🇮🇳 Maintenance Calculator
DIY vs Shop Repair Calculator
Wrenching on it yourself can save money - but your time isn't free. Compare a garage's bill to a DIY job and see your effective pay per hour. Indian mechanic and shop labour rates vary a lot by city and shop type; the defaults below are just a starting point - adjust them to your local quote.
The Job
Shop / garage quote
Indicative default - authorised service centres and local garages price very differently.
Usually marked up over what you'd pay buying parts yourself.
Doing it yourself
You Save Doing It Yourself
for 5 hours of your time
Shop Total
₹6,000
DIY Total (cash)
₹4,000
Your Effective Pay
₹500/hr
Parts Markup Avoided
₹1,300
Verdict
At this effective hourly rate, the DIY job pays well for your time - a clear win if you have the tools and confidence.
How it works.
Frequently asked questions.
How do I decide if a DIY job is worth it?
Look at the effective pay per hour. If doing it yourself nets you a solid hourly rate and you enjoy the work, it's usually worth it. If the savings come to very little on a job you dread, paying the shop or a local garage may be the better trade of money for time.
Should I count tools as a full cost?
Only the first time. Tools are a one-time purchase you keep for future jobs, so the true per-job tool cost drops toward zero after the first use. For a fairer long-run picture, spread tool cost across the jobs you'll realistically use them for.
What about the risk of doing it wrong?
Factor in the cost of a mistake for safety-critical work like brakes, steering, or airbags. If a botched repair could be dangerous or cost more to fix than you saved, that risk tilts the decision toward a professional even when the math favors DIY.