Drivers waste £0.7bn of fuel due to under-inflated tyres

11 May 2010

More than a third of drivers in the UK are needlessly increasing their fuel bills and taking extra safety risks by failing to keep their tyres properly inflated.

The advice was issued by TyreSafe, the UK’s leading tyre safety organisation, in the month that average petrol prices reached a new all time high.

TyreSafe estimates that £0.7 billion of fuel is being wasted each year as a result of under-inflation. By keeping tyres inflated to their correct pressure, motorists benefit from lower fuel bills, longer tyre life, increased safety and reduced carbon dioxide emissions.

“The recent rises in petrol prices are hitting drivers hard, yet many are failing to make one very simple check and adjustment that could save them hundreds of pounds over the year,” said Stuart Jackson, chairman of TyreSafe, which is a supporter of the Driving for Better Business campaign.

“By taking just a few minutes once a month to ensure that their tyres are inflated to the recommended levels, many drivers will notice a reduction in their fuel bills, helping to make their motoring safer and more affordable again.”