What are the main car running costs?

Fuel, insurance, road tax (VED), MOT, servicing, tyres, depreciation, and any finance payments. Total typically £3,000-£6,000/year for an average UK car.

How can I reduce running costs?

Shop around for insurance annually, drive efficiently, maintain correct tyre pressures, keep up with servicing, and consider a more economical car.

What is the average UK car running cost?

Around £300-£500 per month including all costs. This varies hugely by vehicle type, age, and annual mileage.

What are the biggest running costs for a car?

Depreciation is typically the largest cost (£2,000-5,000 per year for a new car). Then fuel (£1,200-2,500), insurance (£400-1,500), maintenance/servicing (£300-800), road tax (£0-190), and MOT (£55 plus repairs). Total costs are typically 30-60p per mile.

How much does the average UK car cost to run per year?

The average UK car costs £3,000-5,000 per year to run, excluding depreciation. Including depreciation, total cost of ownership for a typical family car is £5,000-8,000 per year. Smaller, more efficient cars can be run for under £3,000 per year.

CarCalcs

Car Running Cost Calculator

Calculate total monthly and annual running costs.

Monthly Fuel Cost

Annual Insurance

Annual Road Tax

Annual MOT + Repairs

Annual Servicing

Annual Tyres

Monthly Finance Payment

0 if paid off

How We Calculate This

Simply adds all your annual and monthly costs to give a complete running cost picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.