Younger drivers or those belonging to the millennial/Gen Z group are more than 1.5 times more likely to identify popular emojis correctly than the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning symbol, according to a new study commissioned by Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires.
The study conducted by Zeno Research & Insights, involved an online survey among 1,075 US adults aged 18+ who have a driver’s license and access to a vehicle. The survey was conducted on 24-25 October last year, and has a margin of error of +/- 3 percentage points.
The study finds that 49% of younger drivers and 39% of overall drivers were unable to recognise the TPMS warning symbol in the survey of more than 1,000 US drivers.
Specifically, 88% of younger drivers surveyed have correctly identified the eye-roll emoji, while 51% recognised the TPMS warning symbol, according to the company’s press statement.
The lack of awareness of the TPMS symbol, an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure of a vehicle’s tyres, imply that some drivers are in the dark on what the light means and what to do when it’s triggered, the study said. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is critical to the safety, control, and riding comfort.
Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires, which offers drivers free tyre care checks, including free tyre, air pressure and TPMS inspections, said that the possible causes for the TPMS light illuminating include a yire puncture, leaking tyre due to rim damage and fluctuating temperatures as seasons change. Improper tyre pressure can lead to uneven treadwear, decreased gas mileage and poor handling, the tyre service specialist said. The study also found that most drivers surveyed are not taking precautionary actions to prepare their cars for winter.
Among drivers who live in areas with usually cold winters, less than half or 42% get their tyres checked in advance of the winter season. And almost two in five winter drivers (37%) do not take any action at all to prepare their cars for winter unless they have an issue. It is thus encouraged that drivers should check their tyres monthly, especially during temperature shifts of 10 degrees or more.