Hands-On or Hands-Off: A Look at Car Maintenance Preferences Across America
Data from YouGov Profiles reveals the differing extents to which American car owners engage in vehicle maintenance, influenced by both the brand of their car and their age group. This analysis explores which brands and demographics are most inclined to handle maintenance themselves and which prefer professional assistance. From oil changes to software updates, the study paints a detailed picture of how car ownership habits vary across the nation.
Among American car owners, there is a noticeable diversity in how involved individuals are with maintaining their vehicles. The brand of the car plays a pivotal role in determining these habits. For example, Chevrolet drivers lead the charge when it comes to performing oil changes (30%), closely followed by Ford (26%) and Toyota (21%). In contrast, Volkswagen and BMW owners are less likely to perform this task themselves, with only 17% and 21%, respectively, opting for DIY oil changes.
Interior cleaning and washing also show significant owner participation, with Chevrolet and Ford drivers leading the way at 36%, followed by Honda (34%) and Toyota (32%). BMW and Volkswagen drivers lag behind in this area, with just 27% and 28% engaging in self-cleaning. When it comes to external washing, Chevrolet, Ford, and Toyota owners again take the forefront, with 35-36% handling this task themselves. Conversely, BMW and Volkswagen drivers are the least likely to wash their own cars, at 23% and 29%, respectively.
In terms of more complex mechanical tasks, Chevrolet drivers once again top the list for engine maintenance (18%) and brake maintenance (18%). On the other hand, Volkswagen and BMW drivers rank lowest in these advanced activities, with only 4% and 7% tackling engine maintenance personally. Interestingly, BMW drivers are the most likely to update electric vehicle software themselves, albeit at a modest rate of 6%.
A substantial portion of car owners prefer not to engage in any form of DIY maintenance. Approximately 69% of Volkswagen owners and 58% of BMW owners report no involvement in maintenance tasks, compared to 53% of Ford and 54% of Chevrolet drivers. This presents an opportunity for brands and after-market services to develop customized maintenance plans catering to those who prefer leaving such tasks to professionals.
Age also plays a crucial role in car maintenance habits. While younger Americans are more inclined to tackle basic maintenance jobs, middle-aged drivers aged 35-54 emerge as the most active participants across various types of maintenance. For instance, 36% of this group handles interior cleaning, surpassing both older (30%) and younger (27%) cohorts. Similarly, they lead in external washing (36%), engine maintenance (16%), and lighting tasks (24%).
Oil changes remain a common task among all age groups, but 35-54-year-olds lead with a participation rate of 29%, followed by younger drivers (25%) and older ones (19%). Younger drivers (18-34) are more likely to manage tire maintenance (17%) and software updates (2%), although their engagement drops in most mechanical categories.
Older drivers, while less likely to engage in DIY maintenance overall (65%), still perform key tasks like internal and external cleaning at relatively high rates (30% each). This suggests that even among less hands-on owners, specific tasks remain popular.
The insights provided by YouGov Profiles underscore the diverse approaches to car maintenance among different demographics. Whether driven by brand loyalty, age-related preferences, or personal convenience, these findings highlight potential opportunities for automotive brands and service providers to tailor offerings that better align with consumer needs and behaviors.