The Auto Care Association’s recent Auto Care Factbook released this year provided an updated U.S. Light Duty Aftermarket Channel Forecast Model, offering snapshots into what’s driving the aftermarket and the repairs consumers need most.

Aging Vehicles That Are Going Farther

This marks the second year in a row that the forecast is predicting a decline in new vehicle sales, and a rise in inflation. A rise of vehicles in operation, combined with an aging vehicle population, should create sufficient demand—though factors like ADAS becoming more commonplace and a variety of powertrains entering the market are also expected to create additional repair needs for vehicles.

In 2025, total vehicle miles traveled increased by 0.55%, based on Arity data, which has also offered tailwinds for the aftermarket, as described in the forecast.

The Work Drivers Are Seeking

The most popular job consumers are getting from aftermarket providers by far and away is oil changes, leading the top 10 replacement rate categories with a 128.5% replacement rate. It’s followed by oil filters at 83.8%, air filters at 45.4%, wiper blades at 39.5%, and scheduled maintenance at 38.5%.

Additionally, the top searched aftermarket topic by consumers on search engines was automotive maintenance, with a volume change of 320% between 2023 and 2026, peaking in searches July through August. Some of the top terms searched included “battery replacement,” “LED light bars,” “off-road tires,” and “how to check battery health.”