Vehicle safety a priority but Canadians let it slide

A new national survey reveals that while most Canadian vehicle owners say they prioritize maintenance and repair, many still let key tasks slide.

And their knowledge of what’s needed may not be as strong as they think, according to the latest edition of Canadian Vehicle Owners’ Attitudes Towards Maintenance and Repair. It explored how Canadian vehicle owners perceive, prioritize, and manage vehicle maintenance and repair.

The average Canadian spent $ per cent11 on maintenance and $741 on repairs between February 2024 and February 2025, according to the report.

It also found that found that 61 per cent of respondents consider upkeep a high priority. Yet only 13 per cent describe themselves as “very knowledgeable” about vehicle maintenance, while nearly 43 per cent admit they’re not very or not at all knowledgeable.

The most commonly neglected tasks are oil changes and tire checks.

Safety remains the top motivator for maintenance. Other key reasons include extending the life of the vehicle and avoiding unexpected breakdowns.

When it comes to reminders, Canadians still trust the classics. Windshield stickers (80 per cent) and dashboard alerts (79 per cent) were rated the most helpful, followed by email (76 per cent) and text messages (71%). Mobile apps are gaining traction, especially among younger drivers and electric vehicle owners.

When it comes to online shopping, 19 per cent said they bought vehicle parts or fluids online, while 28 per cent started browsing online but ultimately made their purchase in store. But going forward, almost half (47 per cent) said they’re likely to purchase parts or fluids online in the future.

The full report is free to AIA Canada members or $199 for non-members.