Each week, The Pulse provides insight into the buying, sourcing and brand-loyalty habits of counter personnel and professional technicians. This week, using data from IMR’s 2007 Continuing Consumer Automotive Maintenance Survey (CCAMS), we look at the trends concerning wiper blade replacement. CCAMS provides an in-depth look at vehicle parts and services consumption at various consumer levels.
Despite it being a relatively simple task, the majority of vehicle owners still want a professional to replace their wiper blades. According to data from IMR, 67 percent of wiper blade replacements are done in a repair shop, with only 33 percent of motorists opting to do the work themselves.
As far as when and how frequently motorists get their wiper blades replaced, once the vehicle hits 26,000 miles and higher, drivers appear to replace wiper blades at very consistent intervals. Roughly 30 percent of vehicles get new wipers each year regardless of vehicle age.
For more information on IMR and its research capabilities, visit IMR at www.AutomotiveResearch.com or call 800-654-1079.