Car Running Cost Calculator
Car & BikeThe true cost of running a car per kilometre, including depreciation.
Runs entirely in your browser — nothing is uploaded
Features
- Fuel, insurance, servicing, tyres, tax and parking.
- Depreciation included — usually the largest line.
- Cash cost and true cost shown separately.
- Runs entirely in your browser — nothing you enter is uploaded.
How to use the Car Running Cost Calculator
- 1Enter your annual distance and mileage.
- 2Add insurance, servicing and the other fixed costs.
- 3Set the car's value and depreciation rate.
Frequently asked questions
What does a car really cost per kilometre?
For a mid-size petrol car driven 12,000 km a year, typically ₹18–25 per kilometre once depreciation is counted, against ₹7 in fuel alone. The gap is why "it only costs the petrol" is such an expensive assumption.
Why include depreciation if I never pay it?
Because it is real money — the difference between what you paid and what you can sell for. A ₹10 lakh car losing 15% a year costs ₹1.5 lakh in the first year, more than fuel, insurance and servicing together. You meet it all at once when you sell.
Is a car cheaper than cabs?
Below roughly 8,000–10,000 km a year, cabs usually win once the true cost is counted. Above that, and where a car enables something cabs cannot, ownership starts to pay. Compare the true cost per kilometre against a typical cab fare per kilometre.
How do I reduce running costs?
Keep the car longer, since depreciation is steepest early. Shop the insurance renewal rather than accepting the quote. Follow the service schedule but resist upselling. And check tyre pressure monthly — it is free and affects both fuel and tyre life.