Attitudes Towards Auto Maintenance and the Extent of Do-It-Yourself Activity

Abstract

This paper provides an empirical examination of consumer attitudes towards auto maintenance, interrelationships among various maintenance tasks, and distinguishing characteristics of do-it-yourselfers. Data drawn from a national probability survey of motor vehicle owners are used to study the choice between do-it-yourself maintenance and a paid-mechanic alternative. A principal components analysis suggests that prevailing attitudes can be represented by three underlying dimensions. Several variables are also identified for profiling do-it-yourselfers.