As Americans continue to navigate an evolving economic environment, new data from Hankook Tire’s Gauge Index reveals the impact of these pressures on everyday driving. 

Hankook’s latest Tire Gauge survey found that more than half (54 percent) of Americans say that in the last 30 days, they have driven less often as a result of the cost of gas—up 28 percent from March 2022, when gas prices first began to tick upwards.  

Rising costs are not just impacting gas prices and how often people are driving, but it’s not entirely bad news for the aftermarket. Over a quarter of Americans (26 percent) say inflation is causing them to perform more basic maintenance tasks at home, too – hello DIY retail sales.

Supply chain pressures also continue to impact Americans’ automotive decisions. More than one-third (35 percent) say that due to supply chain issues, they are trying to make their current vehicle last longer. Additionally, 22 percent are considering holding off on purchasing a new vehicle altogether.