UK data collected by Michelin in the 10 years ending 2017 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.

During 2017 national tyre expert ATS Euromaster surveyed the pressures on more than 1,000 cars across 28 of its centres in support of October’s Tyre Safety Month, and 561 had under-inflated tyres – a figure tallying closely with the 57 per cent recorded by industry charity TyreSafe.

In Marlborough, a staggering 91 per cent of cars tested by ATS Euromaster were running on at least one under-inflated tyre – and not a single car checked during the week sported a correctly inflated full set.

Paul Millward, ATS Euromaster’s Health, Safety and Environment Manager, commented: “We know that under-inflated tyres are a huge problem across Britain but we were blown away to discover that in some parts of the country, we didn’t see a single retail or fleet customer running tyres at the correct pressure.

“Under-inflated tyres pose a serious safety hazard, as they increase braking distance, meaning your tyre pressure could be the difference between stopping safely and causing a serious accident.”

Failing to keep your tyres properly inflated needlessly increases fuel bills – multiply that effect across a whole fleet – and it can have a significant impact on the bottom line.

TyreSafe estimates that in the UK, as much as £700 million of fuel a year is wasted because of under-inflated tyres. When tyres run under-inflated, their rolling resistance – the force that is needed to make them turn – increases. This means the engine must work harder and more fuel is used, making the vehicle less economical.

The air pressure within a set of tyres is the number one factor which determines how well they perform. A tyre’s pressure affects load carrying capacity, speed capability, handling response, wear rate and overall safety. What’s more, under-inflated tyres will cause a vehicle car to use more fuel and emit more CO₂ emissions.

It’s therefore critical for your safety and comfort that your tyres are properly inflated in line with the vehicle manufacturers’ recommendations. Tyre pressures should be manually checked when they are cold at least once a month or before a long journey.