DIFM Customers Still Heading Back to the Dealer for Oil Changes

The new car dealer is getting a third of the oil change business from DIFM (Do-It-For-Me) consumers, according to IMR Inc.’s Continuing Consumer Automotive Maintenance Survey (CCAMS). The research also reveals that quick lube specialists (19.5 percent) and independent repair shops (18.5 percent) are getting about the same amount of DIFM business.

Auto parts retailers and discount stores/mass merchandisers dominate the market for DIY customers when it comes to oil changes, as they are combining for 82.9 percent of the business.

“It is no surprise that DIYers head to the auto parts store or the big box store to get their products for an oil change,” said Bill Thompson, president and CEO of IMR Inc. “For DIFM customers, 33.4 percent are returning to the dealer for their oil changes but 29 percent of respondents are taking their oil changes to a business other than a dealer, independent repair shops or quick lube location, so there might be an opportunity for the latter two to attract more business pertaining to oil changes. In addition, dealers do lose share to the aftermarket as vehicles age, so although that 33 percent number is high, that number does change dramatically as the vehicles get older.”

For over 40 years, IMR Inc. has been an industry leader in automotive research and conducts syndicated and proprietary market research studies that focus on automotive parts and services, repair shops, technicians, accessories and vehicle technology trends. To find out how IMR research can help your business, call 630-654-1079, e-mail Info@AutomotiveResearch.com or visit AutomotiveResearch.com.

IMR Oil Change--Outlet