How to Calculate the Cost of Car Maintenance?

Nowadays, owning a car is no longer a luxury—every family member often has a car. Since every person has different needs, finding the perfect car that suits you is always possible. Buying a car may not be such a difficult task, but it is the cost of operating a car that can drive you crazy.

Whether it's a new or used car, you'll need to spend money on maintenance. Used cars are much riskier financially as you don't have any guarantees, and any part may need to be replaced soon.

Let's find out how much it costs to maintain your car or the one you are about to buy.

Basic Operating Costs

Let's put aside the issue of high operating costs and focus primarily on the basic "needs of the car." Regardless of which car you purchase, these running costs will be regular, and their size will only differ.

Fuel

Perhaps the fuel should be quoted because electric cars are becoming as common as diesel and gasoline cars. Either way, fuel costs will become very noticeable when owning a car. Electric vehicles tend to have the lowest fuel costs, but if you're interested in combustion engine vehicles, small engines are comparable, especially diesel.

Yes, diesel engines are more economical than gasoline engines, but they are also more complex. For example, most modern diesel engines use multiple fuel pumps because the required pressure is about ten times that of gasoline engines.

So, find out the fuel consumption of a particular model, and calculate the price based on this indicator.

Tires

The tires connect your car to the road, so it is extremely important to choose the right tires. A good set of tires can greatly increase the real car cost.

Usually, all-season tires end up being cheaper because you don't have to change tires twice a year. Although it is recommended to balance the wheels from time to time, drivers often put on all-season tires and forget about them until it is time to change them for new ones.

Many people buy used tires that are less than two years old. However, new ones can last you at least 3-4 years.

Their service life depends on the quality. Budget brands usually focus exclusively on one feature and do not improve others. For example, tires may provide good traction and low noise levels, but their service life will be short. Only premium brands can combine all the benefits, but, of course, you will have to pay more for this.

Spare Parts

Everything from suspension parts to electronics usually costs more for luxury cars. And do not forget about the cost of work. In addition, an ordinary driver is not able to do anything more serious than changing the oil and filters because modern cars are filled with sensors and electronics. Some car models will require a diagnostic tool even to replace the wipers.

Insurance and Checkup

Car insurance will save you from the huge expenses that you can expect even after a small accident. It is mandatory in almost all countries, and the insurance cost depends on the driver's experience and type of vehicle. Insurance for powerful luxury SUVs and sedans usually costs more for two reasons: the bodywork is more expensive, and the chance of an accident is much higher if you have 300 horsepower under your foot.

A checkup is a mandatory regular vehicle inspection that includes exhaust emissions testing, suspension, engine, and safety checks. It is required every few years, depending on the country. Also, be sure to find out about all possible registration taxes before buying a car.

Unforeseen Repairs

Owning any car can come with a lot of expense, especially if the owner hasn't done regular maintenance. Worst of all, this problem is very common and can cost a lot of money. Therefore, it is always worth having savings in case of unexpected repairs to avoid being in a difficult situation. 

In addition to the cost of fuel, tires, registration, and other basic ownership costs, you should also look into the cost of the most sought-after parts, such as brake pads, discs, filters, water pumps, radiators, and shock absorbers. Compare them with the parts of other car models.

If you know which model you will buy, look for reviews about this model and user reviews. So you can learn about the risks and main problems specific to this model. For example, one of the car owner's worst nightmares is buying a car that is prone to corrosion or the problems listed in the emergency repairs section.