According to The NPD Group, consumers increased their vehicle maintenance behaviors in 2009. In addition, 30 percent indicated they will perform more vehicle maintenance in 2010 and 64 percent indicated they will perform the same amount of maintenance in 2010. These findings correlate with industry research that shows an increasing number of people delaying new vehicle purchases and deciding to keep their current vehicles on the road longer.
The following are among the key areas consumers increased their maintenance practices in 2009:
| Maintenance Practice | 2008 | 2009 |
| Use a More Premium Oil | 8% | 11% |
| Change Motor Oil More Often | 12% | 18% |
| Change Motor Oil Less Often | 6% | 7% |
| Change Air Filter | 37% | 41% |
| Use a Fuel Additive to Clean/Improve Performance | 9% | 11% |
| Use a Fuel Additive to Improve Gas Mileage | 7% | 8% |
| Change Spark Plugs | 16% | 17% |
| Purchase a Higher Quality Brand of Gasoline | 3% | 4% |
| Check Tire Pressure | 56% | 57% |
