Top reasons Americans avoid taking their car in from as systems age maintenance costs Watch Video

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✓ Published: 02-May-2024

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Americans admit to ignoring their “check engine” light for an average of four months before addressing it, according to new research.<br/><br/>A new survey of 2,000 American car owners revealed that one in five (20%) even admit to putting it off between six and 18 months.<br/><br/>This may be because almost one-third (32%) will wait “as long as possible” before bringing their car in to get serviced.<br/><br/>In fact, another 39% are likely to wait for an incident or for something to break before even considering bringing their car in for service.<br/><br/>The research also revealed that 35% regret putting their car care off — resulting in unexpected repair fees (39%), emotional stress (22%) and even a roadside emergency (21%).<br/><br/>And while the average American feels that preventative car care is important (93%), almost half (48%) said they push back getting their car serviced because of financial constraints.<br/><br/>Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Pep Boys, the data showed that when it comes to car care, Americans are prioritizing some things over others with exterior light issues (11%), window and windshield cracks (9%) and the radio or sound system (3%) ranking at the bottom of the list.<br/><br/>Americans have had their current car for an average of seven years and 93% own their car, compared to leasing it (7%).<br/><br/>Each year, the average respondent spends more than $400 on car maintenance ($438) and estimates that they’ve spent an astounding $6,272 in total servicing their current car over the years.<br/><br/>To get their car serviced, Americans are most likely to go to a dealership (31%) or a local mechanic (27%) and the majority (62%) do so every three to six months.<br/><br/>In relation to their other responsibilities, 38% of respondents said caring for their car is a “very high” priority.<br/><br/>Despite this, 21% feel like their car is going to break down any day now.<br/><br/>When asked what would cause the most stress if repairs were needed, engine trouble (66%), bad brakes (33%) and fuel system issues (31%) ranked as the top three.<br/><br/>In fact, 26% even admit that their car stresses them out more than their finances or even personal relationships (14%).<br/><br/>Despite these worries, only 32% of respondents wished they lived somewhere a car wasn’t necessary, perhaps because the majority (65%) don’t believe that life would be easier without one — an indicator of just how important they are to our lives.<br/><br/>WHAT CAR REPAIRS STRESS OUT AMERICANS THE MOST?<br/>● Engine - 66%<br/>● Brakes - 33%<br/>● Fuel system - 31%<br/>● Exhaust system - 16%<br/>● Tires - 15%<br/>● AC/heat unit - 15%<br/> <br/>Survey methodology:<br/>This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American car owners aged 25+ was commissioned by Pep Boys between March 29 and April 8, 2024. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).