Maintenance & Repair Estimates
Maintenance & Repair Estimates
Assumes 100,000 miles per year and premium shop rates.
| Expense Category | Service Interval / Notes | High-Side Cost | Cost Per Mile (CPM) |
| Tires (Steer & Drive) | Every 100k miles (Premium Brands) | $7,500 | $0.075 |
| Emissions (DPF/SCR/EGR) | Annual sensors, cleaning, & dosing | $6,500 | $0.065 |
| Unexpected Repairs Fund | Major component failures/roadside | $6,000 | $0.060 |
| Oil Changes (PM-B) | Every 25k miles (Full Synthetic) | $4,500 | $0.045 |
| Brakes (Full Overhaul) | Every 200k miles (Pads/Drums/Labor) | $5,000 | $0.025 |
| Towing & Recovery | Emergency hook-ups (2 events/yr) | $2,500 | $0.025 |
| Clutch Replacement | Every 400k miles (High-side labor) | $6,000 | $0.015 |
| Fuel Injectors (Set of 6) | Every 500k miles | $7,500 | $0.015 |
| Turbocharger / Actuator | Every 400k miles | $6,000 | $0.015 |
| Cooling & Electrical | Radiator, Water Pump, Alternator | $3,000 | $0.030 |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| TOTAL ESTIMATED CPM | $0.370 |
Why $0.37/Mile is the New Standard
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Parts Inflation: Since 2023, the cost of complex components like Turbo Actuators and NOx sensors has outpaced general inflation. A single sensor that used to cost $400 is now often $650+ before labor.
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Labor Shortages: Diesel technician wages have risen sharply. Even for simple jobs, minimum shop "diagnostic" fees and shop supplies charges can add $200–$400 to every visit.
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The Emissions Reality: On 2018+ trucks, the complexity of the after-treatment system remains the #1 cause of downtime. Setting aside $0.065/mile specifically for emissions ensures you aren't wiped out by a failed SCR catalyst (which can run $5k–$8k).
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The "PM-B" Spike: High-quality synthetic oil and premium filters have seen double-digit price increases. Doing a full wet-service every 25,000 miles at $1,125 per service is a safe high-end budget.
Pro-Tip: The Weekly Savings Rule
To keep your business running at this $0.37/mile rate, you should be putting away:
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$740 per week (based on 2,000 miles)
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$3,083 per month (based on 8,333 miles)
Would you like me to adjust this further to include your specific truck's age or a breakdown for a "Reefer" unit vs. just the Tractor?