Once passed from parent to child with grease-stained hands and a ratchet set, basic car maintenance was a rite of passage. Now, many drivers feel more comfortable with tech than tools性视界传媒攁nd it性视界传媒檚 showing.
A new study from reveals a growing disconnect between driver confidence and actual ability to maintain their vehicles. According to a survey of over 2,000 U.S. drivers, one in three admitted to making a mistake while trying to fix their car themselves, often while attempting relatively routine tasks.
Comfortable with the Basics性视界传媒擴ntil It Gets Complicated
Most drivers still feel good about the basics:
- 82% are confident refilling washer fluid
- 78% can check tire pressure
- 77% know how to check engine oil levels
But that confidence drops fast with more technical tasks:
- Only 50% feel capable of changing a flat tire
- Just 44% are comfortable replacing a headlight bulb
- A mere 39% feel confident changing their own engine oil
It性视界传媒檚 no surprise that car care confidence wanes when tasks become more complex. But as we性视界传媒檝e written before at Guessing Headlights, even s can make a big difference for your engine, especially if you性视界传媒檙e avoiding costly surprises down the road.
Gen-Z: Confident, But Often Wrong
Younger drivers, particularly Gen-Z, report some of the highest confidence levels in car maintenance. But that confidence doesn性视界传媒檛 always translate to competence.
More than half of Gen-Z drivers (57%) admitted to making mistakes, and 51% confessed to ignoring warning lights altogether. TikTok, not torque wrenches, has become the go-to tool: 21% of Gen-Z respondents turn to TikTok for car maintenance help.
Millennials weren性视界传媒檛 far behind, with 32% saying they性视界传媒檝e struggled with changing a tire or oil, despite a belief that they 性视界传媒渒now enough性视界传媒 to handle it.
We性视界传媒檝e covered some of these overconfident blind spots before, like that could cost you more in repairs than you性视界传媒檇 ever save by skipping the manual.
Older Drivers Aren性视界传媒檛 Immune, Either
While confidence tends to dip after age 45, older drivers were more likely to know how to handle mechanical tasks like inflating tires or checking coolant. Still, even among adults aged 35 and older, fewer than half felt sure of their ability to replace a headlight or fix a blown fuse.
The Rise of Digital Dependence
When trouble strikes, most people still head to the pros:
- 62% would rather pay a mechanic than attempt repairs
- 41% visit a shop or dealership
- 30% consult the owner性视界传媒檚 manual
- 29% turn to online searches
- Just 34% say they fully trust the guidance they find online
Despite the rise of YouTube tutorials, only a third of drivers feel confident following them. Interestingly, 29% of Gen-Z respondents say they性视界传媒檇 call their dad before trusting digital advice.
Still, if you性视界传媒檙e one of those DIY types, it helps to go in with the right information. Before your next oil change, be sure to read our guide on .
Forgotten Fluids and Overlooked Basics
Some maintenance tasks are being skipped entirely:
- 20% of drivers have never checked their brake fluid
- 16% have never checked coolant levels
- 15% have never replaced wiper blades
All of which adds up to a generation of drivers who know how to pair Bluetooth, but may not know how to pop the hood.
A Case for Simplicity
AutoTrader editorial director Erin Baker notes:
性视界传媒淲hile it性视界传媒檚 encouraging to see many drivers confident with basic maintenance tasks, there is still a gap in more technical tasks. Our research reveals that while the internet is a growing destination for car help, drivers are more likely to trust the guidance and expertise of professionals.性视界传媒
For drivers who prefer not to worry about maintenance, leasing remains a popular option. New leases typically avoid repair issues for the first few years, and optional maintenance packages ensure that routine servicing is covered without the stress of DIY.
From Grease to Google
The freedom of the open road still holds appeal, but the know-how to keep your car running smoothly is no longer assumed. Whether that knowledge returns to the driveway or fades further into the cloud may depend on how we choose to teach, share, and trust the tools at our fingertips.
Source:Censuswide survey commissioned by AutoTrader, conducted March 28性视界传媒揂pril 1, 2025, among 2,001 U.S. drivers aged 17+.
Explore more car care tips, practical guides, and real-world auto advice at
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