New Bendix research reveals changing vehicle servicing patterns

Nationwide research commissioned by Bendix in April and November 2024, has revealed changes in customer attitudes towards vehicle servicing, largely driven by increasing cost of living pressures.

The data, which was collected following survey fieldwork and online surveys with almost 450 mechanical workshops, including independent outlets, brake and clutch specialists, mobile mechanics and service centre chains, indicated that while most vehicle owners continued to have their cars serviced regularly (once or twice a year), 65% agreed or strongly agreed that customers were deferring non-essential work.

While owners continue to regularly service their vehicles, Bendix research has revealed that many are deferring non essential work and applying other cost saving measures.

Other cost saving measures included customers asking for more basic servicing rather than full servicing; owners requesting for the minimum work required to keep their vehicles roadworthy, and delaying the replacement of wear parts until absolutely necessary.

Worryingly, over 54% of workshop respondents either agreed or strongly agreed, that customers were only servicing their vehicles when they had to, such as for registration checks. Over 31% of owners were also electing to use their vehicles less to save money.

Choosing quality replacement parts

These customer sentiments highlight the importance of selecting quality parts at the time of servicing, ones that are durable, reliable and will deliver better cost of ownership outcomes.

Bendix disc brake pads and rotors including its General CT™ product lines were developing for ‘everyday’ vehicles using high quality materials to deliver considerably longer pad and rotor life compared to OE and aftermarket competitors*.

The longevity benefits of Bendix's General CT™ disc brake rotors and pads compared to OE and aftermarket competitor products is significant.

The General CT™ rotors feature high quality metallurgy that’s designed for longevity and improved heat dissipation and provide an ‘E+ Original Equipment Fit’ that’s designed to be a direct replacement for OE rotors. The rotors were developed to deliver great results with all disc brake pad formulations, but for optimum performance, they’re best matched with the Bendix range of brake pads.

General CT™ Brake Pads feature proven compounds and ceramic technology that deliver long-lasting, reliable and secure stopping performance, coupled with a smooth and consistent pedal feel. Other qualities include noise and vibration absorbing shims, so they not only last for longer, but provide added driver and passenger comfort for owners.

*Internal Bendix testing completed to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) international standards. All testing performed as per International Standard SAE J2522 - Dynamometer Global Brake Effectiveness.