The UK’s Priciest Cities for Car Maintenance
Car maintenance costs are far from uniform across the UK. What you pay for a full service or vehicle repair depends a lot on where you are and what you drive. According to ClickMechanic, some cities pay nearly 50% more than others to keep their vehicles roadworthy.
Let’s take a closer look at where in the UK car maintenance hits your wallet the hardest. We will explore why these costs differ so much and what you can do to manage them.
The UK’s Priciest Cities for Car Maintenance
Car maintenance costs are far from uniform across the UK. What you pay for a full service or vehicle repair depends a lot on where you are and what you drive. According to ClickMechanic, some cities pay nearly 50% more than others to keep their vehicles roadworthy.
Let’s take a closer look at where in the UK car maintenance hits your wallet the hardest. We will explore why these costs differ so much and what you can do to manage them.
Most Expensive Cities for Car Maintenance
According to ClickMechanic, the average yearly cost for car maintenance in the UK is £757. However, in some cities, the cost is much higher.
- Oxford – £1,103/year
- Salisbury – £996/year
- Chelmsford – £906/year
This means Oxford drivers pay a whopping 46% more than the national average. Making it the most expensive place in the UK to maintain a car.
Cheapest Cities for Car Maintenance
At the opposite end of the cost spectrum, Woking emerges as the most budget-friendly city for car maintenance in the UK, with an average annual cost of £559, including £343 for repairs and £194 for servicing, according to ClickMechanic.
Not far behind, Walsall drivers spend around £584 per year, while Wakefield comes in at £611 annually.
These figures show how much your location affects your car expenses. Over £500 separates the most and least expensive cities.
Why the Cost Difference?
Multiple reasons explain why car maintenance costs vary from city to city:
- Labour Rates: Higher wages in major cities push up servicing fees.
- Overheads: Rent and business costs vary, especially in urban areas.
- Supply and Demand: Fewer garages in some areas reduce competition.
- Vehicle Type Trends: More premium cars in some cities = more expensive maintenance.
And more recently, a new wave of challenges is impacting the industry:
“Ongoing component shortages have made it challenging for garages to source necessary parts. This, combined with inflation and rising taxes, means garages and mobile mechanics are having to raise their prices. This is why it’s important for drivers to regularly inspect their car; checking your tyre pressure and topping up oil and coolant fluids can help you to avoid unnecessary wear and tear.” – ClickMechanic
How to Keep Your Costs Down
Regular servicing is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of sudden, costly repairs. By catching issues early and maintaining key components, you reduce the risk of breakdowns and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.
Consider booking with MotorEasy Car Servicing to ensure your vehicle is in top condition all year round. MotorEasy offers competitive pricing and trusted mechanics across the UK, with convenient booking options tailored to you.
Most & Least Expensive Cars to Maintain
Not just where you live, but what you drive affects your maintenance bill. Some makes and models require more frequent repairs and have higher parts costs. Fortunately, the MotorEasy Reliability Index offers insights into the most reliable car brands based on real-world maintenance data.
Most Reliable Brands:
Dacia: 9.3/10
Suzuki: 9.1/10
Infiniti: 8.7/10
Good news for budget-minded drivers, these vehicles are less likely to breakdown or need costly repairs.
Understanding where your city ranks in the national maintenance cost landscape can help you make smarter financial decisions, whether you're budgeting for your next service or choosing your next car.
Keep an eye on your vehicle’s condition, service it regularly and consider car brands known for long-term reliability.
