Due to multiple economic factors, Canadian vehicle owners face increasing maintenance expenses in 2025. Global supply chain disruptions, new tariff implementations, and currency fluctuations increase replacement part costs. This affects both professional repair services and DIY maintenance activities. Here are 22 auto parts that will cost more in Canada this year.
Brake Pads
The Canadian automotive brake pad market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 3% from 2025 to 2030, driven by increased vehicle production and stricter safety regulations. Additionally, global raw material suppliers, such as Asbury Carbons, have announced price increases effective January 2025, citing rising costs of raw materials, labor, energy, and packaging. To mitigate these expenses, vehicle owners are advised to stay proactive with maintenance, such as regular brake inspections and timely replacements, to avoid more costly repairs in the future.
Catalytic Converters
With palladium and rhodium still worth more than gold, catalytic converters are a favorite for thieves and a financial gut punch for drivers. The global catalytic converter market is projected to grow from $66.08 billion in 2024 to $73.08 billion in 2025, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.6%. Stricter emission regulations and increased vehicle production drive this growth. Replacement units are now $200–$500 pricier due to global demand, environmental regulations, and, yes, theft-related insurance hikes.
Windshield Wipers
Wiper blades, especially beam-style and all-weather types, are up 10–15% thanks to rising rubber and plastic costs. In Canada, specific factors contribute to rising costs. The country’s severe winters necessitate specialized winter blades, which are more expensive due to their enhanced durability and performance in cold conditions. Additionally, some vehicle manufacturers design wiper systems incompatible with third-party blades, forcing consumers to purchase pricier OEM replacements. These factors combined suggest that Canadian consumers will face increased expenses for windshield wiper blades in 2025.
Tires
According to Kal Tire, tire prices in Canada have risen 7–12% in the last year. The main culprits are natural rubber shortages, increased freight charges, and higher demand during seasonal shifts. Plus, tariffs are also impacting tire costs. The Trump administration’s reciprocal tariffs on countries exporting tires to the U.S., including Thailand, Indonesia, and Vietnam, are leading to increased prices. Although Canada is not directly targeted, global supply chain disruptions and increased costs for raw materials are affecting Canadian tire prices.
Batteries
Lead-acid batteries now average $180–$250, up from $130–$190 in 2023. Lithium-ion models, standard in hybrids and EVs, are up over 20% year-over-year. Additionally, the surge in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) in Canada has amplified the demand for EV batteries. The Canadian EV battery market, valued at USD 1.85 billion in 2024, is projected to double by 2033, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 9.70%. This rapid growth strains existing supply chains, contributing to higher battery prices. Blame lithium shortages, environmental fees, and more EVs on the road.
Headlights
Halogen replacements are still fairly reasonable, but HID and LED assemblies (especially for luxury brands) have jumped 20–35% in price due to microchip shortages and limited inventory. While aftermarket LED headlights offer a more affordable alternative, they may not always meet legal standards for brightness and beam pattern, potentially leading to safety and compliance issues. Overall, integrating advanced lighting systems in vehicles contributes to increased headlight costs in Canada this year.
Oil Filters
Inflation hasn’t spared this palm-sized component. Manufacturers have implemented price hikes; for instance, Motorcraft increased filter prices by 20–30% in mid-2023. Rising costs of raw materials and energy compound these increases. Statistics Canada reported a 0.5% rise in energy and petroleum product prices in February 2025, following a 6.9% increase in January. Also, most filters are now $2–$5 more than in 2023, thanks to metal and paper pulp cost hikes. High-performance or synthetic-compatible filters? Add another $10.
Engine Oil
Due to several contributing factors, engine oil prices in Canada are expected to rise in 2025. Mazda dealerships have reported significant increases, with some quoting up to $300 for a 5-liter engine oil container. This surge is attributed to multiple price hikes from suppliers within six months. Additionally, trade tensions have led to the imposition of tariffs on Canadian oil exports to the U.S., potentially adding $10 per barrel. DIY oil changers, beware.
Spark Plugs
Thanks to shifting global trade dynamics and tariff threats, Canadian drivers may soon pay more for a small but mighty engine component: spark plugs. As of 2025, aftermarket auto parts like spark plugs—especially those imported from China or the U.S.—are seeing price hikes due to increased duties and supply chain bottlenecks. China is a major supplier of iridium and platinum plugs, and new countervailing duties imposed by Canada to align with Western trade policies are expected to raise costs by 10–20%.
Radiators
Radiator prices have increased 20–30% due to aluminum cost surges and supply chain slowdowns. The global automotive radiator market is experiencing steady growth, projected to reach $8.55 billion in 2025, up from $8.15 billion in 2024. This growth is driven by increasing automotive production and stricter emission standards. Replacement now typically costs $300–$700 for standard vehicles. Add labor, and it’s a hot mess.
Timing Belts
The global automotive timing belt market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 2025 to 2035, reflecting steady demand driven by increasing vehicle production and the adoption of direct injection engines. This growth is mirrored in Canada, where the average cost of timing belt replacement ranges from $500 to $1,100, depending on the vehicle type and labor rates. Also, the materials — synthetic rubber and Kevlar — have seen inflation. Pro tip: Don’t delay replacing it. If it snaps, your engine’s toast.
Oxygen Sensors
If your car’s check engine light is glowing like a disco ball and your wallet’s feeling lighter, blame the oxygen sensor—Canada’s latest automotive diva. These little exhaust snitches, crucial for fuel efficiency and emissions, now demand a king’s ransom. In 2025, replacing an oxygen sensor in Canada can set you back between $250 and $500, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. Brands like NGK offer sensors ranging from $101.31 to $126.29.
Air Filters
Thanks to a 25% import tariff on goods from Canada and Mexico imposed by the U.S. in March 2025, the cost of car parts, including air filters, is set to rise. This tariff is expected to disrupt the integrated North American supply chain, increasing production costs and, consequently, higher consumer prices. So, while your air filter keeps your engine breathing easy, your wallet might feel short of breath. But at least your car will inhale only the finest Canadian air!
Alternators
Alternators are up 20–30% since 2023. With copper and aluminum prices spiking, these aren’t cheap anymore. Expect $450–$800 for a replacement. But wait, there’s more! Labor costs are climbing too, especially if your alternator is nestled deep within your engine bay, requiring a mechanic’s yoga skills to access. To keep your wallet from weeping, consider remanufactured alternators—they’re about 25% cheaper and just as reliable.
Starters
If your car’s starter is acting up in Canada this year, brace yourself for a wallet workout. Thanks to a 25% U.S. tariff on Canadian auto parts, the cost of starters is revving. In 2024, Canada imported $223 million worth of starter motors, with prices averaging $79 per unit—a 55% increase since 2021. Now, with tariffs in play, expect prices to climb even higher. And it’s not just starters feeling the pinch; overall auto maintenance costs are rising, with dealership visits averaging $465, a 7.6% jump from last year.
Transmission Fluid
Transmission fluid costs are up 10–20%, whether synthetic or mineral-based. CVT-specific fluid is costly, with some bottles topping $45. Why the price hike? Advancements in transmission technologies, like CVTs and dual-clutch systems, demand specialized fluids with improved thermal stability and oxidation resistance. Additionally, environmental regulations are pushing for eco-friendly formulations, increasing production costs.
Fuel Pumps
Fuel pumps in Canada are taking a financial detour northward in 2025, not just due to inflation’s mischief. The Keystone pipeline’s recent shutdown curtailed the flow of 624,000 barrels of crude oil daily, tightening supply and escalating fuel prices. Also, OPEC’s decision to reduce daily crude oil output by 1 million barrels has added pressure, leading to higher gasoline prices. Your fuel pump’s price hike isn’t just a mechanical issue—it’s a geopolitical and economic saga.
Wheel Bearings
Wheel bearings in Canada are getting pricier this year, thanks to a 25% import tariff on auto parts from Mexico and Canada. Replacing a single wheel bearing now costs between $300 and $700, depending on the vehicle’s make and model. Ignoring a faulty wheel bearing can lead to more severe problems, such as damage to the hub, spindle, or axle shafts and, in extreme cases, the wheel detaching from the vehicle. To avoid these issues, regular maintenance is crucial.
CV Axles
If your car’s been making more clicks than a metronome on espresso, brace yourself—CV axles in Canada are taking a financial detour. In 2025, replacing a single CV axle could cost you between $930 and $1,400, depending on your vehicle’s make and model. That’s a hefty price tag for a component that sounds like a tech startup. The parts alone can set you back $760 to $1,050, while labor adds another $170 to $350. And if you’re driving a high-end vehicle, expect to pay even more.
Sensors
In Canada, where winter tires are a religion, the push for advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is a demand for turbocharging sensors. Features like lane-keeping, blind-spot detection, and emergency braking rely heavily on a symphony of sensors—LiDAR, radar, cameras, and more. As regulations tighten and safety expectations rise, automakers are stuffing more sensors into vehicles than ever before. But here’s the kicker: the global semiconductor shortage has thrown a wrench into sensor production, leading to supply chain hiccups and, you guessed it, higher prices.
Exhaust Systems
Full exhaust systems (including mufflers, resonators, and pipes) are now up to 35% more expensive. The tariffs and rising prices of precious metals like rhodium and palladium used in catalytic converters are driving up costs. As a result, new vehicle prices in Canada could increase by $4,000 to $10,000, with repair bills also significantly increasing. The Canadian automotive exhaust systems market, valued at $868 million in 2023, is projected to reach $1.19 billion by 2030, growing at a 4.7% CAGR.
Door Handles and Misc. Plastics
Thanks to a 25% tariff on U.S. imports, your trusty plastic door handles and other automotive plastics are now more expensive than a moose in a tuxedo. This tariff, effective since April, has caused a ripple effect through the supply chain, making even the most straightforward car repairs pricier. For instance, a standard brake job costing $500 might now set you back $600. And it’s not just brakes—everything from bumpers to airbags feels the pinch. With 62% of automotive parts in Canada imported from the U.S., these tariffs are like a bad winter storm for the auto industry. A painted door handle for a Toyota Corolla? Now north of $200.
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