2023 AUTO REPAIR TRENDS & THE LBTQIA COMMUNITY

 

Per LinchPin research, in 2023, there will be an estimated 76 million vehicles aged 16 years or older on the road in the United States. Furthermore, automobiles aged 12 years or older are anticipated to increase by 15%. This continues a trend where the average time new and used vehicles are owned has increased by 60% in the past 10 years.

One result of these trends is that it is estimated that 18% of American households will use an auto repair service at least once a year by 2023.

It is important to note that there are also factors that affect how and where owners are ­having their vehicles serviced. Because more “advanced features” are being installed and used in modern automobiles, it pressures auto repair shops to upgrade their technology. This is essential if they are to provide maintenance and repair services for digitized, automated, and electric automobiles. Owners are increasingly concerned that local auto repair shops do not have the trained technicians and technology to properly repair these advanced vehicles.

For example, newer vehicles to an increasing extent have telematics embedded in them. As a result, training in telematics is becoming critical. Consumers want to feel that their repair shops can handle this with the right equipment and systems to access the data embedded in the telematics. They must also feel confident that the technicians in their repair shops are adequately trained and competent with all this new technology.

Due to these factors, automobile owners have shown a growing preference for their maintenance and repair services to be performed at automobile dealerships. Therefore, the average automobile driving consumer will more likely be visiting a dealership service department than they have done in the past.

If you are a member of the LGBTQIA community, this can be a seriously daunting experience. Unfortunately, the auto repair industry has a history of widespread toxic behavior directed at the LGBTQIA population. This is particularly true about people who are visibly queer or don’t otherwise conform to traditional gender roles. So, the “safety” owners seek by choosing the more advanced technology available in a dealership, can be offset by uncomfortable and emotionally damaging behavior from the Service Advisors and service staff.

Going to a directory like gaylesbiandirectory.com usually doesn’t help because the number of companies listed is so small that they often don’t have options close to your location. And, quite frankly, the vast majority of dealership service departments are not “aware” enough to list in these types of resources.

This is where I can help. I recommend that you come to the dealership where I work, Serramonte Ford in Colma. Serramonte Ford services vehicles of all popular makes and models, including commercial vehicles. I can attest as an openly gay man working for many years for this company, the management and culture of this dealership is extremely supportive of LGBTQIA, non-binary and gender-fluid customers. If it can help, I can also personally help set you up with an appointment with one of our Service Advisors. That way you won’t have to walk into the service area “cold.” I don’t get compensated for that referral, but I feel it is important to help people feel safe when they are looking for services they need.

In addition, if you are a certified auto mechanic / technician, our dealership is also in search of quality talent. If you are highly skilled but have been turned down elsewhere because of gender biases, I recommend you come speak with the hiring managers at our Service Department. If you want more information about potentially working in our Service Department, feel free to send me an email at seth@castrocarguy.com.