(Fri 18 May 07)

Most UK motorists check their tyre pressures at fuel station pumps - and that's a bad thing.

So say the IAM Motoring Trust, which points out that the drive to the station warms up the tyres and therefore increases the pressure of the air inside them. Recommended tyre pressures are quoted on the assumption that the tyres are cold, and the result is that we're likely to be driving on under-inflated rubber.

This in turn leads to overheating, increased fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, handling problems and a greater rate of wear. The Trust is therefore suggesting that car and tyre manufacturers should quote "warm" tyre pressures instead.

Alternatively, drivers should buy a digital pressure gauge and an air pump (sometimes available as one unit) and check the tyres when they're cold - preferably at least once per week.

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