Nearly nine out of 10 female motorists are at least somewhat involved in the decision-making process for their household's vehicle maintenance and repair, according to an exclusive new study released by the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). "Vehicle Maintenance & The Female Motorist" is an analysis of the attitudes and perceptions that drive women's behavior regarding vehicle maintenance and repair.

"Because little has been done to investigate the role of women in the decision-making process for maintenance and repairs, AAIA commissioned this study as an assessment of the factors that facilitate female spending in the automotive aftermarket," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and chief executive officer. "Interestingly, the study found that while roughly 78 percent of women feel that following the recommended maintenance schedule is important, 68 percent claimed to actually follow the schedule closely."

The study provides two sets of analyses: one representing the entire population of female motorists and the other comparing and contrasting five sub-groups of female motorists. The sub-groups include: DIFM Dealer, DIY Diligent, DIFM Independent, DIFM Procrastinator and DIY Negligent.

Data featured in the study include:

· Perceived importance of regular maintenance
· Awareness of need for maintenance and repairs
· The decision-making process
· Maintenance and repair performed
· DIFM attitudes and behavior
· DIY attitudes and behavior
· Vehicle, driving and demographic profiles

For more information click here to visit the AAIA website.