Maintenance costs for passenger cars in Russian service centers are projected to rise by around 10% by year end. This was shared with a journalist by Tatyana Ovchinnikova, head of the Fit Service international network of car service centers.
Forecasts point to an uptick in vehicle service prices across Russia. The rise is likely to sit in the 6–10% range on average, according to Ovchinnikova.
Several factors are driving higher prices for car care. Real inflation in goods and services, plus a shortage of skilled workers, push wages up. Workshops raise hourly rates to ensure staff can be paid more competitively. The cost of spare parts also matters, as prices tend to move in line with exchange rates.
In the first half of 2024, the typical bill for car service work stood at about 9,600 rubles, a figure that represented a 31% drop from the same period in 2023. Raul, a market analyst quoted in industry briefings, noted the shift in consumer spending on maintenance during this period.
When considering maintenance, Chinese-made cars have historically been among the cheaper options for owners in Russia, a trend attributed to lower parts costs and broader service networks. Market observers say this pattern is influenced by parts availability, brand pricing strategies, and the overall maintenance ecosystem, which affects total ownership costs for drivers in Russia and neighboring markets. In light of global supply dynamics, buyers in North America and Canada may observe parallel movements in service pricing as vehicle components and labor markets adjust to inflationary pressures and logistics challenges. Some customers are already noticing higher hourly rates and longer wait times at busy service centers, particularly for popular models and newer vehicle generations. For car owners planning repairs or routine maintenance, budgeting for annual service costs becomes more prudent as these macro factors unfold, with regional differences still shaping final charges across service networks.
Industry observers emphasize that the direction of prices will hinge on inflation trends, currency movements, and the availability of skilled technicians. As service centers adapt, customers should expect gradual adjustments rather than sudden spikes, and they may benefit from scheduling maintenance ahead of peak seasons to manage costs more effectively. The broader takeaway is clear: the price of keeping a car in good condition tends to track the cost of living and the supply chain health, with Chinese-brand vehicles often presenting a cost advantage in routine upkeep compared with some other makes.