Motorists are looking closer to home for automotive advice, with almost 80% conferring with their dad or male guardian when it comes to DIY car repair, according to new research from eBay UK.
The UK aftermarket is worth £50 billion to the economy, however due to the increase in the cost of living, drivers are looking to reduce their spending. In the eBay study, 48% of respondents admitted to asking for help from ‘Dad’s Garage’ in order to save money by carrying out DIY car repair.
A total of 54% said they asked as they knew their dad would know what to do with a vehicle. However, it was not just knowledge and financial benefits that people were interested in, with 39% putting it down to enjoying learning from them and 23% doing so for the bonding experience.
Asking for guidance on shorter, simpler DIY car repair jobs seemed to be the focus for a lot of drivers, with 26% spending less than one hour carrying out jobs with their dad, with two-hour jobs the next most common at 25%. One-hour jobs accounted for 20% of requests for help from Dad’s garage.
DIY car repair more economic
“It is no surprise that motorists are enlisting the help of dads and other family members to help carry out minor DIY car repair, said Dr Tony Tong, Head of Automotive at eBay UK. “Not only is it easier and more cost-efficient, but fixing a car together can be a great bonding experience and a lot of satisfaction comes from finding and fitting a part yourself.”
The most common problem causing people to turn to the DIY car repair advice of their dad was for tyre / wheel changes, with 40% of respondents having needed help for this. This was followed by changing oil at 38% and replacing a headlight / bulbs at 34%.
People not opting for the “Garage of Dad” have instead been turning to the help of friends (28%) or their partner (24%). But, despite the constant request for help, the majority of motorists (62%) would prefer to carry out a DIY car repair themselves rather than having to ask for advice.
Editor’s view
I graduated from the school of Dad when it comes to car repairs. It does not mean I tackle every job myself, but I know the basics, can understand what needs to be done and when, and can carry out simple jobs, such as changing a wheel, check fluid levels or replace a fuse. Of course, my experience is on older cars, and I am grateful for it.
My first car was a 13-year-old Mk4 Escort, and although it ran well, DIY car repair was worthwhile. My father is a retired Ford engineer, always tinkering, and working on that car was a bonding exercise. Whether it was replacing spark plugs, rebuilding the carburettor, or fitting various parts during the days I modified it (including a large rear spoiler that looked great, but was a pain), it was always fun to work with him. It brought us closer, and created many memories that will last a lifetime.
So DIY car repair, or even just asking for advice from a dad or a guardian, is more of a relationship building effort at times, and I am sure it is something we have all experienced at one time or another.
