As an increasing number of car manufacturers are working on new ways to improve fuel efficiency, TyreSafe reminds motorists of the benefits of driving with correctly inflated tyres.
TyreSafe, the UK's leading tyre safety organisation, has stressed that having your car's tyres inflated to the right level not only improves the vehicle's fuel efficiency significantly, but also improves safety. Your tyres should also last longer, saving you money on expensive rubber.
The organisation explained how "the rolling resistance of an under-inflated tyre increases meaning that a bigger force or more energy is needed to make it turn."
TyreSafe also revealed figures that should make motorists more conscious about the issue. It found that tyres that are under-inflated by just 20% (around 6psi), use 3% more fuel. In fact, a shocking £337 million of fuel is wasted each year as a result of driving on under-inflated tyres.
Wheel alignment and tyre pressure
"Not only are correct tyre pressures essential from a road safety perspective, they are also very important for lower fuel bills, longer tyre life and reduced CO2 emissions. Checking pressures is a quick and easy job and should be done at least once a month or before a long journey," advised Stuart Jackson, chairman at TyreSafe.
Drivers who are unsure about correct tyre pressures can find details of pressure levels in the driver's handbook, inside the fuel filler cap or on a plate on the driver's door sill.
To provide further assistance, TyreSafe has also developed a free iPhone app and online database. Motorists can then receive their correct pressure after a simple registration process.
Apart from checking their tyre pressure, TyreSafe also recommends that motorists check their wheel alignment, which will also serve to improve fuel efficiency and reduce tyre wear.
