A common problem likely to strike every vehicle in the UK could dramatically lower fuel efficiency by a whopping 10 percent, according to experts.
Looking after vehicle tyre pressures is vital to maintaining good fuel economy rates with petrol and diesel owners at risk of paying more if caught out.
A drop in fuel efficiency means motorists will likely see “significant increases” in the amount of petrol or diesel a driver has to pour in their tank when topping up.
However, a poll of 1,000 motorists commissioned by Apollo Tyres found that only 15 percent of road users check their tyre pressures weekly.
Meanwhile, 11 percent say they conduct a quick check once a fortnight with 29 percent having a look once per month.
It means hundreds of motorists have admitted to never checking their tyres at all meaning many could be running underinflated rubber.
Experts at CarShop explained: “Making sure your tyres have the correct pressure is important for your safety whilst on the road, but this isn’t the only benefit as underinflated or overinflated tyres waste fuel.
“Research shows that if tyres are under-inflated can decrease a car’s fuel efficiency by up to 10 percent, making the average tank of fuel do 36 miles per gallon.
“This decrease in fuel efficiency could see significant increases in the amount of fuel a person has to purchase, increasing their fuel spend every year.
“Helpful tip – on average, tyres lose up to two pounds of air per month, meaning their pressure should be checked every couple of weeks.
“You can find out what a car’s tyre pressure is meant to be in the vehicle handbook, on the driver’s door sill or on the inside of the fuel tank flap. Alternatively, a quick online search should reveal the perfect tyre pressure per car.”
According to data from RAC Fuel Watch, the leading petrol and diesel comparison site in the UK, costs are slowly rising across the board.
Unleaded petrol prices are up by around 9p per litre since the turn of the year with fees jumping from 140.45p per litre in January to 149.51p today.
Diesel pump prices have also risen with charges having increased from 147.62p per litre in early 2024 to 157.99p by April.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, has also urged road users to take action against underinflated tyres immediately.
He commented: “Underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance, which will make your motor work harder to perform as it should.
“It’s a bit like trying to pedal a bike with nearly flat tyres – it’s one hell of a workout. Check your tyre pressure with a proper gauge and, if necessary, pump them up as per the car manufacturer’s handbook.
“However, don’t overinflate them, as that can also impact your fuel efficiency and reduce the car’s grip on the road.”
