Car maintenance feels random, but most of it is predictable: oil changes, tires, brakes, inspections. A log of what was done and when turns it into a monthly number.
1. Log every service
Date, mileage, what was done, cost, and where. Keep the receipt; it also helps when you sell the car.
2. List what's coming up
Check the owner's manual schedule for the next 12 months: oil and filter, tire rotation, brake pads, battery age, registration or inspection.
3. Turn it into a monthly set-aside
Add up the expected costs for the next 12 months, add a cushion for surprises, and divide by 12. Example: $600 expected + $300 cushion = $900 a year, about $75 a month into a car fund.
4. Compare repair vs replace with numbers
When a big repair comes up, compare its cost with a year of payments on a replacement, not with the car's value alone.
Free tools
- Car maintenance log spreadsheet (free CSV for Excel / Google Sheets)
- True cost of car ownership calculator
- The Complete Budget Bundle (all templates in one)
- 42 free budget templates, pay what you want ($0 is fine)
General information, not financial advice.