How to Track Car Maintenance and Fuel Costs
Understand fuel spending, service history and the real cost of using a car.
1. Start with an odometer reading
Record the current mileage or kilometres and the date. Use the same distance unit consistently.
2. Log every fuel purchase
Record the date, litres or gallons, total cost and odometer. Example: 40 litres at €1.70 per litre costs €68.
3. Estimate fuel consumption carefully
When you have comparable full-tank readings, divide fuel used by distance travelled and multiply by 100 for L/100 km. For example, 40 L over 500 km gives 8.0 L/100 km. Partial fills need more careful treatment.
4. Keep a maintenance history
Store oil changes, tyres, inspections, repairs and their costs with dates and odometer readings. This helps plan the next service and document work when selling a vehicle.
5. Calculate total running cost
Add fuel, servicing, insurance, taxes and other relevant expenses for a period. Divide by distance to estimate cost per kilometre; exclude purchase price unless you also model depreciation.
CarLog provides a convenient place to record vehicles, fuel and maintenance expenses.
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