The Rise of DIY Car Repairs
Car owners have been taking repairs into their own hands. From the most common mistakes to the hardest fixes, here's what they have to say about their DIY experiences.
Nearly 3 out of 4 car owners (71%) have attempted to fix their vehicle rather than take it to a mechanic. Dodge owners (93%) and millennials (75%) were the most likely to go the DIY route. Men were also 49% more likely than women to try repairing their vehicles by themselves.
YouTube was the most trusted guide for DIY repairs, with 86% of car owners overall and 90% of millennials relying on the platform. Meanwhile, Gen Z (9%) was most likely to trust TikTok for repair advice. Electrical components (32%) topped the list of hardest DIY fixes, followed by brakes (22%) and batteries (20%), including EV batteries.
When it came to success, 1 in 2 car owners managed to fix their vehicle on their last DIY attempt. Still, 11% either gave up or made the issue worse, eventually turning to a mechanic. Some car owners (22%) ignored manufacturer warnings and attempted repairs despite advisories, with Tesla owners (58%) leading. Despite the risks, 74% of car owners never regretted trying a DIY repair, with Mazda owners (88%) being the most confident. However, Mercedes-Benz owners (58%) were the most regretful.
Successful DIY efforts saved car owners an average of $831, with 18% saving over $1,000. But mistakes proved costly: 31% admitted to errors that cost an average of $355 to fix. Mercedes-Benz owners (67%) were the most likely to make mistakes and had an average repair cost of $307. Tesla owners (50%) reported fewer mistakes and had lower average costs to fix them ($101).
When asked which brands were the most DIY-friendly, car owners named Ford, Honda, and Toyota. They also said the least DIY-friendly brands were Porsche, Lucid, Rivian, Mercedes-Benz, Infiniti, and Tesla.
Rising Repair Costs Are Driving DIY Solutions
With inflation affecting the auto industry, car owners are adapting in new ways to keep their vehicles running. Many drivers are delaying fixes, opting for aftermarket parts, or handling expensive repairs themselves.
Most car owners (93%) believed repair costs had risen over the past year. As a result, 72% delayed necessary repairs, with Volkswagen owners (91%) being the most likely to put off fixes. Instead of waiting, many were willing to turn to more affordable alternatives: 62% would choose aftermarket parts over OEM options, especially Volkswagen owners (83%) and millennials (65%).
For some, skipping the mechanic altogether was the preferred option. When faced with a costly repair, nearly 2 in 5 car owners would rather attempt a DIY fix than pay a professional to handle it. Dodge owners (68%) were the most likely to take matters into their own hands, as were millennials (41%).
Car Owners Are Questioning Repair Costs and Trusting AI
As repair costs rise, many car owners are taking extra steps to ensure they aren't being overcharged. From researching quotes online to considering AI diagnostics, drivers are finding new ways to verify their repair expenses.
Before agreeing to a service, 64% of car owners researched mechanic quotes using Google. Millennials (40%) were the most likely to turn to YouTube, while Gen Z (9%) preferred TikTok. Meanwhile, 22% of Gen X skipped researching repairs altogether.
The extra diligence paid off for some. Nearly 1 in 5 car owners (18%) caught a mechanic overcharging them, with an average overcharge of $573. Gas-powered vehicle owners were 20% more likely than EV or hybrid owners to uncover overcharging.
Trust in traditional mechanics is shifting, with 35% of car owners saying they would trust AI to diagnose their car's issues over a mechanic's opinion. Gen X (37%) was the most open to AI diagnostics, while Gen Z (31%) was the least. EV and hybrid owners were 42% more likely than gas-powered car owners to favor AI diagnostics over mechanics.
Many drivers believed repair costs were simply too high. Over half (51%) felt repairs for their car brand were too expensive, with Cadillac owners (93%) being the most frustrated. When asked which brands were the most expensive to repair, car owners ranked Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Tesla at the top, with Rivian also making the top 10.
Some car owners also felt locked into their brand's repair network, with 25% feeling trapped. This feeling was highest among Tesla owners (67%).
The Future of Car Repairs Is Changing
Rising repair costs and online resources are pushing more people to handle car maintenance and repair themselves. Many are turning to DIY fixes, researching mechanic quotes, and even trusting AI diagnostics to avoid overpaying. While some feel trapped by expensive repairs and limited service options, others are finding ways to save money and stay in control. As car owners become more informed, mechanics may face greater scrutiny over pricing and service quality.
Methodology
We surveyed 1,003 car owners about their experiences with DIY car repair, the cost of car repairs, and mechanic trust and experiences.
About American Trucks
American Trucks specializes in aftermarket parts and accessories for trucks at the best prices. We offer an extensive selection of products, competitive prices, and excellent customer service.
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