WAYNE, N.J. – Whether it’s getting that annual inspection or the standard oil change, Americans are faced with regular car care obligations but are not necessarily on the ball when it comes to getting them done on time.
 
Hankook Tire’s Fall Gauge Index revealed that 57 percent of Americans leave regular car care obligations such as registration and safety inspections until the last minute or past the recommended time frame. Coming in first on this list was tire rotation, as 33 percent of drivers say that this is the No. 1 obligation they leave to the last minute.
 
On top of regular car maintenance, drivers lack courtesy when unintentionally inflicting damage in parking lots. According to the gauge, 86 percent of drivers have had their car damaged by others when parked, but say they never received a note. Surprisingly, only 14 percent said that they did not leave a note when they dinged someone’s car.
 
The majority of Americans are responsible when it comes to the most basic car care need – fuel. The survey found that 77 percent of drivers make sure they fill their fuel tank before or immediately after their gas light goes on.
 
Americans are also timely with their oil changes, as the survey found that 69 percent of Americans get their oil changed at the recommended service interval.
 
“Our quarterly Hankook Tire Gauge Index provides unique insight into how American drivers act on and off the road,” said Henry Kopacz, public relations and social media manager, Hankook Tire America Corp. “While it is great to see that many Americans are being mindful of their routine maintenance, it is also important to be more aware of their fellow drivers on and off the road.”
 
Hankook’s top tips to be responsible on the road this fall:
 
· Proactively Fill Your Tank – For the 23 percent of Americans who do not fill their tanks at the suggested time, keep in mind that running low on fuel on a regular basis can be hazardous because the fuel pump can pick up debris from the bottom of the fuel tank that can clog the pump or fuel injectors. Be mindful of your gauge and try to get to the nearest fueling station as soon as you can.
 
· Change Your Oil – Thirty-one (31) percent of Americans wait to change their oil until past the recommended service date. Not changing your oil often enough allows harmful dirt, particulates and acids to degrade key engine parts.
 
· Rotate Your Tires – According to the Hankook Tire Quarterly Gauge Index, 33 percent of Americans say tire rotation is the No. 1 routine car maintenance obligation that they put off until the last minute. Rotating vehicle tires allows them to wear more evenly, increasing the tires’ lifespan.
 
· Choose the Right Tire – Do you know what brand of tires you have on your car right now? If you said no, you’re not alone. Thirty-six percent of Americans say they don’t know their tire brand. And with 74 percent of Americans that say they are driving 250 miles or more for Thanksgiving this year, knowing everything about your tire is important especially for fall and winter driving conditions.
 
The Hankook Tire Gauge Index survey of 1,008 randomly selected Americans was conducted Sept. 19-22 by Vision Critical, on behalf of Hankook Tire America Corp. Additional findings from the survey include:
 
· Eighty-one percent of Americans say they know what kind of shoes they are wearing right now, compared to 64 percent of Americans say they know what kind of tires they have on their car right now.
 
· Sixty-seven percent of American drivers consider themselves “excellent” or “good” parallel parkers. Eighty-three percent of males say they are “excellent” or “good.” Fifty-one of females say they are “excellent” or “good.”
 
· Eighty-four percent of American drivers say they have been in at least one car-related accident in their life. Fifty-four percent said that the accident was their fault, with males comprising 60 percent of those at fault, and females comprising 47 percent.