Cooper Encourages Staycationers to Inflate Tyres Correctly

Cooper Tire Europe has urged motorists to check tyre pressures at least monthly and before long trips, and to refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook for the correct pressure when travelling fully laden, with the trend for overseas holidays down 15 per cent amongst Britons last year. The company suggests the average family car carrying a full family on holiday will have to transport an additional 201kg in passengers and luggage, compared to the typical ‘driver-only’ car journey. Cooper says many do not realise they need to set their tyre pressures to compensate for the additional load being placed on the tyres in order to reduce the risk of accidents and premature tyre wear.

Car manufacturers specify the tyre pressures needed for heavily-laden vehicles. To find the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure, check the tyre information placard label or handbook for your specific vehicle.

Research carried out by fitment centres selling Cooper tyres on behalf of the Rubber Manufacturers Association estimates that as many as 95 per cent of motorists are already driving with tyres that are below the standard required pressure, which can result in tyre failure, increased braking distances, unpredictable handling and add to fuel bills. Cooper states a tyre underinflated by 10 per cent increases stopping distances and also raises fuel consumption by at least 2.5 percent.

“Apart from the potential danger to the occupants of the car, driving with underinflated tyres can land you with a fine and points on your licence,” explains Cooper Tire Europe managing director, Julian Baldwin. “In addition to tyre failures resulting from under-inflation, braking distances can also be greatly affected by underinflated tyres and even more so when combined with a car full to capacity with all the family and their luggage on board.”