The majority of Aucklanders surveyed (57%) only take their car to be serviced when a specific issue needs to be resolved rather than as a preventative measure, while people in Auckland are also most likely to pick up a spanner and become DIY mechanics.
Canstar New Zealand general manager Derek Bonnar commented: “50% are performing basic elements of a car service, such as changing the oil, filters or air cleaners themselves to save some cash.
“Men are the most likely to participate in DIY car servicing (46%) while women have a greater tendency to leave it in the hands of the professionals.”
According to the survey of 337 people who had their cars serviced in the last two years, middle-aged Kiwi like to shop around for the best deal, with more than two thirds of Generation X checking out their options when it comes to car servicing, compared to just over half of Generation Ys.
The incidence of Aucklanders and Wellingtonians ignoring their engine warning lights is on the rise from 2013, with one in four not paying attention to alerts.
The survey has also shown that 37% of Aucklanders and 31% of Wellingtonians never check the oil level in their car.
Bonnar added: “It only takes a minute to check oil and engine fluid levels. In the long run this could save car owners money on servicing.”
Meanwhile, nationwide chain Oil Changers was ranked the number-one car servicing business in the survey.