US DIY Auto Maintenance Market Report 2023

This report covers the DIY auto maintenance market in the US. An in-depth analysis spans industry performance and data-backed consumer behaviour to reveal competitive opportunities going forward. Below, we’ve provided the market definition, summarised the key topics covered, and selected handpicked insights from the report itself.

Market Definition

Mintel defines the do-it-yourself automotive maintenance market as any work on parts or the purchase and installation of replacement or upgrade components that are completed under the vehicle owner’s own volition.

This will include doing both simple tasks such as replacing wiper blades and battery to more complex projects such as replacing a car stereo, working on brake pads, brake rotors, transmissions, or rebuilding an engine.

DIY maintenance includes the following vehicle types: all cars, station wagons, sedans, pickup trucks, vans, minivans, and SUVs.

Key Topics Covered

• The impact of economic influences on consumer behaviour and DIY auto maintenance.
• Consumers’ participation in DIY maintenance, repairs or customisations.
• Resources that empower consumers to conduct maintenance and repairs.
• Purchase locations and factors impacting where consumers shop for parts, supplies and accessories.
• Consumers’ attitudes towards DIY projects.

US DIY Auto Maintenance Market Size 2023-2028

Total US retail sales are estimated at $63.8bn in 2023. Growth is expected to remain steady through 2028, with economic factors, supply chain disruptions and other fluid factors possibly slowing growth slightly. Find a market size breakdown in the full report.

The DIY Auto Maintenance Consumer: Fast Facts

• 78% of consumers have completed at least one auto maintenance project in the last three years, mainly consisting of basic repairs like oil changes, wiper blade replacements, battery changes, and filter changes.
• A third of consumers bought their last vehicle used. Lacking warranties, this signals an opportunity for auto part retailers and brands, as these consumers may be more likely to conduct DIY work.
• Younger consumers seek value as nearly half of Gen Z and Millennials would take on DIY projects costing $499 or less. Auto parts brands and retailers must emphasise the cost savings of DIY work to appeal to this price-sensitive group.

What’s Next for DIY Auto Maintenance?

Two-thirds of consumers are open to buying a hybrid or electric vehicle within 3 years, and automakers are moving towards electrifying their offerings. Educating consumers on the availability of inventory of parts, and the simplicity of certain maintenance/repairs for these vehicles could drive interest, particularly as over half currently perceive them as expensive to maintain and repair.

For a complete analysis of the DIY auto maintenance industry, buy the full report. You can also browse our library of automotive market reports.

Additional Features Included in Your Report

Different Digital Formats: PDF for conveniently sharing with your team, PowerPoint for quickly including in your presentation, as well as an Excel Databook.

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Expert Analysis

Leading automotive analyst Gabe Sanchez delivers expert industry insight with this report.

Instilling confidence in consumers will be critical in driving the appeal of DIY auto maintenance as negative economic and automotive market conditions persist.

Gabe Sanchez
Automotive Analyst