(BPT) - American drivers are turning over a new leaf when it comes to car care. Hankook Tire's latest Gauge Index Survey highlights a renewed commitment to proactive vehicle maintenance and tire replacements, driven by a combined desire for increased preparedness and to protect long-term investments. With preventive maintenance leading 2025 driving vehicle resolutions, here are top goals when it comes to driving habits and priorities for the year ahead.
A Preventive Mindset Gains Traction
When it comes to New Year's resolutions behind the wheel, increasing preventive maintenance (29%) tops the list of drivers' 2025 car-related resolutions. This focus on proactive care underscores a growing awareness of the benefits, including reduced repair costs, enhanced vehicle safety, and longer car lifespans.
Generational differences, however, reveal varying priorities. Among Gen Z drivers, 26% place keeping their car interior clean at the top of their driving resolutions list, compared to just 18% who prioritize routine maintenance. This difference reflects how younger drivers may view their vehicles more as personal spaces and harbor a desire to keep it clean and comfortable.
Preparing for the Costs of Care
Though many resolve to increase preventive maintenance, only 1-in-4 drivers currently budget or save annually for car care expenses. Encouragingly, 18% plan to create a budget for the first time in 2025, signaling a shift toward financial preparedness.
Interestingly, older generations are less inclined to take a proactive approach to budgeting. Forty percent of Gen X drivers and 54% of Boomers say they don't have a car maintenance budget but try to prepare for unexpected costs, compared to 29% and 30% of Gen Z and Millennial drivers.
Tires Remain a Top Priority for Vehicle Maintenance
Tires continue to be a major focus for drivers looking at maintenance plans in 2025, with 65% expecting to replace one or more tires in the coming year. When looking at what prompts drivers to replace their tires, reasons vary:
- 28% of drivers replace tires when they see eroding tread, making it the leading cause across the board.
- 22% of drivers replace tires when they feel it is affecting the vehicle's handling, highlighting how performance concerns play a significant role in maintenance decisions.
- Mechanic or dealer recommendations drive 14% of replacements, particularly among older generations. Older drivers rely more heavily on professional advice, as 23% of Boomers replace tires based on a mechanic or dealer's recommendation, compared to 13% of Gen X, 13% of Gen Z, and just 8% of Millennials.
And drivers are prepared to pay when the time comes: 54% of drivers expect to spend up to $999 on new tires in 2025.
Routine Maintenance and Aftermarket Spending Trends
In addition to tires, 34% of drivers expect to spend $100-$499 on routine maintenance like oil changes and inspections in 2025. Meanwhile, a third (33%) of drivers anticipate spending over $1,000 on unexpected repairs, highlighting a perception that unplanned fixes can be more costly than routine maintenance. This contrast may help explain why preventive maintenance has become a higher priority for many drivers in 2025 as it's a proactive approach to avoid unexpected and potentially expensive repairs.
Meanwhile, aftermarket upgrades like custom wheels, paint jobs, or interior enhancements remain a niche investment, with 33% of drivers opting out entirely. Among those who invest in enhancements, Millennials lead the way in high-value aftermarket spending, with 16% planning to spend $1,000-$2,499. This interest highlights Millennial drivers' enthusiasm for personalization and style.
Key Takeaways for the 2025 Road
Hankook's findings reveal drivers are embracing greater responsibility for their vehicles' health. Drivers are showing a clear understanding that preventive maintenance, budgeting, and timely tire replacements are not just best practices but essential habits for safer, more efficient driving.
By making proactive car care a priority, drivers can reduce costly surprises and extend the lifespan of their vehicles. Tiremakers like Hankook are also stepping up to meet evolving consumer needs with products like the Weatherflex GT for year-round performance and the iON series for electric vehicles.
