Canadians are approaching summer travel more locally and cautiously this year.

As the summer driving season approaches, new research commissioned by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) suggests Canadians’ road trip habits are unchanged from last year, but with rising fuel prices, drivers are approaching travel more cautiously.

According to the survey, 81% of Canadian motorists plan to take at least one road trip this summer, whether for a day or overnight. Where those trips will take them, however, tells a much more nuanced story shaped by economic pressure and ongoing geopolitical uncertainty.

Keeping it local

The research shows a clear shift toward domestic travel. Nearly nine in ten Canadians say they plan to travel within Canada, while just 10% plan to drive to the United States. More than half of respondents reported cancelling previously planned U.S. trips in 2025. Nearly 70% of road‑trippers are expect to stay within their home province, and fewer than one‑third plan to venture into another province.

Fuel costs weigh on driver behaviour this season. Seven in ten respondents now view high gas prices as the “new normal,” and two‑thirds say fuel costs may force them to limit or cancel road trips this summer altogether.

In this environment, fuel efficiency isn’t a “nice‑to‑have”, it’s a necessity. Drivers are paying closer attention to anything that can help stretch a tank of gas, improve safety, or reduce unexpected costs. Tire care sits at the intersection of all three.

“For tire dealers, repair shops and service professionals, the takeaway is clear: Canadians are driving; they are highly cost‑conscious; and they remain open to clear, practical tire care messages.”

– Carol Hochu, President, TRAC

High awareness, uneven follow‑through

From an awareness perspective, the news is encouraging. More than 90% of Canadians agree that proper tire inflation is vital to vehicle safety, and over 80% say inflation and maintenance matter even more when fuel prices are high.

Technology is helping close the gap between awareness and action. Sixty‑two percent of drivers report having a digital tire-pressure display in their vehicle. Among those drivers, about three‑quarters say they tackle low tire pressure promptly. At the same time, nearly one‑third of those who act right away rely on a professional or another person for help—a reminder of the ongoing role tire retailers and service centres play in supporting safe driving habits.

Still, the survey points to persistent knowledge gaps. Many motorists remain unsure about the best time to check tire pressure or rely on incorrect sources, such as tire sidewall information, rather than vehicle manufacturer‑recommended specifications. These small errors can have large impacts on safety, fuel efficiency, and tire life.

Indicators for the aftermarket

For tire dealers, repair shops and service professionals, the takeaway is clear: Canadians are driving; they are highly cost‑conscious; and they remain open to clear, practical tire care messages.

Shorter trips and regional travel don’t reduce tire wear or risk. In fact, frequent stop‑and‑go driving, heavier summer loads, and longer periods between maintenance visits can make proper inflation even more important. Education at the counter and during seasonal changeovers continues to be one of the most effective tools the industry has to support safer, more efficient driving.

As Canadians prepare to hit the road this summer—closer to home, but in significant numbers–proper tire maintenance is no longer just good advice. For many drivers, it’s tied directly to cost control, safety, and environmental responsibility, whether they consciously think about it that way or not.

Carol Hochu is President of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) You can reach her at [email protected]