Faulty forecourt tyre gauges inflate the UK's tyre troubles 5 million UK motorists drive with under-inflated tyres risking millions of lives Motorists are urged to drop in to their local Kwik-Fit centre for tyre checks following startling findings* that over a third (39%) of service stations' tyre gauges are damaged, out of order, or giving incorrect readings. Especially since a spot-check carried out by Kwik-Fit** found that as many as a one-in-five (5 million) UK motorists are driving cars with under inflated-tyres, putting the lives of millions of road-users at risk everyday.

Driving a car that has an under-inflated tyre can result in sudden tyre failure, such as a blowout or tread damage, which can lead to potential loss of control of the vehicle. Motorists with an under-inflated tyre may also experience poor handling and braking performance.

In its study, Kwik-Fit defined an under-inflated car as having one or more tyres containing at least 3psi under the correct pressure stipulated in the car manufacturer's handbook - according to the weight being carried. This is only 10%-15% less than the recommended inflation for most car tyres - barely noticeable even to a trained eye.

David White, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, commented: "You might well be forgiven for expecting the gauge on your local garage forecourt to be accurate and in working condition, but seemingly this is not the case. Motorists might well feel safer coming to Kwik-Fit, where their tyre pressure will be checked at any of our 670 centres using calibrated tyre pressure gauges for free by a tyre expert ."

He continues: "Under-inflated tyres can lead to a blow-out. Motorists that have had this happen to them will know it is an extremely alarming situation to be in and has the potential to cause a serious accident."