Hankook Tire Survey Reveals Shifts in EVs, Tech & Car Care

For the past decade, Hankook Tire has been tracking American drivers' behaviours and attitudes with its Hankook Tire Gauge Index, the longest-running survey from a tire manufacturer.

This year's milestone report highlights significant shifts in how drivers view EVs, car technology and maintenance. With evolving consumer priorities, Hankook uses these insights to shape advancements in its tyre products, especially for EVs, reinforcing its commitment to staying ahead of market trends.

EVs need specialist tyres for several key reasons:

1. Higher vehicle weight: EVs are significantly heavier than conventional vehicles due to their battery packs. To support this additional weight, the design of the tyres must be stronger constructions and more robust rubber compounds.
2. Instant torque: Electric motors deliver high torque instantly, which puts more stress on the tyres. EV tyres need unique tread designs and compounds to withstand this increased wear and provide a better grip.
3. Lower rolling resistance: To maximise battery range, EV tyres must have minimal rolling resistance, which requires particular tread patterns, rubber compounds and tyre profiles.
4. Noise reduction: EVs are much quieter than combustion engine vehicles, making tyre noise more noticeable. EV tyres often incorporate noise-reducing features like particular tread patterns and sound-absorbing foam.
5. Enhanced efficiency: EV-specific tyres can significantly impact the vehicle's range. For example, reducing the rolling resistance rating by 1.0 can increase an EV's driving range by 5% on a single charge.
6. Improved durability: Due to their increased weight and torque, EV tyres typically wear out 20% faster than those on internal combustion vehicles. Specialised compounds and construction help mitigate this issue.
7. Optimised performance: EV tyres need to balance various factors such as grip, efficiency and durability to meet the specific demands of electric vehicles.

EVs gain traction

American attitudes toward EVs and hybrids have shifted noticeably, with interest rising as more consumers consider switching. Hankook's latest data indicates that 20% of drivers plan to buy or lease an EV within the next year, compared to 8% in 2022. Millennials lead this movement, with 36% considering an EV purchase, followed by Gen X at 35% and Gen Z at 32%.

While gas savings remain a top benefit, fewer drivers are solely motivated by this factor; 58% cited gas savings in 2022, compared to 36% this year. Other priorities like environmental impact (18%) and cutting-edge technology (10%) now influence the decision.

However, concerns about EV performance linger, especially in challenging weather, as only 35% of respondents believe EVs outperform gas-engine vehicles, while 45% feel their performance is about the same.

Technology's role in driving behaviour

As car technology advances with features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, drivers' perceptions of safety and behaviour have evolved.

According to the survey, three in ten respondents feel safer with these technologies, yet only a few report that it significantly alters their driving habits. For some, advanced tech provides reassurance but does not lead to noticeable changes on the road.

Interestingly, 21% of drivers report that technology makes them more cautious, with women (26%) slightly more likely than men (17%) to feel this way. Despite advancements, a small percentage (10%) find these features distracting, hinting at a complex relationship between technology and driver focus.

The way drivers perceive their own personalities has shifted as well.

In 2014, 65% described themselves as "thoughtful and responsible" drivers, but this has dropped to 57% in 2024. Moreover, road rage incidents are on the rise, with 26% admitting they sometimes lose their temper on the road, up from 23% in 2014.

The trend is particularly noticeable among younger drivers, with Gen Z (26%) being the most prone to anger, followed by Millennials (22%) and Gen X (20%).

Americans take charge of car maintenance

Over the years, American drivers have grown more confident in performing basic car maintenance tasks. Hankook's survey shows that 65% of drivers now feel capable of changing a tyre, up from 52% in 2015. Similarly, confidence in changing brake fluid has risen to 49%, a significant increase from 35% in 2015.

Confidence has also increased for tasks such as:

• Replacing an air filter: 61% in 2024, up from 53% in 2015.
• Changing oil: 58% today, compared to 45% in 2015.
• Replacing a car battery: 64% now, versus 51% in 2015.

Despite this growth in DIY confidence, 45% of drivers prefer professionals for maintenance, likely due to increased car complexity. This year's survey further highlights a rising willingness to invest in maintenance, with 54% prioritising spending on tyres (up from 39% in 2022) and 51% on engine components (up from 33% in 2022).

As Hankook Tire celebrates a decade of consumer insights, the Hankook Tire Gauge Index reveals an evolving automotive landscape shaped by technology, sustainability and consumer priorities. 

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