Changing a tire has become a luxury: the cost of maintaining a car skyrockets in Brazil

Published


28/01/2026 às 11:52

Accumulated price adjustments, a high dollar exchange rate, and industrial costs are making car maintenance a bigger burden on Brazilians’ wallets.

Maintaining a car in 2026 has become significantly more expensive in Brazil. Those who needed to replace tires, have their car serviced, or replace basic parts have already felt the direct impact on their wallets. The increase didn’t stem from a single factor, but from a combination of costs including a high dollar exchange rate, accumulated inflation, more expensive logistics, and dependence on imported parts.

The result is simple: items that were once considered routine maintenance now require financial planning. And this applies to both popular cars and SUVs, pickup trucks, and used vehicles.

Why have tires and parts become more expensive?

The increase in automotive maintenance prices is a consequence of several factors that have intensified in recent years:

• dependence on imported raw materials;
• dollar at a high level;
• higher transportation and energy costs;
• increase in the price of labor;
• successive price adjustments in the automotive industry.

Even parts produced in Brazil end up being impacted, since some of the raw materials come from abroad.

Tires lead the price increases in 2026.

Tires are among the items that have seen the biggest price increases. On average, the accumulated price adjustments range from… 20% and almost 30%depending on the size, make and type of vehicle.

In practice, this means that exchanging A complete set of tires can cost R$300 to R$500 more today than it did two years ago. — an immediate impact on the driver’s budget.

See the comparative price table below (image), which shows how much tires and parts have increased from the previous period until 2026.

Automotive parts also became more expensive.

Besides tires, other common maintenance parts also saw price increases. Brake pads, discs, shock absorbers, and batteries experienced constant price adjustments, reflecting both industrial costs and logistical difficulties.

In so many cases, A simple service that used to cost around R$ 900 will now cost over R$ 1.150 in 2026.More comprehensive reviews can easily reach… R$1.500 or more, especially in SUVs and pickup trucks.

Used cars feel the impact even more.

Those who own used cars feel the price increase more intensely. This happens because:

• Maintenance is more frequent;
• Some parts are harder to find;
• Many models rely on imported components;
• Natural wear and tear requires more frequent replacements.

In some cases, the annual maintenance cost already represents 10% to 15% of the vehicle’s value, something that was previously only common in older cars.

Is it worth postponing maintenance?

Experts warn that postponing maintenance can end up costing even more. Worn tires, compromised brakes, and worn-out suspension increase the risk.

• fuel consumption;
• wear and tear on other parts;
• the risk of accidents;
• the chance of unexpected expenses in the future.

In 2026, the challenge for drivers is not just paying more, but… choosing the right time to spend.

How to reduce the impact on your wallet.

Even with higher prices, some actions can help save money:

• Research prices at more than one repair shop;
• Avoid replacing parts unnecessarily;
• Keep your alignment and balancing up to date;
• Choose reliable brands, not just the most expensive ones;
• Invest in preventative maintenance.

Small decisions can represent significant savings over the course of the year.

What to expect from now on

The scenario indicates that maintenance costs are likely to remain high in the coming months. If the dollar rises again or industrial costs increase once more, further price adjustments cannot be ruled out.

For Brazilian drivers, the message is clear: in 2026, owning a car will still be synonymous with mobility, but it will also require… constant financial planning.