TyreSafe: UK motorists ‘waste £0.6-1 billion’ due to tyre underinflation

TyreSafe has calculated that UK motorists waste more than £600 million worth of fuel due to tyre underinflation. Using data from Michelin’s Fill Up With Air survey showing that 57 per cent of vehicles are driven on underinflated tyres, as well as information sourced from the Department for Transport and the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, TyreSafe is tying the economic argument for ensuring tyres are correctly inflated alongside safety concerns for this year’s Tyre Safety Month. Referring both to the general awareness of tyres as a vital safety component and rhetorically to question why drivers would not check their tyres at least once a month, his year’s October campaign asks Britain’s motorists directly: “What’s Stopping You?”

To reach its £600 million estimate, TyreSafe used official fuel consumption figures at current petrol and diesel prices. When TyreSafe extends this model further to take into real world fuel consumption – an increase of 40 per cent versus officially quoted figures – this figure rises to £1 billion.

Stuart Jackson, TyreSafe chair, said: “The number of drivers still neglecting to check their tyres is startling, and Tyre Safety Month is another opportunity to drive home the message of the potential stakes involved in tyre safety, particularly ahead of more adverse road conditions during the winter months. Whether it’s yourself, loved ones travelling with you or other road users, checking your tyres once a month could truly save lives and money.”

Tyre underinflation causes engines to use more fuel to turn the wheels. Failing to keep tyre pressures in line with vehicle manufacturer’s recommended settings increases fuel consumption, wear and tear on car parts, and reduces the effectiveness of tyre performance characteristics. It also means tyres wear more quickly, necessitating premature replacement.

Driving with underinflated tyres also increases the risk of being involved in a tyre-related incident. Using the correct pressure settings ensures braking and cornering performance is optimal, so driving with underinflated tyres will make the vehicle less enjoyable to drive and, more importantly, more difficult to control.

There are no benefits to driving with underinflated tyres yet there are significant issues. Tyre Safety Month every October seeks to raise awareness of the pitfalls of underinflated tyres.

Do you want to support TyreSafe?

Anyone who wants to support this year’s campaigns will find a range of assets under the ‘For supporters’ section of tyresafe.org. Materials include videos and images to be used on social media. Official TyreSafe supporters can access further assets, including customisable print-ready files, via the members’ area. To access this, register with theteam@tyresafe.org. Downloadable materials can be customised with company logos.