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Car Maintenance

Millennials and Automotive Service: Trust and Commonality

According to the latest AIA Canada study on millennial Canadian vehicle owners, it becomes evident that while there are distinctions between millennials and the overall 18+ population in Canada when it comes to automotive service, there is also a growing amount of commonality. Millennials, now ranging from 25 to 44 years old, are facing the realities of car ownership.

Key Findings on Millennial Automotive Service

Helplessness in Maintenance and Repair

More than a third of millennials feel helpless bringing their vehicle in for maintenance and repair, with 36% expressing this sentiment. Interestingly, there is no difference between millennial men and women, both registering at 36%. This shows that regardless of gender, millennials face similar challenges in this regard.

Although 57% of millennials reported being somewhat knowledgeable about vehicle maintenance and repair, the split between men and women is significant. 75% of men said they were somewhat knowledgeable, while only 39% of women felt the same. This indicates that while men may think they know more, they are actually just as helpless as women when it comes to automotive service.

Preference for Reminders

Maintenance reminders play a crucial role. Windshield stickers are preferred by 83% of millennials, closely followed by vehicle dashboard messaging at 87%. Email reminders come in third at 78%. However, millennials show a higher affinity for reminders through their smartphones, with 78% finding an app helpful compared to 63% for the national average. Text message reminders also have a similar rate of 78% for millennials versus 70% for the national average.

This shows that millennials are more likely to respond to reminders through mobile devices, which is an important aspect for automotive service providers to consider when communicating with their customers.

Trust in Service Providers

Only 37% of millennials believe that dealerships outperform automotive service providers (ASPs), meaning that a strong majority, 63%, do not feel that dealerships have an advantage. Similarly, a minority of millennials think that techs working in dealerships are better trained than those in ASPs. Only 35% of millennials believe that their vehicle warranty is nullified if they bring it to an ASP.

On the other hand, while ASPs are seen to provide value for money more than dealers, neither is viewed as overwhelmingly trustworthy. 34% of millennials trust ASPs, and 30% trust dealers. This highlights the importance of building trust with millennial customers.

Areas for Improvement

Shops could work on providing proactive notifications, EV competence, and the length of warranty on new parts. Communication seems to be a key issue, as only 13% of millennials said that ASPs had a cleaner shop than a dealer, compared to 53% on the dealer side.

Additionally, millennials would become more trusting if more time was spent explaining the impact of maintenance and repair (72%), if the same technician worked on their vehicle (70%), if there was better planning for the short, medium, and long-term (70%), and if they received emails and websites explaining the scope and importance of maintenance and repair (59%).

This report is free to AIA Canada members and available to non-members for $99 CAD.CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO ORDER A COPYCheck out these stories too!

Ypsilanti, MI is witnessing significant progress in addressing the issues of its Department of Public Works yard located at 14 W. Forest Ave. The city leaders are taking proactive steps to bring about much-needed improvements. This includes the removal of the roof in certain sections to enhance the overall stability and functionality of the yard.

Unveiling the Renovation Journey of Ypsilanti's Public Works Yard

Stabilizing the Salt Barn

The City Council's decision to award a $551,725 contract to Summit Company for stabilizing the department's salt barn is a crucial step. This salt barn plays a vital role in the city's winter operations, and ensuring its stability is essential for efficient snow and ice removal. By working with Summit Company, the city aims to address any structural issues and prevent further deterioration. This will not only enhance the safety of the workers but also ensure the availability of salt during winter emergencies. 2: The process of stabilizing the salt barn involves a comprehensive assessment of its current condition. The team will carefully examine the foundation, walls, and roof to identify any weak points. Based on the findings, appropriate measures will be taken to strengthen the structure. This may include reinforcing the foundation, repairing damaged walls, and, in this case, removing the roof in certain areas to relieve pressure and allow for better ventilation.

Removing Portions of the Maintenance Building Roof

Another significant aspect of the renovation project is the removal of entire portions of the roof on the maintenance building. This decision was made to address the deteriorating condition of the roof and prevent further damage to the interior of the building. By removing the affected sections, the city can assess the extent of the damage and plan for the necessary repairs. 2: The removal of the roof is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. The team will ensure that all safety measures are in place to protect the workers and the surrounding area. Special equipment will be used to safely remove the roof sections, minimizing any potential risks. Once the roof is removed, a detailed inspection will be conducted to determine the extent of the damage and the required repairs. This may involve replacing damaged beams, repairing the roof deck, and installing new roofing materials to ensure the long-term durability of the building.These renovation efforts are part of the city's commitment to providing better services and maintaining the infrastructure of Ypsilanti. By addressing the issues in the Department of Public Works yard, the city hopes to improve the efficiency and functionality of the department, leading to better services for the residents. The removal of the roofs is just the first step in a larger renovation project that will continue to enhance the yard and the city as a whole.

Mechanics often encounter various issues while dealing with different car components. In this article, we'll focus on the troubles associated with panoramic sunroofs and how they can lead to significant repair costs. A professional mechanic from Illinois, known as The Car Care Nut, recently shared a story that sheds light on these problems.

Beware of Panoramic Sunroofs - The Hidden Repair Costs

Section 1: The Customer's Disastrous Experience

One of The Car Care Nut's customers brought in a Toyota Hilux with a faulty seal on its panoramic sunroof. The dealership had allegedly only replaced the tape attaching the corner of the sunroof seal to the main frame, which was a wrong approach. When this tape breaks, the entire seal needs to be replaced. If not, the corner keeps popping up, and air rushes through, causing a whistling sound. This simple issue led to a major repair job that required ripping out the car's interior and removing the roof.The mechanic explained that to replace the seal properly, the entire headliner had to be removed, and the entire sunroof structure had to be pulled out of the car. It's beyond comprehension why the feature is designed this way. This job could take two full days, and the customer was sent a bill for $1,850.

Section 2: The Complexity of Panoramic Sunroof Repairs

Panoramic sunroofs seem like a luxurious addition to a car, but their design makes them a nightmare for mechanics. The Car Care Nut emphasized that these sunroofs are not as straightforward to repair as one might think. The delicate nature of the components and the extensive disassembly required make the repair process time-consuming and expensive.Commenters on the YouTube video were amazed by the story. One said the car owners were fortunate to find someone who would do the work for $1,850. Another added that they never thought about the complexity involved and that they were not planning to buy a vehicle with a huge sunroof but would now be more cautious.

Section 3: Similar Issues in Other Vehicles

It's not just Toyota Hiluxes that face problems with panoramic sunroofs. Similar issues have been reported in other vehicle models as well. This highlights the need for drivers to think twice before buying a car with this popular feature.Even Harley-Davidson bikes are in line for a major design overhaul on a decade-old storage feature. This shows that even in different vehicle types, complex features can lead to unexpected repair costs and design challenges.Drivers need to be aware of these hidden costs and make informed decisions when purchasing a car. A seemingly small issue with a panoramic sunroof can turn into a major headache and a hefty repair bill.