Under-inflated tyres cost drivers £112m a year

Under-inflated tyres are costing drivers upwards of £112m a year, according to a study carried out by The Motor Ombudsman.

Apart from increased safety risks, tyres that are not inflated to manufacturer-recommended levels wear quickly, reducing their lifespan, and increase fuel consumption.

According to the British Tyre Manufacturers’ Association (BTMA), and charity TyreSafe, it is estimated that 57% of cars on UK roads have tyre pressures at 10% less than recommended levels, which equates to around 19 million cars.

Motor Ombudsman

Meanwhile, a separate survey of 1,000 motorists carried out by The Motor Ombudsman revealed that 37% do not feel comfortable topping up the air in their tyres, with 51% they do not measure tread depth.

Bill Fennell, chief ombudsman and managing director of The Motor Ombudsman, said:

“Under-inflated tyres carry a number of risks and costs. The purpose of our study and ‘Make Time for Tyres’ campaign is to draw attention to the importance of drivers and vehicle owners caring for their tyres, so that they stay safe at all times, and benefit from using them to their full potential. Avoiding any unnecessary expense is especially pertinent with the current financial pressures on the nation’s motorists.”