Americans Are Delaying Car Maintenance To The Tune Of Nearly $25 Billion

Americans Are Delaying Car Maintenance To The Tune Of Nearly $25 Billion

Summer driving season is upon us, which means at one moment you’re driving down the highway, the next you’re slamming on your brakes when you hit traffic. You trust yourself to stop, but do you trust the person behind you?

Summer driving season is upon us, which means at one moment you’re driving down the highway, the next you’re slamming on your brakes when you hit traffic. You trust yourself to stop, but do you trust the person behind you? 

Americans are delaying maintenance more than you might think. According to the Auto Care Factbook 2020 and IMR Inc., there’s $24.9 billion in delayed auto maintenance. What does that mean? A survey of more than 100,000 American households (driving more than 170,000 vehicles) revealed they know that repairs or maintenance need to be performed on their car but have chosen to delay the work. 

What are consumers delaying the most? Brake pads, tire changes and oil changes rank at the top of the list. Those maintenance jobs really add up: with 278 million cars on America’s highways and byways, there’s more than 5 million delayed brake jobs, nearly 7 million unchanged tires and 11 million cars in need of an oil change.

“We surveyed 100,000 households about how they’ve maintained their vehicles and whether they’ve knowingly delayed any maintenance on those vehicles,” said Bill Thompson, CEO, IMR, Inc. “We found that a surprising amount of households are knowingly delaying vehicle maintenance and that the primary reasons are economic, convenience and a perception that delaying the maintenance isn’t quite effecting vehicle performance. Ultimately, servicing your vehicle at the recommended service intervals can keep money in your pocket by avoiding more unintentional wear, a catastrophic failure or worse case, an accident.”

“We’re all guilty of not repairing our vehicles on a routine schedule, or even when the check engine light comes on,” said Behzad Rassuli, senior vice president, strategic development, Auto Care Association. “But not all repairs are made equal, and not all of them set off a check engine light. That’s why even if you’re not checking your owner’s manual, it’s important to get your car serviced on a regular basis. There are free resources including the Car Care Guide and service schedule at carcare.org. The Auto Care Association and Car Care Council hope to raise the awareness of maintenance among all drivers to make sure we’re all traveling safely this summer.” 

You May Also Like

Right to Repair Triumphs in Maine Referendum

At press time, more than 80% of Maine voters had answered “yes” to Ballot Question 4.

Right to Repair has notched another victory.

On Nov. 7, Ballot Question 4 in Maine asked this question: “Do you want to require vehicle manufacturers to standardize on-board diagnostic systems and provide remote access to those systems and mechanical data to owners and independent repair facilities?”

At press time, more than 80% of Maine voters had answered “yes,” ensuring that vehicle owners and the independent repair shops of their choice can access the diagnostic tools and data necessary for routine repairs.

CRP Marks 40 Years of Pentosin Fluids in North America

CRP Automotive will mark the anniversary with specialty signage and featured products at AAPEX in Las Vegas, slated for Oct. 31-Nov. 2.

House Subcommittee Examines Potential Impact of REPAIR Act

Subcommittee members and others expressed enthusiastic support for the legislation.

Right to Repair: NHTSA Open to Short-Range Wireless Protocol

If the proposal sees the light of day, it would limit the scope of the Massachusetts data-access law.

Lincoln Highway Leads to Vegas in ‘Road to AAPEX’ Season 2

This year, the spotlight shines on an ultra-rare 2002 Lincoln Blackwood as it embarks on a historic journey.

Other Posts

Jacki Lutz Named Content Director at Auto Care Association

Lutz will be tasked with leading a cross-functional and multimedia content strategy, development and execution across all platforms.

Jacki Lutz Auto Care
Auto Care Association Certified as a Great Place to Work

“This prestigious award is a testament to the association’s commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive and dynamic work environment for its employees,” Auto Care said.

Auto Care Association Leaders Visit Northwood University

Auto Care President and CEO Bill Hanvey was the guest lecturer for several Northwood automotive aftermarket courses at its Midland campus.

Bill Hanvey Auto Care Northwood
Trend Hunter’s Chief Futurist to Keynote Auto Care Connect

Auto Care Connect is scheduled for May 5-8 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

Armida Ascano