Auto Mechanics Benefit As People Keep Cars Longer

Drivers are hanging on to their cars longer
A large metro city shop supervisor says people are writing bigger checks for car repairs to stave off buying a new vehicle. Another service manager says people are trying to save money by having used engines and transmissions installed - even against his advice. And yet another service shop owner says people are putting off needed repairs until their vehicles are not drivable.
Automotive consulting firm R.L. Polk & Co. has said "the median age of cars on U.S. roads was 9.2 years in 2007, while the median age for trucks and sport utility vehicles rose 4 percent to 7.1 years."
Auto mechanics and service shops to benefit
With more people hanging on to their cars longer, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that there will be more older cars on the road that will need to be repaired - possibly more often - and with more major repairs such as engine and transmission replacements, etc. This has the auto repair and service industries in a perfect position, as they stand to benefit greatly over the next few years.
Major repairs becoming more common
Nap Mack, a shop supervisor at Layfield Motors in downtown Atlanta, has seen cars get older during his 35 years at the business. "People used to get rid of their cars at 100,000 miles, but we're seeing them keeping them for 120,000, 130,000, 140,000 and more," he said. "They're keeping closer track [of maintenance] because they know they're going to keep them longer."
Mack said car owners increasingly are deciding to make big repairs like engine and transmission replacements to forestall having to buy a new car.
Technician shortage still looming
Today's auto technician shortage is caused by several factors, including rigorous qualifications necessary to work on increasingly complex systems and fuel diversity knowledge requirements. Not to mention the past negative stigma associated with this career choice ("Grease Monkey" anyone?). The situation will only be intensified in the next decade when Baby-Boomer generation technicians begin to retire.