Tire Survey Reports Drivers Are Going the Distance in Seek of Sunshine This Spring

Tuesday, 27 March 2018 13:03

Tire Survey Reports Drivers Are Going the Distance in Seek of Sunshine This Spring

The latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index reveals what's driving Americans to hit the road this season

NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 27, 2018 -- With this year's harsh winter weather finally coming to an end, it's no surprise that drivers are eager to get out and about. According to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, for many this means it's time for a break, as more than half of Americans (55 percent) are planning to take a spring vacation this year.

More than half of Americans are planning to take a spring vacation, according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index.

So where are they going? Following the bitter cold winter, drivers are determined to get warm: Hankook found that 31 percent of drivers who are planning to take a spring vacation this year are headed to the beach. And according to the Gauge, Americans are up for driving the distance to get there, as 58 percent say they plan to drive more than 100 miles for their next road trip.

Whether driving with family or friends, there's usually a debate over which car to take. Hankook Tire found that the roomiest ride wins. A third of drivers (33 percent) prefer to take the biggest car, followed by the best maintained car (27 percent) and the car with the best gas mileage (26 percent).

Springtime often means the return of routine, yet in addition to the daily commute, people are also looking to get out of the house and have a good time. More than half of Americans say they regularly drive to social activities (54 percent) and visit family and friends (51 percent).

"Thanks to warmer weather, drivers are clearly excited to hit the roads this spring," said Wes Boling, Public Relations Manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. "Whether you're preparing for a long car trip, for that much-anticipated vacation or simply heading out on your daily commute, make sure your car is running smoothly following the winter season to ensure you and your passengers arrive safely at your destination."

Kick the Tires Before You Hit the Road

The Gauge also revealed that about nearly one in 10 Americans (9 percent) only thinks about car maintenance when his or her car breaks down. Make maintenance a part of your regular routine this spring by following factory-recommended service schedules and checking your tires before you hit the road. Here are some helpful tips:

As the weather warms up, potholes begin to pose a problem on the road. Potholes are formed by the contraction and expansion of ground water freezing. Check your tires after going over a pothole for any damage.

Proactively keeping an eye on air pressure as the weather warms up will also help keep spring travel smooth. Air pressure can change about 1 psi for every 10 degrees, so be sure your tires are as prepared for the warm weather as you are.

And don't forget to check the spare! More than a quarter (29 percent) of Americans never check the air in their spare tire. Incorporating a quick check of the spare can keep you from being left in a lurch.

Practicing regular maintenance can soothe stress, which makes it easier to deal with the No. 1 cause of Americans drivers' anxiety: traffic. Hankook found that traffic is the leading cause of anxiety for drivers, with more than half (56 percent) of drivers citing traffic as what makes them most anxious behind the wheel. Other leading causes of road anxiety include other drivers' behavior (53 percent), inclement weather (53 percent) and bad roads or potholes (44 percent).

The Hankook Tire Gauge Index is a quarterly survey of Americans' attitudes and opinions about all things related to driving. The latest installment of the survey, conducted February 5-6, 2018, polled 953 randomly selected Americans.