Michelin warns fleets on cost of driving on under-inflated tyres

Michelin is warning businesses that the cost of driving on under-inflated tyres has risen over an 18-month period, in line with the cost of fuel.

Tyre pressures have a direct impact on a vehicle’s fuel economy, with under-inflation increasing both fuel usage and carbon emissions, whilst also posing serious safety risks to motorists and other road users.

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.

“A lot of fleet drivers routinely monitor their average fuel consumption via the dashboard display, and many will even be aware of small differences between journeys. Just imagine how much UK businesses could save if drivers paid as close attention to their tyre pressures as they did to their mpg readout.

“Maintaining accurate tyre pressures is a small but simple step to improving fuel efficiency, maximising vehicle safety and reducing carbon emissions,” he adds.

UK data collected by Michelin over the last 10 years shows that, on average, at least 60 per cent of motorists drive on under-inflated tyres, and half of those are at dangerously under-inflated levels (more than 8psi).

As well as increasing fuel bills, 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.

Michelin testing has shown that a tyre which is 20 per cent under-inflated will typically return 20 per cent less mileage before needing to be replaced. That means a loss of 5,000 miles on a tyre which offers a potential mileage of 25,000 miles.

Tyre pressure check advice

Michelin advises motorists to check tyre pressures – including the spare – at least every month and before any long journeys. Pressures should ideally be checked when the tyres are cold, meaning they have not been used in the last two hours or have covered less than two miles at low speed.

Related Articles

Card image cap

Risk of further snow showers, forecasters warn

Met Eireann is warning of further snow and ice to come over the next 24 hours as the current cold snap continues. Much of Meath was blanked with snow on Sunday as heavy wintry showers persisted fro...

Posted 9 years ago

Card image cap

Test shows importance of choosing the right tyres

Tyres are incredibly unsexy and it's easy to see why. The round black things are bought begrudgingly, usually out of necessity, when they're either bald or burst. And you can't buy just one; best prac...

Posted 8 years ago

Card image cap

TyreSafe reminds drivers to carry out regular tyre checks

TyreSafe is reminding drivers that the first and most important element to ensure tyre safety is to carry out regular checks. While various tyre types are available, all of them will need to be in ...

Posted 8 years ago


Tags

Road Safety, Michelin, Fuel Economy