New TOPDON Survey Sheds Light on U.S. Automotive Repair, Highlights Industry Shifts and Key Insights of Professional Technicians, DIY Mechanics
ROCKAWAY, NEW JERSEY – Nov. 6, 2025 – TOPDON US (https://www.topdon.us/), a leading provider of cutting-edge diagnostic tools and technology solutions for automotive professionals, announced today the results of its national survey of more than 3,000 professional automotive technicians and DIY mechanics across North America. The survey, which was conducted in September 2025, highlights the repair challenges facing professional technicans in the age of advanced technology and smart cars, as well as key shifts in the adoption of tools that offer integrated, platform-based diagnostics capabilities. 47% of all survey respondents identified as Professional Technicians with the remaining 53% identifying as a DIY’r.
“Our survey goal was to simply better understand the customers we serve and secure clear, actionable data that can better help us meet their needs in a rapidly changing industry,” said Chad Schnitz, Vice President of TOPDON US. “Among the key takeways is that despite decades of experience among our pro respondents, 73% cited a struggle with limited OE data access and other digital restrictions, not lack of skill.”
Professional Auto Technician Survey
66% of those who participated in the Professional Auto Technicians survey had 10-plus years of experience with 51% having an ASE certification. 73% of pro technicians said the biggest challenge facing pro technicians was limited OE data access, with 67% citing vehicle network and communication systems as the most difficult to diagnose. In regard to hybrid and electric vehicles, 39% of pro technicians, found challenges with battery packs, inverters and isolation faults, with ADAS coming in at 33%.
“The biggest obstacles that pro mechanics face parallel the features and functions they want in their current diagnostic tools,” Schnitz said. “For example, 68% of those surveyed cited a need for more in-depth, OEM-level diagnostics and coverage. Additionally, 46% want wiring diagrams and guided repair guides, and 45% would like to have faster scan speeds.”
How pro mechancis choose diagnostics tools is also shifting. Where price was thought to be the most important factor in the purchase decision, accuracy and ease-of-use were the top factors when choosing a diagnostic tool among those pro technicians surveyed. 77% also cited YouTube as the number one source to learn about new diagnostic tools, with 57% turning to manufacturing websites.
When asked about trends shaping the future of diagnostic tools, 81% of respondents pointed to the increased use of OEM-secured gateways and encrypted vehicle systems, while 55% cited the growth of EV and hybrid vehicles requiring new diagnostic tools.
“The adoption of new technology to work on vehicles is certainly evolving,” said Schnitz. “It’s clear that vehicles are getting smarter and more complicated to repair. It’s one reason why TOPDON has been working at the collegiate and trade school level, through our TOPUP Academic Program, over the last several years. We want to expose students to the advanced diagnostic tools that can make them more effective at communicating with car systems and accurately diagnosing the issues, thus fasttracking repairs. We also have a dedicted training team who travels the country offering free demonstrations and seminars on how to make the latest diagnostic tools an integral part of the repair process.”
DIY Mechanic Survey
The increasing difficulty in repairing vehicles as a DIY mechanic is leading to the rise of the “prosumer” mechanic. Of those surveyed, 85% of DIY mechanics said they use a diagnostic tool to determine if they can figure out how to make the repair themselves, with 81 % citing they want the ability to read and clear trouble codes. 60% said they use diagnostic tools to avoid being overcharged at a repair shop.
“The latest vehicles rolling out of manufacturing plants worldwide are complicated computers on wheels,” said Schnitz. “At TOPDON our motto is ‘Fix Like a Pro’ because we understand there’s a growing number of DIY’rs who need affordable, accessible diagnostic tools that are easy to use. Even fixing something as replacing rear brake pads now requires some kind of diagnostic tool.”
Nearly 90% of the DIY mechanics survey noted engine diagnostics, oil changes and fluids, brake and rotor repair and electrical or battery-related work as their most common repair or maintenance issues. However, only 49% said they use a full-featured scan tool with 49% citing a lack of support or tutorials, and the fix still isn’t clear after reading the code is their key frustration when diagnosting a vehicle repair at home.
“Similar to pro technicians, our survey found that 74% of DIY’rs cited features and functions as the most important factor when shopping for a diagnostic tool,” said Schnitz. “We also found that features outrank both brand repuration and price. This means the tool market is shifting from legacy loyalty to merit-based trust in the prdoucts capabilities.”
The Road Ahead
TOPDON’s survey on U.S. Automotive Repair shows that vehicle diagnostics are evolvoing from fragmented tools to intelligent ecosystems. The industry is clearly moving towards connected, data-rich and user-driven solutions.
“TOPDON equips both professionals and DIY’rs to handle new vehicle technologies with confidence and efficiency,” said Schnitz. “The data from our survey makes one thing very clear, the future of automotive diagnostics depends on on access, education and adaptability. These are all at the core to TOPDON’s mission.”
A white paper with the complete survey results will be available mid-November at https://www.topdon.us/blogs/news.
About TOPDON US
Founded in 2017 and based in Rockaway, New Jersey, TOPDON US is a provider of entry-level, mid-level, and advanced tools and solutions for professional technicians, as well as DIY enthusiasts. Globally, TOPDON has over 250 industry-leading engineers and owns over 500 patents and software copyrights. The company’s cutting-edge technology helps shops minimize downtime and maximize profits. For more information visit www.topdon.us