Do You Still Self-maintain Your Car?

dirzsignature · 26-03-2009, 07:59 PM

Hi all,

My name is Yudhi Hartono and I am a fourth year industrial design student from the University of New South Wales. I am currently planning to design a automotive tool cabinet for one of my uni-project. My market would be the young car owners (25-35 y.o) and this cabinet will be used to store automotive-related stuff such as; hand tools, engine oil, car shampoo, etc..

However I need to ask a question to you guys in order to see if this product has a market for it. For those of you in the 25- 35 y.o age bracket, do yo still perform some small regular car maintenance by yourself? or do you simply use your car and only bring it to the a mechanic/dealership when the scheduled maintenance due?
And also, would you spend your money to buy a cabinet that is made out of plastic or you rather get the metal cabinet?

Any replies will be appreciated.

Regards,

Yudhi

LowEL2XR8 · 26-03-2009, 08:27 PM

I'd rather a metal cabinet as it is more durable and a bit more professional.

I do engine, gearbox and diff oil changes. I also do coolant flushes, spark plugs and lead changes. Air filter, fuel and oil filter changes.

Pretty much everything else the car goes to the mechanics.

zetec jim · 26-03-2009, 09:21 PM

Interesting project man. Definetely would go for the metal cabinet over a plastic one. People who mod/wash/maintain their car are usually the people who know it's better to do it right with the slightly higher cost items than waste more time and money on cheapies. And they tend to take more pride in things. One thing to consider might be to design something that maximises space, as someone with a garage and a tool cabinet already has everything... But people with less room still would like somewhere to keep their car stuff. Sorry if I sound like a Uni lecturer..., I'm studying architecture at the moment... :togo: oh and I'm too young for your target market, but would still buy one!

dirzsignature · 26-03-2009, 10:12 PM

Thanx all for the replies.

My product has to be made out of plastic. That's the reason why I ask you guys to see if my idea will be suitable to the market.
My initial intention was to design a cabinet for people who only perform light maintenance on their car such as; oil checking, water level, washing the car etc... So the cabinet is only used to store engine oil, radiator coolant, car shampoo, and some handtools. Well, I guess people don't do that anymore.

Road_Warrior · 26-03-2009, 10:26 PM

How about a collapsible work trolley/bench that will support the weight of a smallish toolbox?

dirzsignature · 28-03-2009, 01:51 PM

Hi all,

I do not think I'm still making the garage tool cabinet anymore.
The market I'm targeting is the young couples (25-35 y.o) who live in urban area, probably live in an apartment/ townhouse, and drive small cars (fiesta, polo, jazz, etc..).
After a second thought, I do not think they will do self-maintenance on their cars. Also the new cars are getting more reliable and they don't require as much maintenance. All you have to do just bring it in for regular service on time. I've asked around and people even rarely need to top-up oil anymore.
Those who do self-service at home are only the automotive enthusiasts,and I guess they will buy the metal cabinet. I do not think the plastic cabinet will be on their list.

Anyway, thanx a lot for your input. Appreciate all of your replies.

-Yudhi