How to Use the Maintenance vs Repair Cost Calculator
"I'll fix it when it breaks" is a tempting way to save money, but skipping routine maintenance often costs more in the long run because minor wear turns into major failures. This calculator compares your annual maintenance spending against the expected cost of skipping it, based on the failure probability and average repair cost you enter, over a 3, 5, or 7-year period.
The expected repair cost is calculated as an expected-value estimate: failure probability multiplied by average repair cost. For example, a 20% annual failure chance with a $1,200 average repair works out to about $240 per year in expected repair cost. In reality, some years may have no failures at all while others could see multiple, so treat this as a planning estimate rather than a guarantee.
Items with a fixed replacement schedule — oil changes, timing belts, brake pads — usually make routine maintenance far cheaper than reactive repairs. On the other hand, an older, higher-mileage vehicle may carry elevated failure risk even with regular upkeep, so weigh the calculator's result alongside your vehicle's age and mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Missing oil changes, coolant service, and timing belt replacement accelerates wear and raises the odds of a major failure. Actual risk depends on your vehicle's condition and driving habits, so treat this calculator as an estimate.
Include oil and filter changes plus routine inspection items like brakes, tires, and battery checks for the year. Shop prices vary, so use your actual quote or receipts as a guide.