Keeping your car in shape

Ignore the tyres on your car this summer and you may well get hit in the pocket. Tyres lose air over time and require regular checks to ensure the pressures are correct. Even a relatively small drop in pressure can lead to wear and increase fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent.

Studies show a large proportion of vehicles are driving with at least one tyre that is significantly under-inflated, which can upset handling and braking.

Low tyre pressure causes excessive tyre flexing, which in turn generates more heat (made worse by the higher summer temperatures). That heat can trigger failure of the tyre in extreme circumstances, but usually leads to increased tread wear, which can reduce the life of the tyre by the same percentage that they are under-inflated.

If you are towing a caravan, boat or heavy trailer this summer, increase the tyre pressures by around 15 per cent to offset the additional weight. And if you are loading up the car for a holiday trip add an extra 10 per cent.