With vaccinations increasing and COVID-19 cases declining, Americans are getting back on the road. The latest Gauge Index by Hankook Tire found some interesting statistics (All photos courtesy of NewsUSA)
You aren’t alone if it seems the daily commute is back to its pre-pandemic crush. With vaccinations increasing and COVID-19 cases declining, Americans are getting back on the road. And with April as National Car Care Month, the latest Gauge Index by Hankook Tire found some interesting statistics.
Among the tiremaker’s survey, it found that 66 percent of Americans are now driving at least a few times per week, which is more than double the 31 percent that drove regularly in April 2020. But despite more drivers on the road, the survey also found that in the last 30 days, 70 percent of Americans haven’t checked their tire pressure, 73 percent haven’t topped up their vehicle fluids and 22 percent haven’t done any car maintenance at all.
To help drivers keep the shiny side up and the rubber side down, Hankook Tire USA offer these five basic maintenance tips:
Check the Tires
Because tire pressure can change significantly as the outside temperature fluctuates, it’s important to check the tire pressure at least once a month to ensure it meets your vehicle’s recommended PSI.
Low tire pressure can lead to poor performance, premature and irregular wear, and higher rolling resistance which can impact fuel efficiency. If the tires show any signs of damage, excessive wear or aging, it’s important to have them checked by a reputable service facility to ensure their safety and best performance. It might also be time for tire balancing and wheel alignment.
Spring Cleaning
Get a head start on the car-show season by giving your ride a thorough cleaning, inside and out. In colder climates or for those who have driven to the ski slopes, it’s important to wash off damaging chemicals like road salt that can corrode critical underbody components. 
A thorough wash, with either a waterless cleaner or a sudsy wash, will benefit the paint, but don’t overlook the wheels and wheel wells to clear away road grime. Interior cleaning will help keep debris from staining carpets and getting into seat adjustment mechanisms, floor vents, cup holders, console storage and window switches.
Under the Hood
Check that your vehicle’s fluids are at the proper levels, such as oil, washer fluid, brake fluid and coolant. 
And also do an around-vehicle check that all lights are in working order. If unsure about checking or adding fluid, or how to change any lamp bulbs, your local shop can usually administer these services at little expense.
Weekly Shake-Out
Take your vehicle out for a weekly drive to keep the battery charged, fluids circulated and to prevent tires from flat-spotting in the garage on the driveway. 
This is also a good opportunity to spot mechanical issues that may need further professional attention. Today’s highly electrified vehicles, with battery-sapping computer sensors, can drain a 12-volt cranking battery in two to three weeks if the vehicle is not driven regularly.
Prepare for Potholes
Roads take a beating after a season of inclement weather and with springtime blooms there also will be substantial potholes. 
The correct driving technique can help prevent damage when encountering potholes: keep plenty of distance between you and the car ahead so as to easily spot potholes. If a pothole impact is inevitable, don’t swerve, but instead safely decrease your speed, take it head-on and slowly roll over the pothole. It is always advisable to check your tires after any measurable pothole impact as it may damage the tire structure and could require replacement.
The Hankook Tire Gauge Index is a survey of American’s attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey, conducted Feb. 22-24, 2021, polled 2,732 randomly selected motorists age 18 and older who have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
The latest data from the Hankook Tire Gauge Index can be found at TechAndTread.com.
