Hankook Tire has released its annual Tire Gauge Index. In the latest edition, Hankook Tire is reflecting on a decade of data, revealing key trends around Americans’ hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) ownership, perceptions of car technology, approach to vehicle maintenance and driving behavior.
In recent years, Americans’ attitudes toward hybrid and EVs have shifted amid increased consumer interest. Hankook found a moderate rise in EV adoption and evolving factors influencing consumer choices.
- Hankook reports that 20% of consumers plan to buy or lease an EV within the next year, a significant increase from only 8% who said the same in 2022.
- Millennials are leading the charge toward hybrid and EV ownership, with 36% considering a purchase in the future, followed closely by Gen X at 35% and Gen Z at 32%.
- While gas savings remained the most appealing benefit of hybrid and EVs over the years, the amount of consumers who cite this consideration has declined—from a high of 58% in 2022 to 36% in 2024.
- As electric vehicles have evolved, questions about their performance remain, especially in adverse weather conditions: only slightly more than one-third (35%) of respondents this year said that EVs perform better than gas-engine vehicles.
The last decade brought significant changes to the American driving experience, largely due to the integration of advanced car technologies such as lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and parking sensors. While many drivers report feeling safer due to these technologies, the impact on driving habits varies.
- Three in 10 respondents believe that car technology helps them feel safer. They also say it doesn’t necessarily alter their driving habits. For some, the added safety features may provide reassurance without prompting noticeable changes in behavior on the road.
- 21% of respondents noted that car technology makes them more cautious overall, with women (26%) slightly more likely than men (17%) to report that car technology helps them be more cautious drivers.
- In 2024, the way Americans perceive their driving personalities has shifted compared to a decade earlier: this year, 57% of drivers see themselves as “thoughtful, responsible and obedient,” down from 65% in 2014.
Over the past decade, Americans have demonstrated a significant increase in their confidence regarding basic car maintenance tasks. This growing confidence, however, coexists with a continued reliance on professionals, reflecting the evolving landscape of vehicle care.
- When it comes to maintaining our vehicles ourselves, confidence has increased. Hankook found 65% of drivers today feel confident changing a tire, up from 52% in 2015, and 49% are comfortable changing brake fluid, compared to 35% in 2015.
- Despite drivers’ growing confidence, 45% of Americans in the latest Hankook Gauge Index survey said they rely more on professionals to handle basic maintenance due to the increase of technology in cars today.
- In the past two years alone, Americans have become more willing to invest in vehicle maintenance: In 2024, Americans showed a greater willingness to invest in vehicle maintenance, with 54% prioritizing spending on tires (up from 39% in 2022) and 51% on under-the-hood parts (up from 33% in 2022).
- Additionally, there were significant jumps in other areas: willingness to invest in cosmetic upgrades rose to 18% (up from 4% in 2022), air conditioning or heating climbed to 39% (previously 10%) and investment in stereo equipment increased to 24% (up from 5%).
“This consistent insight allows us to anticipate the impact of changes in electric vehicle and automotive technology, reinforcing our commitment to delivering innovative tire solutions — like our iON line, which has been designed specifically for EVs — that prioritize safety and performance,” said Brooklyn Emery, brand communications manager of Hankook Tire America Corp. “We’re dedicated to ensuring that all drivers feel confident and secure on the road.”
The Hankook Gauge Index is a survey of Americans’ attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey conducted Sept. 27, through Oct. 4, polled 1,197 randomly selected Americans age 18 and older.