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The Top 10 Safest Cars in 2008
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Auto Repair
Auto Repair
The average lifespan for a car has 15 years ago was just 6.5 years, while recent studies have shown it is now approaching ten years. With the rising life expectancy of a car comes an increase in people seeking automotive repair advice. With more people seeking automotive repair information, it is little wonder that online auto repair resources are becoming more readily available.
Adding to this movement is the offline industries own poor track record. Recent surveys have suggested that customers at repair shops are being overcharged an average of 20%, and the industry is fragmented into an array of independent operators - mostly independent repair shops, gas stations and auto repair parts suppliers. This division of service proves to confuse the average shopper who simple wants a quality option for motor vehicle repair, with no frills or fuss necessary.
Last year the automotive after market industry was estimated to worth over $150 billion. This mostly consisted of offline car auto repair and auto repair parts suppliers. However as the price of gas continues to push up what we spend on our cars, people are becoming more inclined to have a go at troubleshooting car problems themselves and seeing if they can find free car repair manuals and resources on the internet. The result is that 'do it yourself auto repair' is becoming increasingly popular with the general public.
The traditional players in the industry have been slow and ineffective in getting their presence felt online, primarily because they see their role as that of a manual service provider. However this online gap has been quickly filled by enthusiasts starting motor vehicle repair sites to help each other troubleshooting car problems and service their vehicles without spending a huge amount of money at a traditional service center. Online auto repair resources have become very complete as people seek a cheaper, more viable alternative to an offline industry that many feel has been exploiting the publics ignorance of motor vehicle repair.
Satellite topics are also being increasingly covered online, and motor vehicle conversions and upgrades have become a favorite hobby, perhaps popularized by such shows as Monster Garage, but certainly encouraged by the wealth of information presented online, plus the opportunity to get 5 minutes of fame showing off your creations or conversions on YouTube. The irony is that the swing towards do it yourself auto repair is largely a result of resentment caused by auto repair suppliers attempting to make themselves indispensable by offering little insight into what had actually been modified or charged for by motor vehicle repair providers. In particular female customers were made to feel like they were ignorant by motor mechanics.
Now people are able to access motor vehicle repair manuals online, and find out how to repair auto problems the entire industry is changing. Automotive repair advice and vehicle repair guides are becoming the way of the future, and the role of your local garage in the motor vehicle repair industry is likely to diminish.


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