According to consulting firm Ducker Carlisle, car maintenance costs have been increasing by 7% to 8% annually since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Driving factors include supply issues, labor costs, oil prices, and tariffs.
Most auto parts are imported, including parts used in American-made vehicles.
Ducker Carlisle says a shortage of truck drivers is also contributing to higher costs.
The services seeing the fastest price increases are tire replacements and oil changes.
"But there isn't a single part of the car where I expect maintenance costs to go down," said Nate Chenenko of Ducker Carlisle. "These high fuel prices and trucking restrictions, they just make the price of everything go up."
So here are six tips to save.
1. Look down the line. Get services done sooner rather than later.
2. Don't ignore problems. Preventive maintenance is cost-effective as problems will cost you more in the long run.
3. Shop around. Prices can vary widely.
4. Watch for the upsell. Don't agree to something you really don't need.
5. Don't double pay. Check if the service or repair is under warranty or covered under a pre-paid maintenance or service contract.
6. DIY. Many "how-to" videos for simple maintenance work can be found online.
"It has never be easier to do your own work on your own car modern cars," Chenenko said. "There is a YouTube video for pretty much every car out there."
He recommended watching multiple step-by-step instructional videos from certified mechanics or parts retailers and comparing the information they provide.
"They'll tell you what tools you need and everything. And then look at the comments under the video and just make sure that they did it right," Chenenko said.
Among the maintenance tasks consumers may be able to perform themselves are replacing windshield wipers, cabin and engine air filters, and headlights.
Chenenko also suggested drivers consider rotating their own tires or changing their own oil.
He said he has performed many of these maintenance tasks with his son and other neighborhood children, and saved a lot of money in the process.