The approaching holiday season means an increase in road travel. But nearly half of all U.S. drivers are behind on at least one major service, according to recent Carfax data, revealing room for service drive sales growth.

Major services include brakes, steering, drive train, engine and fuel efficiency/air quality. Data shows that almost 30% of cars are behind on tire rotations and nearly 20% are behind on oil changes. Recent consumer research found that dealers excel at tire rotations but fall behind in other service areas compared to competitors, according to automotive industry data and technology provider CDK.

Communication and convenience rank high on the list of aspects consumers are looking for when it comes to servicing their cars. Over half of service slots are booked by phone, but customers report challenges with hold times, phone menus, and call transfers, CDK found.

“Dealerships that invest in digital scheduling tools, streamline communication, and enhance the in-store experience will not only improve satisfaction but also secure long-term customer retention and profitability,” the company's report advised.

Dealerships have seen a significant decline in service visits, according to recent Cox Automotive research, but addressing those challenges can help their customers hit the road safely this season.