According to recent research from Michelin, almost 40% of cars in the UK are being driven with at least one
tyre that’s unfit to be used. Michelin and Kwik Fit teamed up to inspect more than 500 vehicles in Tesco car parks around the UK, and found that many vehicles had a tyre pressure of between 7psi and 14psi, which is deemed to be “dangerously underinflated”. The effects of an underinflated
car tyre could be disastrous if left untreated; always ensure to check your tyre pressure at your nearest petrol station or car garage such as
Sunrise Service & MOT.
James McWhir, the technical manager for Michelin UK states, “driving around on under-inflated tyres costs money and it can cost lives. We wanted to team up with Kwik Fit to encourage motorists to check their tyre pressures regularly. It makes sense from a cost and environmental point of view, but more importantly, it’s critical for the safety of the vehicle, its passengers, other road users and pedestrians.”
Roger Griggs, the communications director at Kwik Fit also comments, “checking tyre pressure is as important as checking tread depth, as tyres at the wrong pressure will compromise handling, grip and braking. As well as the significant safety issues, incorrectly inflated tyres will hit drivers in the pocket through excessive fuel consumption and increased tyre wear. It’s worth reflecting on the fact that a car’s tyres are the only thing to connect it with the road and we urge motorists to check their air pressure, tyre condition and tread depth every fortnight.”
