Under-inflation nation
Over two-thirds (69%) of cars in the UK are being driven with under-inflated tyres, at least 3psi under the manufacturer’s recommendation, according to research from Kwik Fit. Just 4% of motorists are travelling on all four tyres pumped up to the recommended pressure.
According to Kwik Fit the average under-inflated tyre is down by a whopping 18% (5.75psi) and with even a small amount of under-inflation reducing fuel efficiency it estimates that motorists are wasting almost a £1 billion (£993 million) a year on excess fuel.
Under-inflated tyres produce poor handling and braking and can lead to tread damage and blow-outs . Kwik Fit’s study found that almost 10% of cars had tyres on the same axle with a difference of 10psi or more, which could lead to severe instability.
Out of sight, out of mind - No air in the spare
Motorists needing to use the spare tyre may be in for a nasty surprise as on average it’s under-inflated by a staggering 18psi. That’s a shocking 44% lower than the recommended average pressure of approximately 44psi for a spare.
Many drivers experiencing a puncture will put on their spare unaware of its low pressure, and continue their journey driving in the same style, with potentially disastrous consequences.
The space-saving design of some spare tyres means that they have to be inflated to much higher pressures – almost double that of a regular tyre (up to 60psi).
Over-inflated and dangerous
The study also revealed that some motorists are over-compensating as one-in-seven (14%) cars are driving around on at least one tyre that is more than 3psi over-inflated. The average over-filled tyre is 12% (3.75psi) above the recommended level, which could lead to irregular wear and even bulging of the tyre sidewall.
Ian Fraser, chief executive of Kwik Fit said: “Under-inflated tyres not only hit hard pressed motorists in the wallet but can be extremely dangerous, potentially leading to a blow-out. With research showing that many service station tyre gauges are inaccurate, motorists may well feel safer coming to Kwik Fit where their tyre pressure can be checked using calibrated pressure gauges for free by a tyre expert.
“If your tyre won’t hold its pressure, there could be a slow leak in the valve or a puncture. These problems are mostly cheap and easy to fix. For those who are worried about their spare, there’s always nitrogen inflation. Nitrogen molecules are bigger – and indeed drier – than those in normal air, so help keep a tyre at the correct pressure for longer.”
