Hankook Tire survey reveals drivers’ best and worst habits during National Tire Safety Week, June 28 to July 1, 2021
28 percent of drivers admit they can’t change a tire or never rotate their vehicle’s tires, according to the Hankook survey. (NewsUSA)
BY MARK MAYNARD
Americans are hitting the road again as traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels, Hankook Tire found in its latest Gauge Index Survey. As National Tire Safety Week rolls in on busier roads, Hankook’s survey revealed the top habits that impact daily driving. It is one way to better understand potential safety hazards as Americans gear up for summer travel.
For National Tire Safety Week runs from June 28 through July 4, 2021.
Here are Hankook’s best and worst drivers’ habits behind the wheel.
Maintenance impacts tire safety
Consistent maintenance is among the best ways to uphold the safety and performance of tires and vehicles, but 28 percent of drivers admit they either can’t change a tire or never rotate their vehicle’s tires. Regular rotation helps ensure even wear, which in turn impacts a car’s ride quality, cabin noise level and the tire’s longevity.
Experts recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles driven, though it is important to check the requirements for each specific tire model.
Millennials are most likely to know how to change a tire (only 12 percent claim they can’t), according to the Gauge. And almost two-thirds (61 percent) own the required tire jack to do it. In fact, two out of every three drivers (64 percent), no matter their age, say they own a tire jack. That makes the jack one of the top three car maintenance tools drivers own. That is in addition to a tire pressure gauge (65 percent) and a set of jumper cables (67 percent).
Driver distractions
More than half (64 percent) of American drivers admit they multitask while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration defines distracted driving as “any activity that diverts attentions from driving.” NHTSA strongly advises against doing anything besides focusing on the road ahead.
Sources of distraction behind the wheel include:
Singing at the top of their lungs: 24%
Eating while driving: 21%
Texting: 11%
Applying makeup or shaving: 3%
Texting is considered among the most concerning distractions by the NHTSA. Sending or reading a text can take one’s eyes off the road for up to five seconds, which is roughly the equivalent of driving the length of a football field with eyes closed.
It’s time for a trip back to driving school
The survey revealed that one in 10 drivers failed his or her first driving test. Several others still have habits that might not earn them passing marks. Parallel parking is the most stressful and practiced part of the driving test for many, but 13 percent of drivers today say they can’t parallel park.
Gen Z-aged drivers are more than twice as likely to admit they turn too fast compared to older generations. And 14 percent say they brake too harshly or turn too fast.
Many of these habits are dangerous and can add stress to a vehicle’s tires. That type of stress can reduce traction or wear a flat spot on the tread of the tire.
Check tread depth regularly
Drivers are encouraged to regularly check the tread depth of their vehicle’s tires.
The recommended tread depth is more than 2/32 of an inch deep. An easy and quick way to tell if your vehicle’s tires meet the minimum depth is to stick a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the tread covers the top of his head, you’re good to go. If not, it’s time to replace the tire.
A majority of drivers own a tire pressure gauge (65 percent). (NewsUSA)
For National Tire Safety Week, Hankook is calling on drivers to recommit to safety, on the road and in the garage, said JJ Park, Director of Marketing Strategy, Hankook Tire America Corp.
“Our latest Gauge Survey indicated drivers are eager to hit the road again, and as we do, it is increasingly important to ensure that vehicles are maintained for top performance and safety,” said Park in the Gauge release.
To help avoid any unforeseen bumps in the road, drivers should check their vehicle’s tires before heading out. Exerts also recommend a full mechanical inspection of any vehicle that has been parked for an extended period of time.
About the Hankook Tire survey
The Hankook Tire Gauge Index is a survey of Americans’ attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey was conducted April 19-22, 2021. It polled 1,021 randomly selected Americans age 18 and older who have a valid U.S. driver’s license.
View the latest data from the Hankook Tire Gauge Index at TechAndTread.com
