How to track car expenses
What to record
Track running costs: fuel or electricity, servicing and repairs, tyres, inspections, tax, insurance, parking,
tolls, fluids, and accessories. Add notes for part numbers, warranty, and provider contacts to streamline future work.
Cost per distance explained
Cost per mile or kilometre = total spend ÷ distance in the same period. Use it to compare routes, fuel grades,
tyre types, and driving styles. PitSync calculates it automatically alongside monthly and lifetime totals.
Receipts and documentation
Photograph receipts and attach them to entries. Store policy numbers, renewal dates, and provider links.
Keep service history together to improve resale value and avoid repeated diagnostics.
Reminders and compliance
Align maintenance with renewal dates so you do jobs once. Use PitSync reminders for local inspections, tax,
and insurance to avoid lapses and penalties. UK drivers: see MOT reminders,
vehicle tax, and insurance tracking.
Fuel and efficiency
Track MPG (US/UK), L/100km, or km/L; EV drivers can track mi/kWh, km/kWh, Wh/mi, and Wh/km.
Changes in pressure, load, weather, or routes can shift efficiency. Pair with the MPG tracker.
Finance and ownership costs
If you finance a car, also record deposit, monthly payments, fees, and settlement or balloon figures.
These affect total cost of ownership even if they are separate from day-to-day running costs.
Set up in PitSync
- Add your vehicle and choose units.
- Log your first expenses with distance and receipts.
- Enable reminders for inspections, tax, and insurance.
- Review monthly totals and cost per distance; investigate spikes.
Outcome
With everything in one timeline, PitSync shows a clear picture of running costs by category and over time.
Plan maintenance, choose better routes or tyres, and make smarter keep-or-sell decisions.