Car maintenance costs in Australia: what’s the average you should be spending on your car annually?

For most Australians, a car isn’t a luxury – it’s a lifeline. Whether commuting to work, managing school drop-offs or running a small business, keeping your vehicle in good working order is non-negotiable. But how much should you realistically budget each year for car maintenance? While the exact figure depends on your vehicle type, age and how much you drive, having a clear ballpark can help avoid costly surprises down the road.

Average annual maintenance costs in Australia

According to a survey conducted by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) in 2023, weekly costs of servicing a car and changing a car’s tyres costs approximately $33.61 a week on average

for Australian households, which equates to an annual car maintenance cost of $1,747.

This annual fee depends on how new or old your vehicle is, how often it’s driven and whether you stay on top of routine maintenance.

Here’s a breakdown of common costs:

Oil changes and basic servicing: $200–$400 annually

Most manufacturers recommend a service every 10,000–15,000 km or every 6–12 months. For an everyday commuter, that usually means two services per year.

Tyre rotations and replacements: $150–$800 annually

Rotating your tyres every 10,000 km extends their lifespan. A full set of new tyres ranges from $400 to $1,000, depending on brand, size and car type.

Brake pads and servicing: $250–$600 annually

Brake wear depends heavily on driving style and terrain. Urban drivers tend to go through pads faster due to frequent stopping.

Battery replacement: $150–$350 every 3–5 years

Not an annual cost, but it’s worth factoring in over time. Batteries often give out in extreme weather or after short-trip-heavy usage.

Air and cabin filters, spark plugs, wipers, fluids: $100–$300 annually

These items are typically replaced during scheduled servicing, but skipping them can cause bigger problems later.

New vs. older cars

Newer cars often come with capped-price servicing and fewer breakdowns, making them cheaper to maintain early on. But once the warranty expires, costs can rise significantly. Older vehicles may need more frequent repairs or part replacements. Take this into account when shopping around and forecasting your travel budget.

Vehicle type

The type of vehicle you own plays a significant role in how much you’ll spend on maintenance each year. Compact cars like the Toyota Corolla, Hyundai i30, or Mazda3 tend to be more budget-friendly thanks to their smaller engines, lower tyre and brake replacement costs, and readily available parts. They’re also generally more fuel-efficient, which helps with running costs overall.

On the other end of the scale, large SUVs, 4WDs, and utes – such as the Toyota LandCruiser, Ford Ranger, or Isuzu D-MAX – are built for durability and performance, but that often comes with increased wear and tear. These vehicles use more expensive consumables (like larger tyres or heavy-duty brake systems) and servicing costs can be higher due to the added complexity of systems like AWD, diesel engines or off-road modifications.

European or performance vehicles (think BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz) are in a league of their own when it comes to ongoing expenses. Not only are replacement parts and fluids often imported and more expensive, but labour rates at specialised service centres are also typically higher.

How you drive

City driving puts more strain on brakes and suspension, while long-distance highway driving is generally more gentle on components. Towing or carrying heavy loads? Expect higher wear and tear.

4 cost-saving tips for everyday drivers:

1. Stick to a service schedule: Delaying maintenance often leads to more expensive repairs later.
   
   
2. Learn basic checks: Keeping an eye on tyre pressure, fluid levels and warning lights can help prevent breakdowns.
   
   
3. Bundle insurance and maintenance plans: Some providers offer packages that can help smooth out yearly costs.
   
   
4. Consider resale value: Well-maintained vehicles hold their value better, helping you recover more when it’s time to upgrade.

_Disclaimer
^{Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd (“Viva Energy”) has compiled the above article for your general information and to use as a general reference. Whilst all reasonable care has been taken by Viva Energy in compiling this article, Viva Energy does not warrant or represent that the information in the article is free from errors or omissions or is suitable for your intended use.}