Reversing recent trends, all types of
do-it-yourself (DIY) activity
decreased in 2010, according to a new
study from the
Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers
Association (AASA). A detailed
analysis, based on research from IMR
Inc., of the DIY market is included in
the 2012 AASA Automotive Aftermarket
Status Report.
“After a spike in DIY maintenance
during the most recent economic
downturn, the market is shifting back
to DIFM growth,” said Paul McCarthy,
AASA vice president of industry
analysis, planning and member services.
“The increase in DIFM activity is a
response to a gradual economic
recovery, as well as consumers becoming
increasingly willing to put money into
keeping aging vehicles on the road.”
Based on consumer surveys of vehicle
maintainers conducted by IMR Inc., AASA
grouped service jobs into easy,
moderate or difficult DIY
categories.
Examples of easy DIY include replacing
car batteries, adding antifreeze and
installing a new air filter.
Jobs in the moderate DIY category are
more involved and include installing
items such as brake shoes and pads.
Jobs in the difficult DIY category
require the most knowledge and level of
expertise and include replacing fuel
injectors or water pumps. The data
reveals that in 2010 48.5 percent of
easy category work was performed by
vehicle maintainers, compared to 52.6
percent in 2009. Moderately complex
tasks saw a decrease in DIY market
share to 26.7 percent in 2010 from 30.0
percent in 2009 and DIY’s share of more
difficult repairs fell to 19.2 percent
in 2010 from 21.4 percent in
2009.
“As illustrated in following chart ‘DIY
Share by Difficulty of Repair,’ the
trend line over time shows a clear
decline in all types of DIY,” said
McCarthy. “The move toward ever more
complex and technically sophisticated
vehicles has led to a long-term shift
in favor of the do-it-for-me (DIFM)
market.”
The AASA Automotive
Aftermarket Status Report provides 15
chapters of key aftermarket industry
data, including:
Latest figures on
unperformed maintenance
Aftermarket size and
growth
Size and growth of key
subsectors:
- Maintenance
- Engine
- Undercar
- Cooling / A/C
Vehicle population and
usage
Outlet Channel market share
DIY market share trends