A detailed analysis of the market is included in the 2007-2008 AASA Automotive Aftermarket Status Report.
"While this represents a sizeable untapped market, the safety implications are the primary concern, as some neglected maintenance has a direct relationship with vehicle safety and drivability," said Steve Handschuh, AASA president and COO.
Based on past surveys, unperformed maintenance reached its peak in 2002 at $62 billion and has hovered in the $52 to $55 billion range in the four years that followed.
"Although consumers may postpone maintenance for economic reasons, motorists are often unaware of what vehicle maintenance is necessary beyond the occasional oil change," said Frank Hampshire, AASA director of market research. "Even in times of high gasoline prices and tight household budgets, increasing awareness of those maintenance items that impact vehicle safety and fuel economy could provide healthy returns on the investment."