{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"How Much Does It Cost to Maintain a Car in Australia? A Realistic Budget Guide  Budgeting for Car Maintenance in Australia: What You Need to Know","text":"Wondering how much it costs to maintain a car in Australia? Learn the average annual expenses for servicing, repairs, and upkeep – plus tips to save money and stay road-ready.","links":[{"name":"Car maintenance costs in Australia: what’s the average you should be spending on your car annually?","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1748247847150/car-maintenance.png","alt":"Woman sitting at desk looking at laptop with man looking over her shoulder","width":3816,"height":2148},"date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z","tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Save well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/save-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/contentowner"},{"organism":"Container.Header","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/header/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/header/inherited","model":{}},{"organism":"Breadcrumb","model":{"links":[{"name":"Home","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"Motorists","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists.html"},{"name":"Go Well Content Hub","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub.html"},{"name":"Car maintenance costs in Australia: what’s the average you should be spending on your car annually?","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"Car maintenance costs in Australia: what’s the average you should be spending on your car annually?","text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-family: Montserrat;color: black;\"\u003ECar costs catching you off guard? Discover what Aussie drivers really spend on maintenance and how to keep your vehicle running smoothly without breaking the bank.\u003C/span\u003E\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 10.0pt;line-height: 115.0%;font-family: Montserrat;\"\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/page_header.shellimg.png/1748247836988/car-maintenance-header.png","alt":"Woman sitting at desk looking at laptop with man looking over her shoulder","width":3834,"height":957},"date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on May 15, 2025"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/_jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy/author.shellimg.png/1748015413678/shell-pecten.png","alt":"shell pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":8,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EFor 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAverage annual maintenance costs in Australia\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EAccording to a survey conducted by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) in 2023, weekly costs of servicing a car and changing a car’s tyres \u003Ca href=\"https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/car-insurance/statistics/car-running-costs/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003Ecosts approximately $33.61 a week on average\u003C/a\u003E for Australian households, which equates to an annual car maintenance cost of $1,747.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThis 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EHere’s a breakdown of common costs:\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOil changes and basic servicing: $200–$400 annually\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EMost 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003ETyre rotations and replacements: $150–$800 annually\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ERotating 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBrake pads and servicing: $250–$600 annually\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EBrake wear depends heavily on driving style and terrain. Urban drivers tend to go through pads faster due to frequent stopping.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBattery replacement: $150–$350 every 3–5 years\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ENot an annual cost, but it’s worth factoring in over time. Batteries often give out in extreme weather or after short-trip-heavy usage.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EAir and cabin filters, spark plugs, wipers, fluids: $100–$300 annually\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThese items are typically replaced during scheduled servicing, but skipping them can cause bigger problems later.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003ENew vs. older cars\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ENewer 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EVehicle type\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EThe 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EOn 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003EEuropean 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow you drive\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h2\u003E\r\n\u003Cp\u003ECity 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.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003E4 cost-saving tips for everyday drivers:\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\r\n\u003Col\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EStick to a service schedule:\u003C/b\u003E Delaying maintenance often leads to more expensive repairs later.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003ELearn basic checks: \u003C/b\u003EKeeping an eye on tyre pressure, fluid levels and warning lights can help prevent breakdowns.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EBundle insurance and maintenance plans\u003C/b\u003E: Some providers offer packages that can help smooth out yearly costs.\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003Cbr\u003E\r\n\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003Cli\u003E\u003Cb\u003EConsider resale value:\u003C/b\u003E Well-maintained vehicles hold their value better, helping you recover more when it’s time to upgrade.\u003C/li\u003E\r\n\u003C/ol\u003E\r\n"}},{"organism":"PageTags","model":{"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=vehicles%3A"},{"name":"Save well","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/tag-search.html?tag=shell%3Abusiness%2Fbusiness-customers%2Fsave-well"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy/page_tags_copy"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy/text_copy_copy_copy_","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003E\u003Csub\u003EDisclaimer\u003C/sub\u003E\u003Cbr\u003E\n\u003Cspan style=\"font-size: 9.75px; vertical-align: sub;\"\u003E\u003Csup\u003EViva 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.\u003C/sup\u003E\u003C/span\u003E\u003C/p\u003E\n"}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_copy_copy","model":{}},{"organism":"Container","colspan":4,"children":[{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually/jcr_content/root/main/section_copy_copy_co/simple_996584123_cop/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested 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maintenance costs in Australia: what’s the average you should be spending on your car annually?","text":"Wondering how much it costs to maintain a car in Australia? Learn the average annual expenses for servicing, repairs, and upkeep – plus tips to save money and stay road-ready.","date":"2025-05-15T12:30:00Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"Car maintenance costs in Australia: what’s the average you should be spending on your car annually? | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/car-maintenance-costs-in-australia-whats-the-average-you-should-be-spending-on-your-car-annually"},{"name":"externalDisclaimerText","value":"Shell plc Legal Disclaimer\r\nYou are now leaving the Shell website.\r\nThe link you have selected will direct you to a website that is not controlled by Shell plc or any member of the Shell Group. 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