Don’t expect Canadians to flock to the United States when planning their road trip this summer, and don’t expect them to keep up proper tire maintenance.
A new Probe Research survey for the Tire and Rubber Association found that 82 per cent of drivers are planning a day or overnight trip, but that 88 per cent plan to remain in Canada. Only 8 per cent plan to cross the border, although that figure could change between now and summer.
“Fifty-one per cent of drivers cancelled road trips to the U.S. they had planned for this year,” said the TRAC in a news release. “Within Canada, 69 per cent plan to take a road trip within their province, while 28 per cent will drive to another part of the country.”
For dealers, the crucial information from the TRAC’s survey relates to drivers’ attitudes and knowledge around proper tire maintenance. Their survey highlights the disconnect between drivers’ awareness of the importance of tire maintenance and the actions they take towards it. Most (89 per cent) of Canadian drivers known that proper tire inflation and maintenance are important, but the practice is often overlooked.
Twenty-eight per cent check their tire inflation pressures monthly, a figure that drops to 22 per cent for drivers aged 18 to 34). Sixty-four per cent don’t know that they should only measure inflation pressures when tires are cold. And 31 per cent incorrectly refer to the air pressure stamped on the tire’s sidewall.
“Our findings reveal that Canadian drivers need more education about how to do tire maintenance right,” said Carol Hochu, CEO of the TRAC, in a statement. “This is especially true among younger drivers, who may be taking a road trip for the first time this summer. Proper tire inflation and maintenance aren’t just safety measures — they’re economic ones.”
Hochu said that while the majority of Canadians are planning summer road trips within the country, they should check their tires before embarking on their next adventure. “It’s simple, easy, and helps keep drivers safe,” and it’s a message dealers can easily share.
