(BPT) - As Americans buckle up for cold temperatures and wetter weather, a new survey from Hankook Tire finds that drivers are approaching winter car care differently, reflecting a variety of habits and levels of preparedness.
Drivers are dusting off their ice scrapers and grabbing their shovels before snow even hits the ground, with most Americans focusing on vehicle servicing and planned maintenance, according to Hankook's latest Gauge Index. Over half of Americans (53%) see themselves as "routine maintainers," typically getting their vehicles ready a few weeks before the first expected snowfall. One in five drivers identify as "early planners," who begin their winter preparations at least a month in advance, prioritizing proactive safety measures.
Interestingly, experienced drivers are less likely to keep up with regularly scheduled car care ahead of the winter, with only 39% of Boomers considering themselves to be "routine maintainers," compared to 56% of Gen Z drivers.
Watching forecasts and checking the basics
One-third of drivers surveyed (34%) say they check long-range weather forecasts a few times per year and nearly as many (32%) look on a monthly basis, using that information to guide when and how they get their vehicles ready.
Once drivers decide it's time to start their winter preparations, most make key preventative maintenance tasks a priority. More than half (57%) of drivers will check or adjust their tire pressure, making it the top winter-prep activity among respondents, closely followed by those who say they'll get an oil change (55%). Additionally, many Americans will refill windshield wiper fluid (45%) and rotate their tires (40%) as they anticipate harsher road conditions.
What's on drivers' shopping lists?
Many drivers are not taking chances this winter, planning to target purchases that improve visibility and traction in inclement weather. Before the end of the year, 39% of drivers say they will purchase new wiper blades, hoping to improve visibility and confidence when driving through rain, snow and slush.
Having the right tires for your vehicle and driving conditions is important to ensure proper traction no matter what the forecast brings. All-weather tires are typically designed for better winter performance and improved control on snow or icy roads, while all-season tires are typically better suited for more mild driving conditions, like dry or wet roads.
To that end, more than one-third of drivers (37%) indicate they plan to purchase new all-weather tires within the next couple months. Four in 10 drivers in the South plan to purchase all-weather tires for unexpected weather changes, while Northeastern drivers are most likely to purchase winter tires (24%) for control on snow and icy roads.
Younger drivers say they'll take additional precautions as Gen Z (34%) and Millennial (23%) drivers plan to switch to winter tires ahead of inclement weather. In contrast, only 15% of Gen X drivers and 13% of Boomers report switching to winter tires, showing different generations' priorities around winter-specific safety practices.
Because weather patterns can shift just as quickly as traffic, preparing for the road ahead can make all the difference in just how safely you make it to your destination. Being mindful of the weather forecast, preventative maintenance and your vehicle's needs can help lead to a smoother ride throughout the season.
