New data from Hankook Tire highlights consumer stresses on the road, from inclement weather to teen driving
The latest Gauge Index survey by Hankook Tire reveals insights into the challenges faced by drivers today. (Hankook Tire)
If it seems as if driving post-pandemic is scarier than before, you are not alone. In its latest Gauge Index survey, Hankook Tire reveals today’s biggest challenges for drivers.
Drivers face countless challenges as they take to the road each day. They must navigate unpredictable weather, deal with maintenance issues, and deal with the persistent worry parents have about teen driving.
Braving the Elements: A Driver’s Dilemma
According to the Gauge, driving in inclement weather is the top challenge for drivers (25 percent), followed by driving in unfamiliar places (17 percent) and changing a flat tire (15 percent). In addition, 51 percent of drivers indicate that bad weather would prompt them to stop driving or turn around and delay reaching their destination.
When examining generational demographics, it is noteworthy that 62 percent of baby boomers, compared to 37 percent of Gen Z, identified bad weather as a reason to halt or delay their journey. Moreover, among respondents who identified changing a flat tire as the most challenging situation, 17 percent were Boomers compared to 10 percent of Gen Z.
Overall, when harsh weather is forecast, vehicle preparation becomes a ritual for many motorists:
- 59 percent check tire pressure and tread depth;
- 53 percent refill fluids; and
- 50 percent replace windshield wipers.
Teen Driving a Parental Test
The Gauge survey also highlights parental concerns regarding teen driving, offering insights into the complexities of their apprehensions. While striving to maintain a sense of optimism, parents of teen drivers express varying degrees of concern depending on the distance of their teen’s journey.
When teens venture out locally, 39 percent of parents admit feeling “a bit anxious but hopeful.” However, this sentiment diminishes to 28 percent when contemplating their teen driving long distances.
Regional disparities further shape parental perceptions. Northeastern parents are in the most apprehensive group. In the Northeast, 23 percent of parents admit feeling “extremely concerned and fearful” about their teen driving locally. That percentage shows a notable difference compared to the parental concerns in the South (12 percent) and West (7 percent).
Conversely, drivers in the South exhibit a notable sense of trust in their teens’ ability to navigate long distances. A considerable 32 percent of Southern parents feel “confident and relaxed” when their teen embarks on long-distance drives. That confidence surpasses the sentiments of parents in the Northeast (14 percent) and the West (11 percent).
Choose the Correct Winter Tire
Hankook Tire’s Kinergy 4S2 is rated a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake.
Traditional all-season tires offer versatility in various weather conditions, but all-weather tires can provide peace of mind. Hankook’s Kinergy 4S2, for example, has a Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rating. The snowflake rating indicates a tire has met certain requirements for severe snow conditions. Dedicated winter tires, however, are the best option for deep snow and ice.
Three-peak snowflake tires have scored at least 110 on the traction index. That means the tires can accelerate at least 10 percent faster than an all-season tire that is not 3PMS-rated.
About the Survey
“The insights provided by the Hankook Gauge Index are invaluable in understanding drivers’ evolving needs and concerns,” said Rob Williams, President of Hankook Tire America Corp.
The Hankook Gauge Index surveys Americans’ attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey, conducted March 13-14, polled 1,012 randomly selected Americans age 18 and older.
