How Much Is Car Maintenance Per Month in California? Average Costs and Budgeting Tips
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How much is car maintenance per month in California? Many factors will determine the average cost of your vehicle maintenance, including your location, car part costs for your specific vehicle, and how you use your car. Understanding the driving costs to expect in California will give you strategies for keeping costs down.
Why Regular Car Maintenance Matters
Regular maintenance is extremely important for the health of your vehicle, safety considerations, cost efficiency, and the environment.
By keeping your vehicle in good condition, you’re less likely to experience unsafe situations such as tire blowouts, brake malfunctions, or other issues while driving. It also reduces the likelihood that you’ll face unexpected repairs from worsening vehicle conditions.
Maintenance saves money in the long run as well. Instead of driving your car until you need expensive repairs, you can prevent them by paying for more affordable maintenance tasks along the way. For example, regular oil changes can help with your fuel economy, improving both cost efficiency and your carbon footprint.
Understanding the Cost of Ownership in California
Unfortunately, California has some of the higher costs of ownership in the United States. Car ownership includes a variety of expenses, including the cost of the vehicle, sales taxes, registration fees, insurance, gas, and repairs.
Many of these costs are higher in California than in other states. For example, registration fees include a long list of possible fees that might be added to your bill depending on the type of vehicle, its weight, how you plan to use it, and your location. In addition, the fuel tax coupled with higher environmental standards often makes for higher gas prices.
California auto insurance premiums are also more expensive than other states, due to factors such as heavy population, crime, and denser traffic.
Be prepared to pay more to own a vehicle in California.
Factors Affecting Ownership Costs
The primary factors affecting ownership costs include:
- Vehicle age and type: If you have an older vehicle, repairs might start to become more frequent and more expensive. Some cars might also have more expensive parts or use more gas, which can also increase the cost of ownership.
- Mileage and frequency of use: The more you drive, the more often you will have to pay for routine maintenance or other repairs. You’ll also spend more on gas and insurance.
- Driving conditions: Different areas of California can experience a variety of adverse driving conditions, such as fog, snow, and extreme heat. All of these have effects on your vehicle and its mechanical operation.
Breakdown of Average Monthly Maintenance Costs in California
On average in the U.S., you may pay around $66 per month for car maintenance, for an annual cost of around $792. However, the average cost of car maintenance per month in California is likely to be higher than the average cost in other states. Maintenance services from repair shops in urban areas are likely to be significantly more expensive than other areas.
That said, there’s likely to be a larger gap in cost for unexpected repairs than for routine maintenance such as replacing wiper blades or brake pads. Unexpected repairs can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars, while routine maintenance is likely to stay under $500.
Factors Influencing Maintenance Costs in California
Many factors cause maintenance costs to be higher in California. In general, the cost of living in California is higher than in many other states, with heavily populated areas like Los Angeles being significantly higher.
As rent, utilities, and wages have increased, businesses must pass on those expenses to consumers. This ultimately causes an increase in costs for auto parts and labor.
Routine Maintenance Tips
Keeping up with routine maintenance is one of the best ways to reduce your overall repair costs. Here are strategies to help you keep your car in good condition:
- Save money for maintenance. Make a small monthly payment directly to your savings account to use when routine maintenance comes up.
- Inspect your car. Perform a simple car inspection once a week to make sure that everything looks and runs as it should.
- Schedule maintenance ahead of time. Your vehicle’s owner’s manual should tell you how often to replace specific parts or perform certain tasks.
- Drive responsibly. Don’t add the extra risk of accidents, which can result in large repair bills, as well as more expensive car insurance in California.
Finding Reliable Mechanics
One of the best ways to find a reliable mechanic is to seek others’ assistance. Ask friends and family if they have any recommendations. You can also check online review sites like Google Reviews.
Look for an ASE-certified mechanic. ASE certification means that the mechanic has passed tests and met specific requirements to demonstrate their mechanical abilities and business practices.
Finally, you can check with the California Bureau of Automotive Repair to verify that they are registered with the state or to file complaints as needed.
Calculate Your Maintenance and Insurance Costs Today!
Your average car maintenance cost in California will vary depending on many factors, such as your location, vehicle make and model, and driving habits. One of the best ways to estimate your maintenance costs is to research your specific vehicle and contact mechanics to get quotes for certain repairs.
Insurance costs will also vary depending on your ZIP code, vehicle details, and driver profile. If you’re looking for cheap car insurance in California, comparison shopping can help to find a provider in your area. Use the online quote tools at EverQuote to compare custom policy options and rates today.