Dollar exchange rate soars, yet vehicle maintenance remains normal

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar, which has now reached over Rp18,000, has not deterred vehicle owners from maintaining their vehicles according to schedule. Bram, the founder of Anyar Motor, stated that vehicle servicing activities are still proceeding normally, even though the costs of several automotive components have risen due to the high dollar exchange rate.

“Up to this point, there has been no change in maintenance patterns. Consumers continue to arrive for servicing as usual,” Bram told ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday. He noted that the most significant impact is felt in the prices of materials and spare parts that still rely on imports. The price of engine oil has risen by approximately 10-17 per cent since the beginning of the year, while body repair materials such as paint, varnish, and putty have seen increases of up to 20 per cent.

Despite the current economic conditions, his independent workshop continues to attract new customers, typically owners of vehicles that are no longer covered by official manufacturer warranties. This sentiment was echoed by Ardhi Setyo, who was undergoing suspension maintenance for a vehicle that has been in use for six years. He believes that vehicle repairs must continue regardless of the current situation.

To manage the high prices of genuine components, he has opted to use proven aftermarket products. “For now, I am using aftermarket products for my vehicle’s suspension components. The prices are quite affordable, and the durability is not much different,” he said.

Consequently, the high cost of original or genuine parts is creating opportunities for the aftermarket spare parts market. Aftermarket products with established quality track records from Japan, Taiwan, and Europe are increasingly being considered by consumers as more economical alternatives.

“In these conditions, we must be understanding. Vehicle maintenance must still be carried out. If not, repair costs will actually become much higher if maintenance is not routine,” he emphasised. Although the prices of spare parts and supporting materials are increasing, workshop operators remind the public of the importance of routine servicing. Periodic maintenance is considered far more cost-effective than delaying repairs until damage becomes more severe. Amidst exchange rate pressures, the workshop industry sees new opportunities, as consumers become more selective in purchasing components without abandoning vehicle maintenance altogether.