Under inflated tyres costing motorists £600m a year in fuel

12.00 | 12 July 2017 | | 3 comments

Tyre Safety Month 2017 will focus on the financial implications of driving with under inflated tyres.

Organised by TyreSafe, the annual event takes place in October and ask motorists ‘are you having a good or bad air day?’.

Research conducted by TyreSafe ahead of the event suggests that Britain’s motorists could be spending as much as £600m a year on ‘unnecessary’ fuel bills – as a result of higher levels of consumption caused by driving below recommended inflation limits.

TyreSafe says that tyre pressure should be checked at least once every month, as well as before long journeys.

The not-for-profit tyre safety awareness organisation points to research which suggests that a ‘shocking’ 35% of tyres are being driven at least 8psi below the vehicle manufacturers’ recommendation.

TyreSafe says at this level of underinflation, tyres are not only more vulnerable to damage and wear more quickly but they also make the vehicle more difficult to control.

The research also shows that when pressures are 7psi below the recommended setting, they can halve the amount of tyre in contact with the road – which TyreSafe says can be ‘especially dangerous’ in the wet as the chances of aquaplaning are significantly increased.

Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, said: “The sheer number of tyres being driven below recommended pressures demonstrates a concerning lack of appreciation among drivers of the risks and costs this brings with it.

“It’s the most common tyre defect and seemingly taken lightly but drivers should remember that it brings with it potentially serious consequences. Regular tyre checks can reduce your chances of an incident on the road and ensure you have a good air day every day.”

TyreSafe has published campaign materials and resources ahead of the annual event, including posters, leaflets, online banners and an animation.

 

 

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    Under inflated tyres can cause much more than just higher cost. They can cost lives.


    m.worthington Manchester
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    It is disappointing that so many garage air lines have the nozzle on the end of a metal tube. Many of these can’t be used on modern motor bikes with limited access to the tyre valve. Hope I remember to carry my adaptor with me. I may be “stuffed” if I don’t. Shouldn’t be necessary in this day and age. Any suggestions TyreSafe?


    Pat, Wales
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    Ah, those golden words again, without which no press release should be without: “…Research which suggests that a shocking…” etc etc. Is it really ‘shocking’ or just a bit ‘Oh, really?


    Hugh Jones, Cheshire
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