Women Control Car Repair Decisions
Posted: Wednesday, April 28, 2010
by Jenn Weesies
Cars are a guy thing … at least that’s the conventional wisdom. The truth is, even when it comes to cars, it is truly a she-conomy. Women control most purchase decisions for the family, including that formerly male-dominated domain: the family vehicle.
The most recent data shows that women control most of the auto related decisions for the family. Women influence more than 85 percent of all automotive sales in U.S. households. Women comprise 50 percent to 65 percent of the customer base at service centers. Women buy 60 percent of all passenger tires.
For most families, the car is the second most valuable asset after the home. It’s needed to get to work to support the family, to chauffeur the children to play dates and soccer practice, and to ferry the entire family on vacations. It just makes sense to obtain the knowledge necessary to take proper care of such large investments.
A woman making a decision about car maintenance needs knowledge to make the right choice – as is true with all purchase decisions, knowledge is power. A little knowledge can go a long way in helping a woman determine the best course when auto service is needed.
Here are some points to consider when deciding on car maintenance and repair:
- Search for your local independent repair facility – it’s often the best choice. These local businesses have all the diagnostic tools as dealerships and their technicians are just as well trained. There many more independent shops than dealerships and they are often more conveniently located to home, work and schools. These shops have the added advantage of providing service for all of your family’s vehicles, not just one make or model.
- Make sure the establishment you choose is Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified and a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
- Be sure you get a written estimate for all service to be performed and be sure you understand the work to be performed and the parts to be installed. A reliable independent shop owner is always willing to take the time to explain the procedure as well as the parts and labor required.
- Schedule regular maintenance for your car as recommended in the owner’s manual. Keeping your car in good running order saves money in the long run – it can improve performance and gas mileage as well as prevent costly breakdowns. Keep the phone number of your local independent shop as handy as your doctor and dentist contact information. And make those vehicle maintenance appointments as routine as making all other family appointments.
- Make sure both the parts and labor come with a warranty.
- Ask about the quality and brand of parts to be installed in your car and then research the brand – search the Web, ask a neighbor, phone a friend – but do your homework.
Parts from recognized, brand name suppliers always meet and often exceed the quality of those of the original manufacturer. That is why, the smart woman asks about the parts being installed in her car. She will always insist on parts from a recognized and trusted manufacturer.
It is always smart to “know your parts" when it’s time for car maintenance.
About the Author:
The Automotive Aftermarket Supplier organization is a trade organization representing North American Automotive Aftermarket suppliers. Visit http://www.AASAKnowYourParts.org for details on the “Know Your Parts" campaign.
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Top-level comments on this article: (9 total)Not bad advice in general but I would tend to discusss the manufacturers service and replacement parts intervals with your service centre. Generally manufacturers maximum intervals are overstated. You may have to follow them during the warranty period though.
There's some interesting and helpful information, here. You make some good points.
Really good article and I will use all the tips that you had mentioned. Thanks a lot :)
Very good advice!! Stay away from the dealerships fo rservice.
Yes it would definately behoove the automotive industry to look at the stats and go with their new target audience.
Very practical information, there's nothing so frustrating when your car breaks down and you've got to sort it out - Thanks!
Thanks for the information
Great points - specially for those of us who'd rather not bargain and haggle. Thanks for the head's up!
Great article Jenn! I agree that women control most of the car buying purchases-it is a shame that those commercials aren't aimed for us. Thanks for the information so that next time I am prepared.
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