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Michelin says that unchecked tyres, running under their recommended inflation pressure, could be costing us all as much as 20 per cent extra in fuel costs.
The French tyre maker carried out a survey in the UK market, which found that over the last ten years, some 60 per cent of motorists regularly drive with tyres that are at least eight-psi under-inflated, a level Michelin regards as "dangerous."
Tests carried out have shown that a tyre which is 20 per cent under-inflated will typically return 20 per cent less mileage before needing to be replaced. This equates to loss of 8,047km (5,000 miles) on a tyre which offers a potential mileage of 40,233km (25,000 miles).
As well as increasing fuel bills, Michelin says under-inflation makes a vehicle's steering less precise, increases stopping distances and leads to a higher risk of aquaplaning. It also reduces a tyre's endurance capabilities, making it more prone to damage and possible rapid deflation.
Commenting, Jonathan Layton, Michelin's Head of Fleet, explains: "Driving on tyres just a few psi below the manufacturer's recommended pressures will reduce a vehicle's fuel efficiency on every single journey. As fuel costs rise, the impact of this under-inflation is pushing running costs higher. Maintaining accurate tyre pressures is a small but simple step to improving fuel efficiency, maximising vehicle safety and reducing carbon emissions."