Tyre inflation recommended to cut fuel consumption

By ensuring that car tyres are sufficiently inflated, British motorists could cut their fuel consumption.

This is according to Cooper Tire Europe, which claims that Britons could save a collective £1 billion every year by maintaining their tyre pressure.

Some 95 per cent of cars on the road have at least one tyre under-inflated by ten per cent, the organisation states.

This can result in a 2.5 per cent increase in fuel consumption since it makes it increasingly difficult to get the car moving.

Malcom Jones, product manager at Cooper Tire, says: "Checking your tyre pressures is a mundane, but very simple, task.

"As the 'credit crunch' grips the country, it's amazing that drivers aren’t bothering to do it, as it could save them money and, more importantly, keep them safe on the road."

In addition, increasing tyre inflation can contribute to a low carbon lifestyle.

Clean Green Cars has recommended making sure tyres are correctly inflated as well as not accelerating too hard and not braking too suddenly as ways of reducing a vehicle's CO2 output.