The cost of maintaining passenger cars in Russian auto service centers is forecast to rise by up to 15 percent by year’s end. This projection was shared with a Socialbites correspondent by Tatyana Ovchinnikova, who heads the Fit Service international network of car services.
According to Ovchinnikova, price increments in vehicle maintenance are likely to unfold across several fronts. First, it is anticipated that standard hourly rates for car repairs will climb before the close of the year. Higher wages for service staff are also expected, driven by the general rise in prices across the country. In addition, the depreciation of the ruble is expected to push up the cost of spare parts. Taken together, these factors could push the overall cost of vehicle maintenance up by about 10 to 15 percent by the end of the year.
In the first half of 2023, the average check for vehicle maintenance stood at 7,340 rubles. That figure was about 20 percent lower than in the same period in 2022. Looking at the early summer, June 2023 showed a marginal uptick, with an average maintenance check around 7,372 rubles, reflecting slight seasonal variation common to service centers. Industry experts note that the cost dynamics of servicing Chinese-made cars also followed a sharp rise in 2023, signaling broader price pressure across segments and brands.
Analysts explain that several ongoing macroeconomic factors contribute to these projections. Labor costs within service centers tend to shadow national wage trends, yet the impact is often amplified by shortages in skilled technicians and by the need to retain staff in a competitive market. At the same time, the ongoing fluctuations in currency value influence the price of parts sourced abroad, which remains a significant element of total maintenance expenditure. Consumers may notice these shifts through higher hourly repair rates and, in some cases, through increased aftermarket part costs. While the exact trajectory will depend on currency stability, supplier pricing, and service demand, the consensus among industry observers is that price pressure will persist through the remainder of the year, with maintenance costs rising in line with these converging pressures.
What this means for vehicle owners is a likely adjustment period where budgeting for routine service, inspections, and repairs becomes increasingly important. Proactive maintenance planning, including selecting reputable service centers and requesting written estimates, can help mitigate surprises at the shop. As the market adapts, drivers may also explore preventive measures, such as scheduling regular tune-ups and keeping an eye on wear items like belts, fluids, and filters, to extend vehicle life and avoid unexpected, higher-cost repairs later on. The industry remains attentive to how ongoing economic factors translate into service pricing, and operators continue to communicate changes to customers with transparency and clarity, aiming to balance quality and affordability during times of price volatility.