Potholes, which are caused by the accumulation of water within the structure of the road and worsened by traffic, are usually the product of a long winter of steady snow and rain combined with spring thawing. This season, Hankook Tire asked American drivers about their experiences with potholes and what impact these unpleasant surprises have on their vehicles. Overall, 59 percent said they’ve noticed more potholes on the road this year, as compared to last year, and 39 percent of drivers also said potholes have caused them to damage a tire in the past. With the Northeast and Midwest areas of the country experiencing more of a range of weather conditions during the winter and spring months, it’s no surprise that those drivers saw the biggest increase in road irregularities; the Hankook Gauge Index found that 82 percent of Northeast and Midwest drivers noticed more potholes this spring.
“Pothole Patrol”
In some cases, what starts out as an irritating bump turns into an emergency situation – a blown tire, requiring an immediate tire change. And although many drivers are well-versed in what to do under these tedious circumstances, for some, these stressful roadside occurrences can be their first lesson in tire repair. According to the Hankook Tire Gauge, 34 percent of drivers learned how to change a tire in an emergency situation, compared to 38 percent who learned during a preventative lesson. Emergency or not, the Hankook Tire Gauge found that 22 percent of Americans still do not know how to change a tire.
“Potholes and road damage are prevalent this time of year, making it even more important for drivers to take care of their vehicles and tires,” says Henry Kopacz, public relations and social media manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. “While we’re pleased to see from the Gauge data that some Americans are checking their tire pressure and tread monthly, our goal is to educate more consumers about the safety and environmental benefits of properly maintained tires.”
The Hankook Tire Gauge Index is a quarterly survey of Americans that uncovers their attitudes and opinions about all things related to driving. The spring installment of the survey, conducted April 9-April 10, 2014, polled 1,007 randomly selected Americans on spring driving and what is on their minds as the season approaches. Additional findings from the survey include:
- Fifty-four (54) percent of American drivers say their car suffered damage due to winter weather this year. More than one-quarter (27 percent) say their tires suffered the most damage due to winter weather.
- Sixty (60) percent of drivers learned how to change a tire while they were under the age of 20.
- Sixty-two (62) percent of Americans said they received their first car when they were a teenager; 30 percent said they were in their 20s.
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