Gen Z is way more confident about doing a DIY oil change than Baby Boomers
If you ever needed to do a driveway oil change in a pinch, we bet a lot of you wouldn’t think to hand the wrench to a Zoomer.
A new analysis on car knowledge among U.S. drivers shows Gen Z feels far more comfortable handling an oil change than Baby Boomers. Among U.S. adults surveyed, 57% of Gen Z respondents (that’s folks born between 1997 and 2012) said they could manage the task on their own or with a little help.
Only 39% of Boomers said the same. More than half of Boomers (53%) admitted they’d need someone else to take care of it entirely.
The study examined Americans’ confidence in doing common car maintenance
That included oil changes, tire swaps, and recognizing dashboard warning lights. While younger drivers are often painted as glued to screens and clueless about car care, the findings tell a different story. Millennials actually topped the list in DIY oil change confidence. Gen Z wasn’t far behind. It seems those how-to videos online are making an impact.
Baby Boomers, despite their years of driving experience, are showing less interest in turning wrenches these days. Some may prefer the convenience of letting an expert handle it. Others might simply be done dealing with messy weekend chores in the garage.
The overall picture isn’t exactly reassuring
Across all age groups, only 36% of drivers said they could change their own oil without help. Fewer than half said they could change a flat tire themselves. That’s a problem when roadside emergencies are still very much a thing.
The report, published by FinanceBuzz, suggests Gen Z might be leading a quiet DIY comeback. The generational gap in car care confidence hints at shifting priorities. As repair costs continue climbing, knowing how to handle basic car maintenance can be a real money-saver.