From Tariffs to Tune-Ups: Yelp Auto Report Reveals the State of Car Care in America

Data uncovers the 25 toughest cities for car upkeep, most common repairs, and Yelp’s Top 100 mechanics

Feeling uncertain about making a major car purchase or repair? You’re not alone. With new and used vehicle costs soaring and added uncertainty from potential tariffs, more Americans are turning to local mechanics for help maintaining the vehicles they own. In fact, searches on Yelp for auto mechanics jumped 11% in 2024, when compared to 2023.

Just in time for summer road trip season, Yelp is stepping on the gas pedal with our first-ever Auto Report — a nationwide look under the hood at how drivers are searching, spending, and staying on the road. From rising interest in used cars and auto loans to where drivers may be feeling repair costs the most, the report reveals key trends in car purchasing, repair and maintenance. We’re spotlighting the top 25 toughest cities for vehicle upkeep, the 15 most common car problems, and the 100 most trusted mechanics across the country — all based on millions of Yelp searches for everything from emergency towing and flat tire repair to fender benders and auto loans. 

Whether you’re planning a road trip or just trying to keep your car running to save money, this report has the insights drivers need now.

Following years of rising car prices, higher parts and labor costs—and now, potential tariffs—drivers are shifting into savings mode when it comes to their vehicles. Yelp data shows searches for used cars jumped 60% in March 2025 compared to the same time last year, as more people look for affordable alternatives to buying new. 

This cost-conscious shift in behavior isn’t limited to this year. Yelp data reveals car loan searches increased 17% in 2024 compared to 2023. At only four months into 2025, search data for car loans are already on pace to eclipse last year’s total volume. This growing demand signals a clear shift: as costs increase, more drivers are relying on financing to manage big-ticket auto expenses.

Finally, Americans are being smarter about maintaining the vehicles they do have, as searches on Yelp for auto mechanics increased by 11% in 2024, when compared to 2023.

As economic uncertainty lingers, keeping your vehicle road-ready has never been more important. Exploring millions of Yelp searches, from emergency towing to flat tire repair, fender benders and broken windshield services, we’ve uncovered the top 25 toughest cities for car upkeep.

Bad news for Windy City residents: Chicago claims the top spot as the toughest U.S. city for drivers and their vehicles. Known for its brutal winters and pothole-filled streets, Chicago drivers turn to Yelp for auto help more than any other metro area. The city ranks in the top 10 nationwide for a wide range of car-related searches—including flat tires, battery jumps, emergency roadside assistance, windshield repairs, and even personal injury lawyers.

Coming in at second is Atlanta, a city well known for its sprawling highways and challenging road conditions. Hotlanta lived up to its nickname, as the city ranked number one in the country for vehicle overheating searches, and ranked in the top 10 for searches related to collision repair, bumper replacement, wheel and rim repair, and towing services. 

Philadelphia landed at number three, and ranked as the number one city seeking mechanic help for flat tires. Detroit, and St. Louis rounded out the top 5, with both ranking in the top 10 for transmission and windshield repair searches. Weather conditions, older road infrastructure, and dense urban environments in these cities keep auto service professionals booked and busy year-round.

1. Chicago, IL
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Philadelphia, PA
4. Detroit, MI
5. St. Louis, MO
6. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN
7. Pittsburgh, PA
8. Cleveland, OH
9. Myrtle Beach, SC
10. Hartford, CT
11. Milwaukee, WI
12. Buffalo, NY
13. Albany, NY
14. Rochester, NY
15. New Haven, CT
16. Birmingham, AL
17. Memphis, TN
18. Allentown, PA
19. Omaha, NE
20. Knoxville, TN
21. Harrisburg, PA
22. Atlantic City, NJ
23. Madison, WI
24. Columbia, SC
25. Baton Rouge, LA

Which car troubles send drivers to the shop most often? According to Yelp Request a Quote data, the number one most requested service is brake repair—a critical fix that keeps drivers safe and vehicles running smoothly. Right behind it at number two are oil changes—a common, but essential maintenance service that prevents costly engine damage down the road.

Other top auto service requests, such as windshield replacement (#3) and car towing (#4), prove that even the most well-prepared drivers can experience sudden mishaps like cracked windshields or breakdowns. Rounding out the top five is transmission repair — one of the most expensive and urgent fixes for car owners. 

1. Brake repair
2. Oil change
3. Windshield replacement
4. Car towing
5. Transmission repair
6. Battery replacement
7. Dent repair
8. Paint scratch repair
9. Heating & cooling repair
10. Bumper repair and replacement
11. Steering/suspension repair
12. Lockout services
13. Exhaust repair 
14. Headlight & taillight service 
15. Wheel alignment 

While it may be tempting to ignore that check engine light or put off your oil change, delaying regular maintenance could mean bigger (and more expensive) problems later. 

“Drivers know that in today’s auto market, every decision matters—from finding the right mechanic to choosing between repair or replacement,” says Tara Lewis, Yelp’s trend expert and Vice President of Community Expansion. “With top rated local shops, and millions of reviews from reliable users, Yelp can help take the guesswork out of finding quality auto support, so you can stay on budget and get back on the road.”

Need help finding a trusted, highly rated car care professional? We’ve unveiled Yelp’s Top 100 Auto Mechanics—featuring pros who’ve earned glowing reviews from Yelpers for their expertise, transparency, and quality work. These top car care service providers are ready to help with problems big or small, and get you back on the road with confidence.

Check out our Collection, and download it on your Yelp mobile app. 

Need the Yelp mobile app? Download it here. 

Whether you’re dealing with a major breakdown, or want your car looking summer-ready, Yelp can help you find the right auto service provider. Our Request a Quote feature allows you to quickly get estimates from multiple shops, so you can find a reliable auto service pro that fits your needs and budget.  

If you’re not sure where to start, Yelp Assistant can take the guesswork out of the equation, by using advanced AI to ask a series of questions that easily identifies your project needs. Once you’ve described your car issue, we’ll match you with qualified local pros to get your project tackled quickly. 

Summer adventures beckon, but is your car ready for the road ahead? We asked Jonathan and the team at Brake Pro’s in Antioch, California – Yelp’s highest-rated auto service pro – for tips on how to keep your ride rolling and worry-free. Check out these essential tips, and give your vehicle the attention it deserves before your next getaway.

“Tire pressure fluctuates with temperature changes, and worn-out brakes can be very dangerous, especially before long summer drives,” says Jonathan from Brake Pro’s. “Make it a point to ensure your brakes are road-ready— and while you’re at it, rotate those tires.”

“Rising temperatures put extra strain on your engine, making regular oil servicing even more important during warmer months. Scheduled oil changes remain one of the easiest, affordable, and most vital maintenance tasks you can perform,” says Jonathan. “Frequent oil changes protect against overheating, and help avoid costly engine issues down the road.” 

Don’t put off this inexpensive and important repair. Use Yelp Request a Quote to find top-rated oil change services near you.

Delaying routine maintenance now can lead to more costly repairs later—especially with rising prices and tariff-driven uncertainty. For Jonthan and the team at Brake Pro’s, staying on top of power steering early is key. “Listen for any whining or subtle sounds when turning the wheel, which usually signals low fluid levels. Visit your local auto shop to have your power steering fluid reservoir checked every other month — it should be clear or amber–  never brown or black.”

There’s no avoiding it. Between intense UV rays, snow, ice, sand, and other road debris, your car’s paint and finish will take a beating. Hiring a local detailer or taking regular visits to a car wash for waxing and underbody rinses can help prevent fading, rust, and corrosion.  

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Some cities take major pride in keeping their rides spotless. Based on Yelp search data for car washes, detailing services, stereo installations, paint services and more, we’ve revealed our list of the top 25 “fresh ride” capitals of America. Car culture in California is alive and well, as five of the top six cities hail from the Golden State. At number 1, Los Angeles commands the most searches for freshening services, including car washes, detailing, paint, and audio upgrades. New York ranks number 2, as the city’s residents –and more than 130,000 taxi and rideshares– do their part to maintain freshly detailed vehicles, followed by San Francisco at number three. 

1. Los Angeles, CA
2. New York, NY
3. San Francisco, CA
4. San Diego, CA
5. Riverside, CA
6. San Jose, CA
7. Chicago, IL
8. Dallas- Forth Worth, TX
9. Washington, D.C.
10. Seattle, WA
11. Las Vegas, NV
12. Sacramento, CA
13. Houston, TX
14. Boston, MA
15. Phoenix, AZ
16. Honolulu, HI
17. Miami, FL
18. Atlanta, GA
19. Philadelphia, PA
20. Austin, TX
21. Portland, OR
22. Denver, CO
23. Orlando, FL
24. Tampa, FL
25. Detroit, MI

Have a fantastic local auto pro you want to shout out? Show them some love and share your experience with a review on Yelp!

For more on services, restaurants and everything in between, connect with us on Instagram and TikTok. 

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Methodology

We identified trends by measuring the volume of Yelp user searches for common auto-related terms made between January 2024 to December 2024. For Request a Quote findings, we explored the most popular auto-related repair project requests from users from January 2024 to December 2024. For searches for car loans and auto mechanics, we measured and compared the volume of Yelp user searches for each term in 2024 and 2023. For used car searches, we compared the total volume of searches from March 2025 to March 2024. 

For the top 100 auto mechanics list, Yelp identified businesses in relevant auto categories and ranked them using a number of factors including ratings and review volume between January 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024.