Changelog
Corrections, source updates and model changes, newest first. Report an error on the Contact page.
2026-10-18 — sources for remaining figures
- Dealer vs independent mechanic: rate bands and defaults now come from the sourced shop rates (independent $100–$159/hr, OEC/PartsTech survey; dealer $186/hr, NADA 2025) instead of unsourced $80–$130 and $120–$200; added dealer-premium tables and an AAA cross-check.
- Spark plugs: plug-life figures now cite NGK; the ignition coil figure now cites RepairPal.
- Timing belt: the cylinder-head cost now cites RepairPal; the unsourced replacement-interval range was removed (follow your manual).
- Brake pads and pads and rotors: pad-life range now cites AAA Club Alliance; an unsourced pad-thickness figure was removed.
- Oil change, synthetic vs conventional, EV vs gas, transmission repair, car maintenance and cost by make: unsourced intervals, prices and multipliers were cited, replaced with the page’s own model output, or removed.
2026-10-18 — accuracy fix: shop-price reference
- Fuel pump, brake pads, spark plugs and timing belt: added a dated RepairPal shop-price reference next to our model, listed the model’s assumptions, and explained why the model ran lower.
- Shop labor rates corrected from unsourced $80–$130/hr (independent) and $120–$200/hr (dealer) to $100–$159/hr and $186/hr, with sources on each page.