(BPT) - New research found Americans are strategic about car maintenance, including when it comes time to replace their tires. Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index Survey found 4 in 10 U.S. drivers replace their tires on a regular schedule, while 5 in 10 replace only when necessary, and 1 in 10 wait for a rebate or promotion.
Trust your eyes, or someone else's
Most Americans don't hurry to buy new tires, with more than half (55%) of respondents saying they only purchase tires when they have no other option, like a flat that can't be repaired. But if the tires are still rolling, how do you know when it's time to replace them?
For many drivers, the "eye test" is all they need: one-quarter (25%) said visible damage is the main reason they would spring for a new set of tires such as tread that's worn out after years of driving, followed by 17% of drivers who cited vehicle handling issues as their primary indicator. In other words, the car just doesn't take the tight corners like it used to.
However, about as many drivers (16%) said that they leave it to the professionals to advise them, reporting that a mechanic's recommendation on when to replace a tire is what prompts their purchase. More experienced drivers tend to lean toward this approach - Gen X and Boomer drivers are slightly more likely to heed professional advice (20%) compared to Gen Z and Millennial drivers (13%).
Routine or required tire replacement
When deciding the best time to purchase tires, attitudes vary by generation and region. Older drivers are far more likely to replace tires only when absolutely necessary (Gen X & Boomer - 62%) versus less experienced drivers (Gen Z & Millennial - 49%). On the other hand, Gen Z and Millennial drivers are more likely to follow a schedule for tire replacement (40%) in contrast to Gen X and Boomer drivers (31%).
From coast to coast, drivers on either end of the country differ when it comes to tire replacement management. Drivers in the Northeast are most likely (24%) to follow a mechanic's recommendation, while those in the Pacific region are most influenced by visible damage to their tire (28%).
Regardless of age or place of residence, replacing tires every few years on a set schedule can help drivers avoid unexpected issues down the road.
Performance and safety drive decisions
Beyond price, a quarter (25%) of respondents say performance ratings are the most influential factor when choosing new tires, followed by 20% who say safety ratings are the top priority. Gen Z and Millennial drivers especially value performance (26%) and safety (23%), compared to drivers over 45 who are also swayed by performance ratings (25%), followed by brand reputation (21%).
For drivers in the Midwest where wet and snowy road conditions can be the norm, performance ratings reign (35%), while Pacific region drivers emphasize safety (27%) and warranty coverage (25%) above all else.
Where drivers seek advice
Regardless of when the time comes for Americans to change their tires, search engines remain the top tool for new tire research (21%), followed by 17% of drivers who say they base their tire research on recommendations from mechanics or repair shops.
Younger drivers (Gen Z & Millennial) prefer using classic search engines to research tires across the internet (25%), while Gen X & Boomer drivers chose to visit their local tire retailer website before any other site (21%). Alternatively, an estimated seven million U.S. adults are now turning to AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, as their first source for tire information.
The choices made by American drivers reflect broader shifts in attitudes toward vehicle safety, reliability and informed decision-making. Increasing reliance on both digital tools and expert advice suggests that consumers are looking for value when buying new tires, as well as confidence in their decision. These trends show proactive education, technological innovation and improved access to research will be key factors shaping tomorrow's tire-buying habits and road safety outcomes.
