The expert named the reasons for the increase in car maintenance costs in the spring

In 2026, the costs of Russian car owners for car maintenance continue to increase, and this growth is already systemic. This was announced on May 1 to Izvestia by Kirill Arzamazov, head of sales at Brannor, a distributor of brake components.

According to him, the basic seasonal preparation of a car, including inspection, checking of the braking system, replacement of technical fluids and other standard procedures, costs an average of 10-15% more expensive today than a year ago. If we are talking about a full technical inspection with a comprehensive one, the cost increase reaches 15-25%, especially for cars of the medium and premium segments.

The average service receipt has also increased. The cost of one-time maintenance or repair for the mass segment increased by 10-20% and amounts to about 6-12 thousand rubles. Annual expenses for car maintenance, including fuel, CTP, maintenance, repair, tire installation and consumables, on average reach 300-480 thousand rubles.

The expert cites rising prices for spare parts, logistical costs and an increase in the cost of service work as the main reasons for the rise in prices.

Separately, there is a noticeable increase in cost in the tire repair segment. This is due to an increase in employee salaries, an increase in the tax burden, as well as an increase in the cost of equipment and consumables.

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The increase in VAT from the beginning of 2026, from 20% to 22%, also had a significant impact on the auto parts market. According to Arzamazov, this has led to a cumulative effect along the entire supply chain — from the manufacturer to the end consumer. As a result, the cost of automotive components increased by an average of 10-20%, and in some categories — up to 25%.

Mandatory labeling of products, logistical difficulties and currency fluctuations put additional pressure on prices.

At the same time, as market participants note, consumer behavior is gradually changing. Car owners are increasingly abandoning the cheapest solutions in favor of higher-quality components, as repeated repairs and premature wear of parts end up being much more expensive.

This trend is also confirmed by Sberbank Leasing experts, who recommend paying special attention to the key components of the car. First of all, we are talking about the brake system, suspension and engine oil. According to them, the use of reliable components and timely replacement of consumables help to extend the service life of the main units and ensure stable operation of the car.

The company's specialists also emphasize the importance of choosing the right car service. Contacting trusted workshops with a transparent service history, official documentation, and order processing allows you to minimize the risk of poor-quality repairs and avoid additional costs in the future.

On April 27, analysts at the international car service network Fit Service reported that April was the most visited month in car services in 2025, while five years earlier the record high in the number of visits was recorded in October. The traditions of seasonal car maintenance in Russia have been preserved, but peak demand has shifted from autumn to spring.