Research reveals that self-maintenance on cars has declined dramatically over the last 10 years. A study carried out by Saga Motor Insurance company revealed that the number of people who conduct basic maintenance on their own vehicles almost halved between 2007 and 2012.
So why is this?
The research
The findings revealed that the over 50s are the demographic least likely to carry out basic tasks on their own cars. As well as this, those living in London, the South East and Scotland are also less likely to attempt repairs on their own, whilst drivers in the North West and the North East are more likely.
Why do people now go to car repair garages?
There’s probably a combination of factors that have led to this decline in DIY car maintenance – and to say that either people have gotten lazy, or indeed that car repair garages have suddenly gotten better, would be a vast oversimplification.
In fact, the chances are the main reason that’s prompted more people to visit vehicle repair shops like ours is the fact that car technology is becoming more and more complicated. As cars become more and more multifunctional, people increasingly find that the basic tasks they once performed on vehicles are becoming more and more difficult.
The rise of car service centres
Car repair and MOT and service centres like ours have clearly benefited from this decline in self-maintenance. It does also help that car repair garages have had to up our game in the last decade or so in order to keep up with fast-paced competition.
It’s true, garages haven’t always had the best reputation. But we now live in the age of the internet, where drivers can compare reviews and testimonials for a whole range of car repair garages in Bolton and elsewhere.
Garages can no longer simply expect to give a half-rate repair for twice the reasonable cost and expect unwitting drivers still to roll through the doors. We think this is a welcome improvement – and almost certainly why more and more people feel comfortable visiting car repair garages.
Should I go to a car service centre?
Unless you know what you’re doing – we always advise you to visit a car service centre. There are plenty of tasks out there that you can learn to do, but people often find themselves in a worse position, with far more expensive car repair costs on their hands, after trying and failing to fix their car themselves.
Perhaps in the cash-strapped times since 2007, more people have realised the false economy in conducting your own car repairs unless you really know what you’re doing, and instead gone for the security of a verified vehicle repair shop.
If you’re one of these people, and you want to get the best car repair in Bolton you can for your money, then contact us and book your slot today.