PCL reminds drivers about correctly inflated tyres

Pneumatic Components (PCL), the worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and distribution of pneumatic and tyre inflation systems, is reminding drivers of the importance of having correctly inflated tyres this Tyre Safety Month (October).

PCL says that some three per cent more fuel is used if the tyre inflation level is 6psi below what it should be. Furthermore, by regularly checking tyre pressures and making sure they are at 100 per cent of the manufacturer-recommended psi, the lifespan of the tyres is maximised, which also saves money.

TyreSafe, the UK charity which organises Tyre Safety Month, estimates that under-inflated tyres cost UK consumers £600 million per year.

Matthew Butters, marketing manager at PCL, said: “It may seem obvious, but it is important to remember that the air in the tyres carries the majority of a vehicle’s load, and the tyres are the only contact point between the vehicle and the road. This ‘contact patch’ is only the size of the palm of your hand, so for a vehicle to have the best possible stability, this area needs to be flat to the road which can only be achieved by having the correct tyre pressures.

“All too often people think that having a slightly underinflated tyre won’t be an issue but throw heavy rain or having to swerve around an obstacle into the mix and the results can be lethal.”

Motorists are encouraged to consult their vehicle handbook for the correct loaded tyre pressure and to check them regularly, especially before heading off on a long journey with a fully-loaded vehicle.