TRAC commissioned the survey to gauge attitudes and knowledge around the impacts of proper tire inflation on both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and EVs. Over three quarters (77 per cent) of motorists know that correctly inflated tires improve fuel economy, lessen vehicle emissions, and protect the environment. Sixty-two per cent understand proper tire inflation plays an important role in optimizing EV range. The survey also found that 36 per cent of drivers are now considering an EV on their next purchase. Among drivers aged 18 to 34 the number of motorists considering an EV rises to 48 per cent. The latest Statistics Canada data shows EVs now account for 10.8 per cent of all new motor vehicle registrations. The survey also underscores the continuing impact of high fuel prices and the cost-of- living crisis on summer driving plans. Almost six in ten drivers (58 per cent) say financial pressures will likely force them to cancel or limit road trips this summer. That number jumps to 66 per cent among drivers aged 18 to 34, and 62 per cent for motorists aged 35 to 54.

TRAC’s 2023 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study found that 76 per cent of Canadian drivers believe extreme weather events related to climate change have made winter tires more important than ever. The same number of drivers (76%) now use winter tires. Outside Quebec, where winter tires are mandated by law, winter tire usage stands at 71 per cent. The Study also shows that 81 per cent of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision; and another 83 per cent says they use winter tires in order to protect their family with the safety advantages of winter tires. Unfortunately, the high cost of living is affecting the utilization of winter tires, with 31% of motorists saying they are less likely to buy winter tires this winter season.

Sixty-six per cent of drivers say financial pressures will likely force them to cancel or limit road trips this summer. Among drivers aged 18 to 34 that number jumps to 73 per cent and 72 per cent for motorists aged 35-54. 81 per cent believe today’s financial pressures related to high living costs has made proper tire inflation more important than ever; 79 per cent know correctly inflated tires lessen vehicle emissions and protect the environment by improving fuel economy; nearly all (95 per cent) understand proper tire inflation is essential to vehicle safety. However, despite high awareness of the importance of proper tire inflation, the survey found major – and potentially dangerous – gaps in knowledge about how to measure and set the correct tire inflation level. Only 22 per cent of drivers check their tire inflation pressures monthly; 61 per cent are unaware inflation pressures should only be measured when tires are cold; 33 per cent refer to the air pressure stamped on the tire’s sidewall when identifying the correct pressure for their tires; 11 per cent either rely on visual inspections or do not know how to determine if their tires are properly inflated.

TRAC’s 2022 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study found that 70 per cent of Canadian motorists now use winter tires. Outside Quebec, where winter tires are mandated by law, winter tire usage stands at 63 per cent, and the winter tire utilization across Canada has demonstrated a continuous long-term upward trend. The Study also shows that 76 per cent of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision; and another 76 per cent says they use winter tires in order to protect their family with the safety advantages of winter tires. Despite the rising cost of living, 82% of drivers agree that winter tires remain an important investment.

TRAC’s 2022 Canadian Consumer Spring Tire Study found that 66 per cent of drivers say fuel prices will force them to cancel or limit road trips this summer. Among young drivers aged 18 to 24 that number climbs to 75 per cent. Eight-in-ten Canadian drivers also believe high gas fuel prices are here to stay. Nearly all (97 per cent) understand proper tire inflation is essential to vehicle safety; 93 per cent agree that correct tire pressure saves fuel; and 72 per cent recognize correctly inflated tires lessen vehicle emissions and protect the environment. However, the survey findings also reveal a significant disconnect between drivers’ understanding that proper tire inflation improves fuel economy and their knowledge about when and how to measure and set the correct tire pressure. Only 27 per cent of drivers check their tire inflation pressures monthly; 59 per cent are unaware inflation pressures should only be measured when tires are cold; 34 per cent refer to the air pressure stamped on the tire’s sidewall when identifying the correct pressure for their tires; 14 per cent either rely on visual inspections or do not know how to determine if their tires are inflated properly.

TRAC’s 2021 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study found that 76 per cent of Canadian motorists now use winter tires. Outside Quebec, where winter tires are mandated by law, winter tire usage stands at 69 per cent, up from 65 per cent in 2020. The Study also shows that 79 per cent of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision; and 89 per cent say they use winter tires because they are protecting their family with the safety advantages of winter tires. Thirty-seven per cent of drivers say COVID will continue to restrict their winter driving, while a quarter expect to return to pre-pandemic levels.

The survey finds that 61 per cent of drivers are planning a summer road trip or a drive to a vacation destination. Among younger drivers aged 18 to 34 and 35 to 44, that number climbs to 70 per cent and 72 per cent respectively. Not surprisingly, COVID-19 has had a major impact on summer driving intentions: 60 per cent of drivers say the restrictions imposed by the pandemic had a big influence on their decision to take a vacation involving driving this summer; 44 per cent of those not planning a road trip cite COVID fears as the reason, while 24 per cent say their summer vacation plans do not involve driving and 17 per cent say they cannot afford a vacation because of pandemic-related financial hardship.

The Association’s 2020 Winter Tire Survey shows that 81 per cent of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision. The Study also found that 72 per cent of Canadian motorists now use winter tires; and examined how COVID-19 influenced driving habits, and it is no surprise that 65 per cent of motorists surveyed reported driving significantly less because of the pandemic.

The Association’s 2019 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study shows that 80% of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision. The Study also found that 75% of Canadian motorists now use winter tires.

A big majority of winter tire owners believe that driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation; and 80% of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from being involved in a potentially hazardous driving situation such as loss of control or a collision.

Canadian drivers have glaring gaps in their knowledge about how to maintain proper tire inflation, according to a new tire maintenance attitudinal survey conducted by Leger on behalf of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.

Winter tire shipments across Canada have grown at an annualized rate of 4% over the past five years making winters the fastest growing tire category. The growth of this category is due to efforts by tire makers, retailers and the government to educate drivers about the superior traction and shorter stopping distances provided by winter tires. Government incentives to make winter tires more affordable have also had a positive impact.

According to a new Leger national survey of drivers responsible for the maintenance of their vehicles, 87% of Canadian motorists feel drivers have a moral obligation to protect the environment by ensuring their vehicles are as fuel efficient as possible.

The 2016 Winter Tire Study by Leger shows that 68% of Canadian drivers use winter tires. Belief that all-season tires “are good enough” and cost remain the top reasons for not using winter tires.