March 22, 2021—The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have taken its toll on the tire industry, J.D. Power found. 

In a press release, the consumer insights company detailed the struggles that the tire industry has faced over the last year. J.D. Power’s study found that 13 percent fewer miles were driven and that tire rotations and pressure checks declined at a similar rate. Owners also delayed replacing their original equipment tires, as the study found a 23 percent decline in replacement rates. 

“While less driving may have helped reduce tire wear and increased the time to replacement, many owners also put off much needed maintenance or tire replacement,” Gruber said. “This is similar to a trend seen among electric vehicle owners in which lower maintenance needs are keeping people away from service facilities. This is a concern for tire manufacturers and retailers alike. Tire manufacturers can help boost sales and get people back to service facilities by implementing better visual wear indicators and increasing tire safety communications,” Brent Gruber, senior director of automotive quality at J.D. Power, said in a statement.