Continuing Consumer Auto Maintenance Survey (CCAMS)
Continuing Consumer Automotive Maintenance Survey
CCAMS is IMR’s flagship consumer study — a large-scale, nationally representative survey of U.S. vehicle maintainers and vehicles in operation, running continuously since the program’s inception. It’s one of the longest-running studies of its kind in the aftermarket.
The study tracks what maintenance and repair work is actually happening on vehicles across the country, who’s doing it, where they’re buying parts and service, and why they make the choices they make.
What CCAMS tells you
At the part category level, CCAMS gives you a clear picture of:
Channel dynamics — DIY vs. DIFM share across 50+ outlets, including parts retailers, new car dealers, internet suppliers, and independent repair shops. See exactly where consumers are buying and where they’re taking their vehicles for service.
Purchase behavior — Why consumers choose one outlet over another, how brand selection happens at the point of purchase, how often they research before they buy, and what triggers delayed maintenance.
Vehicle and consumer demographics — Who owns what, what they’re driving, and how vehicle age and type correlate with parts replacement behavior.
Competitive positioning — How your brand and category perform relative to the market, and where in the vehicle lifecycle you’re winning or losing the sale.
Part replacement rates — Actual failure and replacement frequency by category, giving you a realistic baseline for market sizing and demand forecasting.
Coverage: 175+ parts, services, and chemicals across 13 categories
Braking System · Chemicals, Additives & Cleaners · Collision, Paint & Body · Computer & Emissions · Electrical · Exhaust System · Ignition & Engine · Routine Maintenance · Steering & Suspension · Temperature Control · Tires, Wheels & Misc · Transmission & Clutch · Windshield, Glass, Mirrors & Lamps
Who uses CCAMS
Parts manufacturers use it to size markets, benchmark brand performance, and understand where their category is being purchased and by whom. Distributors and retailers use it to understand channel share shifts and consumer outlet preference. Marketing teams use it to validate targeting assumptions and identify under-served segments.
If your business touches the consumer end of the automotive aftermarket, CCAMS has something relevant to show you.
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