by Trust in generations: who can handle a flat tire?
If you find yourself on the side of the road somewhere in the US with a flat tire, you shouldn’t count on anyone trusting the jack to a Generation Z driver. According to a new global survey, no respondent from the US named younger motorists as their first choice for changing a wheel.
Research results: Generation X is unrivaled
The study, commissioned by Autotrader UK, is based on responses from over 3,000 drivers across 15 countries. It showed that Americans almost unanimously trust Generation X (people aged roughly 46 to 61) when it comes to roadside repairs. 67% of respondents chose them as the most reliable for changing a tire, while Generation Z received zero percent trust.
«67% of respondents chose Generation X as the most reliable for changing a tire, while Generation Z received zero percent trust.»
The United States was not alone in this trend. Drivers in the UK, Portugal, and Australia also showed no trust in Gen Z — in these countries, they also received no votes. Globally, the youngest generation managed to garner only 2% support, while Generation X led with 57% of the votes.
Gen Z confidence: a mismatch of opinions
Interestingly, Generation Z itself does not share the general distrust of their peers. In the UK, 43% of young drivers believe they can change a tire (though modern cars often lack a spare wheel), and 29% of American Gen Z respondents also consider themselves capable of doing so. The problem seems not to be a lack of confidence, but convincing everyone else.
TikTok as a teacher: new learning methods
The study also shows that younger drivers learn differently, rather than simply avoiding car maintenance. In most countries, Generation Z most often seeks repair advice through social media, YouTube, TikTok, and artificial intelligence tools. The US is one of the few exceptions where millennials lead in using social media for car advice, and Generation X surprisingly leads in using AI.
Reality vs. reputation: successful repairs
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that Generation Z’s reputation may be much worse than reality. Among young drivers who actually attempted a repair, over 80% in most countries stated they did not make the situation worse. This can probably be considered a successful fix. The exception is South Africa, where nearly half of Gen Z members admitted they made the problem worse while attempting a repair.
Most and least trusted generations
| Country | Most trusted generation | % trust | Least trusted generation | % trust |
| USA | Gen X | 67% | Gen Z | 0% |
| Portugal | Gen X | 64% | Gen Z | 0% |
| Netherlands | Gen X | 63% | Gen Z | 2% |
| Ireland | Gen X | 62% | Silent Generation | 0% |
| Spain | Gen X | 62% | Silent Generation | 0% |
| UK | Gen X | 61% | Gen Z | 0% |
| New Zealand | Gen X | 60% | Silent Generation | 0% |
| Greece | Gen X | 59% | Silent Generation | 0% |
| Australia | Gen X | 58% | Gen Z | 0% |
| Germany | Gen X | 56% | Silent Generation | 2% |
| Italy | Gen X | 56% | Gen Z | 1% |
| Canada | Gen X | 55% | Gen Z | 1% |
| France | Gen X | 53% | Silent Generation | 1% |
| Poland | Gen X | 50% | Silent Generation | 1% |
| South Africa | Millennials | 46% | Silent Generation | 1% |
This study highlights an interesting gap between perception and reality. Although Generation Z receives very low trust ratings from others, their own successful repair attempts suggest that stereotypes may be exaggerated. The shift in learning methods — from traditional methods to digital platforms — also indicates that skills are not disappearing but simply transforming. Perhaps, over time, as Gen Z accumulates more practical experience, the level of trust in them will increase, especially considering that they actively use modern technologies to gain knowledge.
