August 21, 2018—Auto tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump could have a number of effects on the automotive repair industry, including delayed maintenance from drivers, reported Transport Topics.
One risk of prolonged price hikes is that car owners may put off maintenance, reducing sales of replacement parts. This also could increase the number of unsafe vehicles on the road, Cohn noted.
“The typical auto aftermarket consumer already has a bit of a pinch on their pocketbook,” he said. “So people will likely just choose to go without repairs for a while.”
Despite the potential for lost business, Chris Lynch, owner of Wetmore Tire and Auto in Ferndale, Mich,, says he plans to pass along to customers any price increases on the low-end tires and brakes he imports from China.
“They are going to have to pay that extra cost in the end,” he said, “because we’re not going to eat it, that’s for sure.”
