In a recent consumer survey, the Hankook Tire Gauge Index, more than 1,000 Americans were asked how the summer heat has influenced their driving behaviors. From leaving your dog in the car to walking further to park in the shade to heat-related vehicle issues, the survey covered a variety of seasonal “hot” topics.

The survey results included:

• 78% of consumers surveyed have had a heat-related vehicle mishap, from melted food to AC issues;
• 87% of drivers said that you should never leave a dog in the car, while 97% of drivers noted that if you do, it should be for no longer than 10 minutes;
• 63% of drivers choose coolness over convenience, willing to park in the shade even if it is further away from their destination.

Hankook Tire America Corp. also recommends that consumers check tire pressure during heat waves to ensure the correct air pressure for both performance and fuel economy.