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Autodata is advising workshops to prepare to accept a growing number of ‘classic cars’ in for repair and highlights which cars they’ll begin to see…
Today, the average age of cars on the road is growing. In the UK, this now stands at 8.4 years old.
As to the reasons driving this change, Jamie Willis, Technical Support Supervisor at Autodata said, “The COVID outbreak is seen as a more recent protagonist for this latest trend, as drivers opt to hold on to their cars for longer. But that’s not the only reason. Some drivers still think switching to an electric vehicle is their next move; however, many are nervous due to the technology and cost, and simply want to continue in their current vehicle until the time is right for them to change.”
According to Willis, there is also a longer-term trend. “As vehicles have become more reliable, better built, and able to handle the higher mileage needs that age throws at them, drivers have increasingly been keeping vehicles, with many turning into collectors’ items.”
Today, Autodata is seeing an increasing number of repairs being conducted on cars from the 1960’s through to the 1990s, all of which are increasingly viewed as cherished vehicles to keep. This nostalgic reflection means that, as drivers hold on to their vehicles longer, the onus on the aftermarket is increasing and technicians are progressively being called upon to service these older vehicles with a wider range of issues. Those vehicles hitting the Autodata servers for repair range across a whole host of manufacturers from Alfa Romeo to MG and Mercedes-Benz to Volvo.
Chris Wright, Managing Director of Autodata, added, “We’re delighted to see so many classics and modern classics being serviced in workshops with our data. With electric and hybrid legislative deadlines on the horizon, we anticipate consumers will keep vehicles longer than we’ve experienced before.
“This makes staying current on service data for a vehicle extremely important. Service data for a vehicle doesn’t stay constant and, at Autodata, we regularly update our information to reflect manufacturer updates for vehicles 30 years old and older. Old service manuals don’t cut it anymore if you want to keep that cherished motor running sweetly!”
