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How do I make a car maintenance budget?

I've made a budget for all other aspects of my life but not for the new car I just purchased. What costs do I need to budget for the maintenance of my new vehicle?

avatar
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
“Congratulations on your new car! Planning ahead to take care of it is a smart thing to do.
Most experts suggest that you should set aside at least $100 a month to go toward your car maintenance budget, especially if you don’t have a
used car warranty
or a manufacturer’s warranty.
If you’ve owned the car for a year, you can also use the amount you spent on maintenance last year, divide it by 12, and add that to your car maintenance fund.
Furthermore, you should look at your mileage and see if your car is due for any major services in the near future. This can help you budget even better. The higher the mileage, the more you can expect to pay on maintenance, as higher mileage often leads to more working need to be done.
While insurance might not be considered maintenance, it does help payout in the event of an accident, saving you money when you need to repair your car. If you want help shopping for the best coverage at the lowest price, try using the
Jerry
app. Jerry compares rates from the top providers and delivers the best deals to your phone in minutes. And the best part–it’s free to shop for insurance with Jerry.”
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