The study surveyed more than 3,000 drivers across 15 countries to determine which age group people trust most for roadside car repairs. Drivers in their 40s to early 60s emerged as the clear winner, earning the crown as the most trusted group globally for car repairs, with 57% of motorists worldwide choosing them to change a tire. American drivers showed even stronger confidence in Gen X, with a striking 67% putting their faith in this generation's hands-on know-how.
Gen Z did not receive a single vote of confidence from American drivers when it came to tire changes, earning a harsh 0% trustworthiness rating that was echoed in the U.K., Portugal and Australia. One driver explained their reasoning, saying they would choose the older generation, maybe Gen X, 40 to 60 years old, because they have a lot of experience and have been around the block a few times. Another driver was more blunt in their assessment, saying they love Gen Z and think they are great in so many ways, but just do not know if they would necessarily trust them.
The international research from Auto Trader found that when rubber meets the road, literally, experience trumps online expertise every time. While car maintenance tips flood social media feeds daily, real-world trust tells a different story according to the findings. The study reveals a significant gap between the younger generation's digital presence and the practical confidence older drivers inspire when it comes to hands-on automotive work.
The study suggests this trust gap is not about age bias but rather about earned credibility through real-world experience. The results paint a clear picture of what drivers value when their car breaks down on the side of the road. Gen X's combination of decades behind the wheel and practical mechanical experience has created a reputation for reliability that younger drivers have yet to establish, at least in the eyes of survey respondents across multiple countries.