saving ahead of time or utilizing an emergency fund will assist you avoid going into debt to handle unexpected automobile expenditures.

Few things can wreak havoc on your finances like an expensive, unexpected automobile repair. Accounting for known maintenance expenditures in your budget is simple enough, but unforeseen repairs are more difficult. You never know when your automobile may break down or how much the repairs will cost.

According to AAA statistics for 2023, maintenance, repair, and tire expenditures average around 10 cents per mile. Meanwhile, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) claims that drivers travel an average of 13,476 miles each year. Given these estimates, a fair starting point for budgeting basic automobile maintenance and repairs is about $1,350 per year, or $112.50 per month. Adjust your budget based on whether you drive more or less than the FHWA's average.

How Much to Budget for Routine Car Maintenance

Understanding the price of typical regular maintenance procedures and how often they must be done will help you tailor your budget to your needs. Check the maintenance schedule in your automobile handbook to help you plan ahead. You may save money on maintenance by doing simple tasks like replacing your cabin air filter and wiper blades.

When budgeting for transportation expenditures, consider these prices for different maintenance requirements.

Oil Change: $35 to $125

According to Kelley Blue Book, the typical cost of an oil change is from $35 and $75 for conventional oil and $65 to $125 for newer automobiles that need synthetic oil. Oil change prices may vary based on your location and the amount of oil your car uses.

The frequency with which you should replace your car's oil is determined by its age, the kind of oil you use, and the driving conditions in your location. The previous rule of thumb was to replace your oil every 3,000 miles, but most automobiles now need lubricants that may be changed every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or up to 15,000 miles if your car utilizes full-synthetic oil, according to AAA. To get the most performance from your car, follow the recommendations in the handbook.

Cabin Air Filter: $20 to $100

Your car's cabin air filter helps to remove dust, pollen and pollutants from the air you breathe in your car, so it's important to replace it every 15,000 miles. Plan on paying around $20 to $50, including labor, to switch out the filter or up to $100 for luxury or performance vehicles.

Of course, you can reduce your cost by replacing it yourself. If you're unsure how to do it, you can likely find a video tutorial online showing how to replace the cabin air filter for your car model and year.

Tire Rotation: $60 to $132

AAA recommends rotating your tires and setting the air pressure when you change your oil, ideally every 5,000 miles. That's also an excellent time to have the mechanic check your front end for proper balance and alignment.

Generally, tire rotation costs range from $60 to $72; adding tire balancing can bring that range of costs to $112 to $132.

Windshield Wiper Blades: $53 to $64

It's a good idea to replace your wiper blades every six to 12 months to avoid visibility problems due to rain. You should replace them sooner if the blade's rubber looks worn or cracked.

Thankfully, this is a job you can do yourself inexpensively. Wiper blades should only cost about $10 to $23 or more for high-end blades. Some national chain tire stores may install them for free if you purchase the wipers from them. Otherwise, expect a professionally installed replacement to cost between $53 and $64.

Brakes: $100 to $1,000

When it comes to your brakes, routine maintenance could save you money in the long run. Many experts recommend checking your brake pads for wear every six months, but you may want to do it more frequently if you use your car heavily. Generally, your brake pads should last between 30,000 to 80,000 miles.

Should your brake pads wear to the point they scrape against the metal rotors, a complete brake job to replace your pads, the calipers that hold them and the rotors could run up to $1,000. By contrast, the estimated cost to replace your brake pads before they damage your rotors is $100 to $300 per axel.

Tires: $200 Per Tire

There's no specific timeframe for how often you should replace your tires. Your tires become unsafe when the tread is too thin. Accordingly, you should change your tires before the tread depth falls below 1/16th of an inch, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

One way to check your tire depth is to perform the "penny test." Place a penny with Lincoln's head upside-down into the tread of your tires. If the top portion of his head disappears in the thread, you have more than 1/16" inch tread on your tires. However, if his entire head is visible above the tread, it's a sign you should replace your tires immediately. Check each tire in multiple spots, particularly where it appears most worn.

Tire prices vary by brand and where you purchase them, but typically, tires and installation cost around $200 per tire.

How Much to Budget for Unexpected Car Repairs

Budgeting for car repairs is particularly challenging due to the fact that costs can vary so widely. While replacing a set of spark plugs yourself may cost less than $100, a professionally installed new transmission could set you back several thousand dollars.

Aim to set aside some money—at least $50 a month per AAA—for unexpected vehicle repairs. Refer to the following list of common car repairs and their costs as you set your car budget.

Catalytic Converter: $2,300

The catalytic converter on most modern vehicles should last around 10 years and only be replaced when it stops working. Unfortunately, catalytic converter thefts are up over 400% since 2019, according to a State Farm report, leaving more car owners stranded with the replacement costs.

According to Cox Automotive, the average cost to replace a catalytic converter at a dealership is $2,300. Thankfully, a comprehensive auto insurance policy will typically cover theft of a catalytic converter.

Dead Battery: $45 to $250

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. Ideally, car batteries will last about five or six years, especially in colder climates, but you may only get about three years out of your battery if you live in a hotter climate.

Car battery prices vary by size, power and quality, but generally range from around $45 to $250.