Survey: GTA drivers feeling left in the cold by their mechanics
With rush on for winter tires, startup wants drivers to be safe - and informed - this winter
TORONTO, Nov. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - A new survey from a Toronto automotive startup raises some red flags about drivers, their cars, and the people they trust to keep them running. According to research from RepairMatch.ca, many drivers do not have the basic automotive knowledge to discern if their mechanic is being truthful; when presented with options, one fifth of respondents claim to have Absolute-Temperature compliant winter tires, while 15% say theirs are comprised of high-impact compound. One of 10 say theirs are spin-cycle calibrated. The only problem is, none of these terms are real.
Even more alarming, a huge 64% percent of Toronto drivers say feel pressured to make unnecessary repairs when they go in for regular maintenance, and half feel condescended to by their mechanics.
"Drivers should install their winter tires once the temperature drops below seven degrees, but it's been much warmer until just a few days ago," said Mike Rosenbaum, Innovation Manager for RepairMatch.ca. "Now, with the huge temperature drop and first snowfall, everyone is rushing all at once to prepare their cars for winter. Our aim is to make the task as simple, convenient and stress-free as possible so everyone can be safe out there on the roads."
With the mad rush now on, Rosenbaum notes that the survey illustrates widespread vulnerability among GTA drivers, whose lack of vehicle knowledge makes them easy targets.
This is one of the problems RepairMatch.ca is working to solve; The platform serves as a marketplace to connect drivers from all corners of the GTA with vetted, honest mechanics nearby. Drivers can source trusted mechanics in their neighbourhoods, seamlessly book appointments directly through the platform, and manage the payment process all in one place.
RepairMatch.ca is hoping to empower drivers who will be changing their tires this week, and ensure they are armed with the information they need to avoid being ripped off. For example, while the typical cost to change a set of tires on rims is $50 - $60, 34% of respondents believed the cost would be over $100, with 12% even going as high as $200. Similarly, respondents were all over the map on expected cost for tires not on rims, a service that should typically run $100 - $125.
Other survey findings were equally eye-opening:
- Sixty four percent of respondents say they've been pressured to pay for additional work when taking their vehicle in for routine maintenance
- Surprisingly, men were more likely to feel this pressure (64%) than women (59%)
- The older the driver, the more likely the attempted upsell – while just over half of drivers aged 18 – 24 were likely (53%), 77% of respondents over the age of 65 reported feeling pressured to do extra repair work
- Exactly half of respondents found their mechanic to be condescending when seeking maintenance services.
- Interestingly, men were slightly more likely to feel this way (52%) than were women (50%)
"Our aim is to make sure drivers have the best information and most convenient tools at their disposal so they can stay on top of their car maintenance and stay safe out on the road," said Rosenbaum.
To book your appointment, or for more information, visit RepairMatch.ca
SOURCE RepairMatch.ca
CONTACT: Media Contact: Samantha Goldsilver, Goldsilver PRsam@goldsilverpr.com, 647.668.8140
