Business Insurance - Underinflation of tyres 'costing motorists dearly'

Businesses operating fleets of vehicles have been advised of the fuel efficiency savings that can be achieved simply through ensuring all of their cars' tyres are inflated to the proper level.

Tyre expert Kwik Fit has published research showing that 69 per cent of all cars on the UK's roads are presently suffering from underinflated tyres of at least three psi under the manufacturer's recommended pressures - with the corresponding fall in fuel efficiency amounting to almost £1 billion in additional fuel costs for the nation's vehicles.

Roger Griggs, communications director at Kwik Fit, commented: "Soaring fuel prices have already increased the pressure on motorists to squeeze every last mile out of their tank, but the threat of shortages has upped the ante even further. 

"But there are several measures motorists can take to make what fuel they've got lasts longer, such as checking tyre pressures and using the air conditioning at speeds over 40 mph."

Data from the company revealed that during spells of warm weather, motorists who drive with their windows open believe they are making a smart move by not using air conditioning, but this practice could be raising the fuel consumption of their car by up to five per cent - increasing the cumulative fuel bill of the country by £650,000 per day.

This latest research follows comments by Vanessa Chance, a spokeswoman for road rescue organisation Britannia Rescue, who recently argued that UK motorists and firms should be taking the upkeep of their vehicles more seriously.

She added that simple checks such as ensuring tyres are not excessively worn of underinflated can have a dramatic impact on handling, safety and fuel consumption for drivers.

As a result, Ms Chance encouraged all motorists to check the condition of their tyres before heading out on any journey, even short ones.

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We are proud to be a Chartered Insurance Broker. Only around 5% of the UK’s broking firms achieve this prestigious status. Also, we have been a BIBA Member since 2007, the UK’s leading general insurance intermediary organisation representing the interests of insurance brokers, intermediaries, and their customers.

Rated as excellent on Trustpilot with over 14,000+ reviews

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