The latest edition of Hankook's ongoing consumer survey indicates a shift toward financial preparedness, preventive maintenance and personalization, as Americans consider their automotive spending habits this year. As part of its commitment to innovation and industry leadership, Hankook Tire tracks these evolving trends to better support drivers in making informed decisions about vehicle care, safety, and long-term cost management.
Drivers Navigate Financial Preparedness:
Drivers are prioritizing financial preparedness when it comes to vehicle care in 2025. According to the Gauge Index, one-quarter of US drivers (25%) say they plan and save each year for routine car maintenance and unexpected repairs. Additionally, 18% of drivers say they plan to create a dedicated maintenance budget for the first time this year.
This trend is especially evident among younger generations. Nearly one-third (31%) of Gen Z drivers and 29% of Millennials report they regularly plan for maintenance costs, outpacing Gen X (23%) and Boomers (16%). Younger drivers are also embracing financial preparedness at a higher rate than their older counterparts, with 28% of Millennials stating they will create a maintenance budget for the first time this year, compared to 16% of Gen Z drivers.
Expecting Spending in 2025:
As drivers plan for the year ahead, many are bracing for higher costs across several aspects of vehicle care.
Overall, 44% of drivers expect to spend more than $500 on routine maintenance in 2025. More than one-third (36%) of Gen Z and 28% of Millennials plan to spend over $1,000 on essentials like oil changes.
More than half (54%) of all drivers expect to spend more than $500 on unexpected repairs. Similarly, younger drivers expect to spend even more: nearly half of Gen Z (47%) and 38% of Millennials expect to spend over $1,000 on unexpected repairs this year.
Nearly two-thirds of all drivers (65%) plan to replace one or more tires during the year. Among these drivers, 54% expect to spend up to $999 on replacements. The most common reasons cited for replacing tires include eroding tread (28%) and handling concerns (22%), emphasizing the importance of safety and performance.
Vehicle personalization is becoming increasingly popular with 55% of drivers planning to invest in aftermarket upgrades in 2025, according to the Gauge Index. Younger generations are especially drawn to customization, with 37% of Gen Z and 35% of Millennials expect to spend more than $1,000 on enhancements such as custom wheels and interior modifications.
Planning for Long Distance Road Trips:
Drivers' growing attention to vehicle care also extends to their road trip habits. Long-distance travel, defined as trips of 500 miles or more, brings unique challenges and considerations. According to the Gauge Index, 30% of drivers cited concerns about under-the-hood issues as a worry when preparing for a road trip. Comfort is a top priority for nearly half (49%) of drivers when choosing a vehicle for long journeys, while 31% emphasize cost-efficiency.
"These findings highlight the importance of balancing planned and unplanned vehicle expenses. With both preventive maintenance and budgeting a priority, drivers are increasingly recognizing the value of investing in vehicle care to avoid costly surprises and ensure safety and performance," said Brooklyn Emery, Brand Communications Manager of Hankook Tire America Corp. "As drivers' priorities evolve, Hankook remains committed to delivering innovative tire solutions that support their journeys. Whether it's enhancing safety, performance, or personal style, Hankook meets the needs of all drivers, ensuring confidence and peace of mind on the road."
The Hankook Gauge Index is a survey of Americans' attitudes and opinions about driving. The latest survey conducted December 10 through December 14 polled 1,123 randomly selected Americans aged 18 and older.
About Hankook Tire America Corp:
Hankook Tire America Corp. is a growing leader in the U.S. tire market, leveraging investments in technology, manufacturing and marketing to deliver high-quality, reliable products that are safer for consumers and the environment. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Hankook Tire America Corp. markets and distributes a complete line of high-performance and ultra-high-performance passenger tires, light truck and SUV tires as well as medium truck and bus tires in the United States. Hankook Tire America Corp. is a subsidiary of Hankook Tire & Technology Co., Ltd., a Forbes Global 2000 company headquartered in Seoul, Korea.