Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Rising CostsFirst, rising fuel prices were pushing people to the edge; now, car maintenance will tax owners. Following all the news surrounding the Iran war and its economic effects, fuel prices were the first gut punch consumers had to stomach, but now, as NBC San Diego reports, "Drivers [are] delaying car maintenance as costs rise."Higher costs of ownership and busy schedules are to blame. Apparently, it's a luxury to be able to keep up with your maintenance schedule now. The Iran War is sending massive ripples through the automotive industry, and consumers will have to face another crisis on top of what's already happening.Getty ImagesDelaysAccording to the report, mechanics are noticing that cars aren't returning as often for their scheduled maintenance intervals. One owner even admitted that her car is about 1,000 miles overdue.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe main reason is the rising prices across the board for car ownership. Not only are cars set to cost more due to the ongoing energy crisis, but parts supply and fuel supply are eating into the maintenance budget. NBC San Diego also states that putting off car maintenance could be more expensive in the long run; however, some consumers are fearful of higher maintenance and repair prices, leading to neglect.NBC's source also states that newer cars tend to be more disposable and less reliable over time. A 2025 CarFax study suggests that 41% of vehicles are overdue for major service, the report cites.The advice that NBC and its source left us with was to maintain a good relationship with the shop that takes care of our vehicles. Set budgets, get what's most important at this time if money is tight, and your car will thank you later.SubstitutionsThird-party shops, like NBC's source, aren't the only ones that are feeling the pinch. According to a Toyota service bulletin, their motor oil supply chain is getting strained, leaving dealers with a shortage of 0W-8 and 0W-16 motor oils, which are typically used in modern hybrid and non-hybrid Toyota engines. Substitutions are ongoing, as per the bulletin issued to service managers.AdvertisementAdvertisementFurthermore, oil brands are unable to supply shops and stores with sufficient motor oil. In the coming months, we can expect prices to rise more, not just for motor oil but also for car parts and perhaps even skilled labor.This story was originally published by Autoblog on May 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.