{"organism":"Page","children":[{"organism":"Container.Raw","children":[{"organism":"Metadata","model":{"title":"How to keep a car maintenance spreadsheet & track costs effectively","text":"Easily track and manage your car expenses with a maintenance spreadsheet. Learn how to calculate costs, budget wisely, and prevent costly repairs.","links":[{"name":"How to keep a car maintenance spreadsheet","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1744864767129/a-man-and-women-looking-at-a-computer.png","alt":"Caucasian woman and African American man sit at kitchen counter with breakfast working with pen, paper and laptop.","width":3840,"height":2160},"date":"2025-04-17T12:30:00Z","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/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/metadata"},{"organism":"ContentOwner","model":{},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/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/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/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":"How to keep a car maintenance spreadsheet","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/header/breadcrumb"}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/header","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Main","children":[{"organism":"Container.Section","children":[{"organism":"PageHeader","color":"inherited","model":{"title":"How to keep a car maintenance spreadsheet","text":"\u003Cp\u003EEasily track and manage your car expenses with a maintenance spreadsheet. Learn how to calculate costs, budget wisely, and prevent costly repairs.\u003C/p\u003E\r\n\r\n\r\n","image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/_jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header.shellimg.png/1744780747605/man-and-women-looking-at-a-computer.png","alt":"Caucasian woman and African American man sit at kitchen counter with breakfast working with pen, paper and laptop.","width":3840,"height":960},"date":"2025-04-17T12:30:00Z"},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/page_header"},{"organism":"Container","colspan":8,"children":[{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy/author","model":{"links":[{"name":"By Shell on April 17, 2025"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy/author.shellimg.png/1744691959742/shell-pecten.png","alt":"shell-pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","colspan":7,"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy/text","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EKeeping track of car maintenance is essential for ensuring your vehicle remains in good condition, preventing costly repairs, and helping you budget appropriately.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EOne of the best ways to keep tabs on car costs is to create a car maintenance spreadsheet or logbook. A well-maintained spreadsheet can help you monitor routine services, track expenses, and anticipate and prepare for upcoming costs.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EAnd despite all the confusion and hesitation around how technical spreadsheets can be, keeping your own car logbook is not as hard as those stereotypes might suggest. Here are some tips for setting up and keeping an efficient car maintenance log.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EWhat to track in a car maintenance spreadsheet\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBefore you even create your spreadsheet, create a list of what you want to track to inform and show you how much you’re spending on your vehicle’s maintenance and repairs.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EYour list should include:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDate of service: Keep a record of every maintenance or repair visit.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EOdometer reading: Logging mileage helps track when certain services are due.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EType of service performed: List anything and everything like oil changes, tyre rotations, brake checks, and other services.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EService provider: Note whether maintenance was done by a dealership, independent mechanic, or yourself.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ECost of service: This helps you monitor expenses and budget accordingly.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ENext service due: Estimate when future services are required.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EParts replaced: Track replaced components like brake pads, filters, and spark plugs.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EWarranty coverage: Note any warranty-related repairs to avoid unnecessary out-of-pocket expenses.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBy tracking these elements, you’ll gain a clear picture of your car’s upkeep and can anticipate costs more accurately.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EOrganising your car maintenance spreadsheet\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EUsing a spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or Apple Numbers, you can create a log with columns for each of the above categories. There are loads of free car maintenance log templates available in Excel, making it easy to start with a structured format.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo enhance your spreadsheet, think about:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EColour coding upcoming due dates for maintenance.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUsing formulas to total expenses per month, quarter, or year.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAdding filters for quick searches by service type, date, or cost.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EHow to calculate car maintenance costs\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EA well-maintained spreadsheet can help you analyse your spending and anticipate future costs. Here’s how to break down car maintenance expenses:\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECar maintenance per month\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ETrack recurring costs such as oil changes and minor repairs.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EAverage out larger expenses (like tyre replacements) over several months.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EPlan for small but essential maintenance, such as fluid top-ups.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECar maintenance per year\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003ESum up all expenses from monthly entries.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EInclude major services like brake pad replacements, alignments, and battery changes.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EFactor in unexpected repairs or breakdowns for a more realistic estimate.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch4\u003E\u003Cb\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ECar maintenance per week\u003C/strong\u003E\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h4\u003E\n\u003Cul\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EDivide total monthly maintenance costs by four to get an approximate weekly expense.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EHelps with short-term budgeting and setting aside funds for upcoming services.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003Cli\u003EUseful for drivers who log high mileage and need frequent maintenance.\u003C/li\u003E\n\u003C/ul\u003E\n\u003Ch3\u003E\u003Cb\u003EKeeping your spreadsheet updated\u003C/b\u003E\u003C/h3\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003ETo get the most out of your car maintenance log, update it regularly. Whenever you perform maintenance or incur an expense, record it promptly. Set reminders to check and update your spreadsheet monthly to stay on top of upcoming service dates and avoid unexpected costs.\u003C/p\u003E\n\u003Cp\u003EBy diligently maintaining a car maintenance spreadsheet, you can ensure your vehicle stays in peak condition, prevent costly repairs, and budget effectively for future expenses.\u003C/p\u003E\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/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_copy_copy/page_tags_copy"},{"organism":"PromoSimple.Text","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/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/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/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/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/text","model":{"title":"You may also be interested in"}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Feb 13, 2025\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"Insurance Savings 101: How to Trim Costs Without Sacrificing Coverage","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/tips-to-save-on-car-insurance.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop.shellimg.png/1744692370451/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_1027702471","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Nov 13, 2024\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"How to finance a car in Australia","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-finance-a-car-in-australia.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_1027702471.shellimg.png/1744692354186/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}},{"organism":"Author.Info","color":"inherited","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_1812694552","model":{"text":"\u003Cp\u003EBy Shell on Oct 10, 2024\u003C/p\u003E\r\n","links":[{"name":"How To Protect Your Car's Value and Reliability","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/protect-your-cars-value-and-reliability.html"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/_jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop/author_copy_copy_cop_1812694552.shellimg.png/1744692412617/shell-pecten.png","alt":"Shell Pecten","width":2500,"height":1405}}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section/simple_996584123_cop","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main/section","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/main","model":{}},{"organism":"Container.Footer","children":[{"organism":"Breadcrumb.Large","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":"How to keep a car maintenance spreadsheet","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet.html"}]},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/footer/breadcrumb"},{"organism":"Container.Raw","ref":"https://www.shell.com.au/_jcr_content/root/footer/inherited.model.json","id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/footer/inherited","model":{}}],"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content/root/footer","model":{}}],"id":"/conf/shell/settings/wcm/templates/base/structure/jcr_content/root","model":{}}],"model":{"title":"How to keep a car maintenance spreadsheet","text":"Easily track and manage your car expenses with a maintenance spreadsheet. Learn how to calculate costs, budget wisely, and prevent costly repairs.","date":"2025-04-17T12:30:00Z","links":[{"name":"canonical","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet.html"},{"name":"errorUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/error.html"},{"name":"hierarchy","value":"en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet"},{"name":"homeTitle","value":"Shell Australia"},{"name":"homeUrl","value":"https://www.shell.com.au/"},{"name":"locale","value":"en-AU"},{"name":"title","value":"How to keep a car maintenance spreadsheet | Shell Australia"},{"name":"textDirection","value":"ltr"},{"name":"template","value":"base"},{"name":"contentPath","value":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet"},{"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. Accordingly, neither Shell plc nor any member of the Shell Group endorses, adopts, certifies or otherwise validates the information and material contained on the linked website. This includes its sponsor and any policies, activities or services offered on the site, by any advertiser on the site or linked to the site.\r\nThank you for visiting the Shell website."},{"name":"themeMode"},{"name":"lastModified","value":"2026-01-25T05:19:33.804Z"},{"name":"themeName","value":"base"},{"name":"themePath","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-base"},{"name":"themeCss","value":"/etc.clientlibs/amidala/clientlibs/theme-base.ACSHASHb291465fc8d3c7bcefde74d34044b698.css"}],"tags":[{"name":"Vehicles","value":"vehicles:"},{"name":"Save well","value":"shell:business/business-customers/save-well"}],"image":{"src":"https://www.shell.com.au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/_jcr_content/root/metadata.shellimg.png/1744864767129/a-man-and-women-looking-at-a-computer.png","alt":"Caucasian woman and African American man sit at kitchen counter with breakfast working with pen, paper and laptop.","width":3840,"height":2160}},"id":"/content/shell/countries/australia/en_au/motorists/go-well-content-hub/how-to-keep-a-car-maintenance-spreadsheet/jcr_content"}