As part of its ongoing efforts to track American driving behaviors, Hankook Tire has released the 10th edition of its annual Hankook Tire Gauge Index. The survey, which has been monitoring trends since 2014, sheds light on evolving attitudes toward electric and hybrid vehicles (EVs), perceptions of car technology, vehicle maintenance practices, and driving behaviors.
Electric Vehicle Adoption Soars
One of the most notable findings of this year’s survey is the significant shift in consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles. Hankook reports that 20% of American consumers are now planning to buy or lease an EV within the next year, a dramatic increase from just 8% in 2022. Millennials lead the charge, with 36% of them expressing interest in hybrid or EV ownership, followed closely by 35% of Gen X and 32% of Gen Z.
Despite the growing appeal of EVs, the motivation for choosing electric options has evolved. While fuel savings were once a major draw, only 36% of respondents now cite this as a key reason for considering an EV, down from 58% in 2022. Instead, environmental concerns (18%) and advanced technology (10%) are now seen as more influential factors. However, only 35% of survey respondents believe that EVs outperform traditional gas-powered vehicles, while 45% feel that the performance is on par.
Car Technology and Its Impact on Driving
The survey also explored the impact of advanced car technologies like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control. According to Hankook, 30% of respondents believe these technologies make driving safer, although they do not significantly alter driving habits. Interestingly, 10% of drivers find these technologies to be distracting.
The survey also revealed that 21% of drivers feel these innovations make them more cautious on the road. This effect is more pronounced among women, with 26% reporting increased caution compared to just 17% of men. Despite the rise of such technologies, road rage remains a concern for many drivers. Among the common triggers are the behavior of other drivers (53%) and heavy traffic (33%).
Americans Taking More Responsibility for Car Maintenance
In another notable shift, Americans are showing increased confidence in performing basic car maintenance, although professional services are still in demand. The number of people comfortable changing a tire has risen to 65%, up from 52% in 2015. Similarly, 49% of respondents now feel capable of changing brake fluid, compared to just 35% nearly a decade ago.
Investment in car upgrades has also increased, with 18% of respondents willing to spend on cosmetic upgrades, up from just 4% in 2022. Spending on stereo systems has risen to 24% from 5%. Despite growing confidence in these tasks, 45% of Americans continue to rely on professionals for car maintenance, primarily due to the increasing complexity of automotive technology.
The survey also found that 54% of drivers prioritize spending on tires, while 51% invest in under-the-hood components.
Hankook’s Commitment to Evolving Driver Need
Brooklyn Emery, brand communications manager at Hankook Tire America Corp., commented on the survey’s findings, noting that the Hankook Tire Gauge Index continues to be a valuable tool for understanding the shifts in driver behaviors. She highlighted how these insights help Hankook Tire anticipate changes in EV and automotive technology. Hankook’s commitment to meeting these evolving needs is reflected in their product innovations, such as the iON tire line, specifically designed for electric vehicles, which prioritizes safety and performance.
The Hankook Tire Gauge Index survey, conducted between September 27 and October 4, 2024, polled 1,197 randomly selected Americans aged 18 and older.
This survey marks another milestone in Hankook’s decade-long effort to track and respond to the changing dynamics of the American driving experience.