More Americans are opting to have their vehicles serviced at places other than dealerships, Kelley Blue Book reports.
A study recently conducted by Cox Automotive surveyed 2,493 vehicle owners who had at least one service performed in the past year, with 182 of those surveyed being electric vehicle owners. Altogether, the group accounted for a total of more than 5,500 service visits.
It was found that 5% of all car services at dealerships looked elsewhere for services, falling from 35% in 2021 to 30% this year.
More drivers are opting for service chains, such as quick lube facilities and tire service centers, over dealership service. A third of owners reported preferring “general repair shops” compared to 31% choosing a dealership. It marks the first time that dealerships have lost the most popular spot with consumers in the study.
It certainly isn’t for lack of available business, with the average American bringing their vehicle in for service 2.5 times a year, an increase from 2.3 in 2021–though this is still a decrease from 2018, which saw cars being serviced 2.8 times a year on average.
Potential reasons for passing on dealership service include a lack of trust, with the number of respondents citing trust in their dealership falling from 62% in 2021 to 54% this year. The average price for a service visit has also increased by 45% in the past two years, making a slightly more affordable option appealing to consumers.
