CHICAGO -

As many budget-minded consumers hold onto their cars longer, dealers are finding new opportunities in the service lanes, as consumers seek more information on maintenance and repairs.

A move announced on Monday by Cars.com means to address both issues, and to help dealers better compete for service business.

Cars.com announced its strategic investment in online auto repair source RepairPal, which it said positions the company to further develop its service category for both dealers and consumers.

“More than a quarter of dealership reviews on our site are about a service and repair experience,” said Cars.com president Mitch Golub. “By providing our audience access to even more credible information about service and repair providers, we can help drive additional value to our advertisers’ business, driving results for their fixed operations, in addition to new- and used-car sales.”

On the consumer side, Golub said, “Consumers rely on us at all stages of buying for research, advice and reviews to guide their vehicle and dealership selection. But when it comes to maintaining a vehicle, there is a lot of confusion among consumers. 

“We see an opportunity to transform the repair category and provide vehicle owners the same credible advice they have come to depend on us for when it comes time to service or repair their car,” he said.

The investment in RepairPal by Cars.com builds on the site’s co-branded content partnership that launched in 2009. Since that time, RepairPal has been a featured content partner on Cars.com, offering advice on repair and maintenance.

Today, RepairPal chief executive officer Art Shaw says more than 86 percent of cars on the road are past warranty, as vehicle owners are holding onto their cars longer than ever.

“It’s critical that they have access to high quality independent information about repairs, maintenance advice and associated costs,” Shaw said. “We are excited to deepen our relationship with Cars.com and work together to bring their audience new solutions for managing vehicle ownership.”