Bridge the Maintenance Gap
With many drivers missing recommended maintenance, service departments offering transparency and efficiency have a better chance of reaching financially strained consumers.

Dealerships that provide transparent pricing, easy scheduling and flexible service options can help bridge the missed maintenance gap.
Pexels/Sergey Meshkov
U.S. drivers are feeling the financial strain of vehicle ownership beyond today’s high sticker prices, so much so that many say they wouldn’t be able to afford an unexpected $500 repair.
The inaugural Midas Consumer Pulse Survey found that 66% of drivers wouldn’t be able to afford the repair, millennials most likely to be in financial straits. And women more so than men said that a $500 repair would be a serious problem.
The survey also found that 53% of drivers have delayed or skipped recommended maintenance in the past year, half of those respondents citing affordability. Carfax data showed similar results earlier this year, the majority of states with at least 25% of drivers behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.
Both companies point out the long-term effects of the maintenance delay: bigger, costlier repairs down the road.
So what would it take to get drivers to prioritize maintenance despite affordability concerns? According to the survey, clear upfront cost estimates, a trusted relationship with a mechanic, and flexible payment options ranked highest.
When it came to choosing where to go for the service, respondents said trust and reputation were the top priorities.
Service departments are known retention drivers for dealerships, largely because of the trust they can build with customers. Based on the survey and the Carfax data, dealerships that provide transparent pricing, easy scheduling and flexible service options can help bridge the missed maintenance gap.
More Industry

War Toll a Damper on Used Auto Prices
Cox Automotive found wholesale depreciation to be elevated in September amid high fuel prices and this year's unusual hurricane season.
Read More →
California Store Has New Owner
The longtime dealership in the northern part of the state is known for robust fleet sales and has served the state capital for 115 years.
Read More →
BMW Plant Pursues Cleaner Energy
BMW Group Plant Leipzig has utilized hydrogen to help power its production since 2013, but a new pipeline is planned to take it to another level.
Read More →
Auto Affordability Inches Up
The latest Cox Automotive and Moody’s Analytics index shows a slight increase in new-vehicle affordability despite high prices.
Read More →
Ohio Auto Group Under New Ownership
After 79 years with the Schluter family, Mansfield Auto Group has been acquired by Missouri-based Clement Auto Group.
Read More →
RV Group Expands Carolina Footprint
Blue Compass RV Columbia Northeast is the 13th RV dealership owned by Blue Compass in the Carolinas.
Read More →
Agent Acumen
An Agent Summit panel of people who’ve been supporting auto dealers for years gave both timely and timeless advice for those starting out or mulling the prospect.
Read More →
Missed Maintenance Creates Opportunity
As families get back on the road and into daily school routines, service drives have an opportunity to capture customers who are behind on recommended vehicle maintenance.
Read More →
Mitsubishi Unveils U.S. Plan
The automaker announced a strategy that includes an expanded lineup and dealership presence, along with more ‘rugged’ and electric models.
Read More →
Selling to Grow
The question of whether you should sell your agency and if so, when, is up to you. But it’s a question worth asking to ensure you keep the business on the right path for yourself, employees and clients.
Read More →