Motorists in the UK could face fines of up to £2,500 per tyre for driving with underinflated rubber, warns tyre expert Michael Onions from Motokiki. The penalty applies to each tyre that fails to meet legal requirements, meaning a vehicle with four illegal tyres could be hit with a total fine of £10,000.
Onions highlighted that underinflated tyres reduce road contact by up to 50 percent, affecting grip and stopping distances, which endangers drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. He also noted that tyres wear 10 percent quicker when underinflated, increasing the risk of breaking driving laws.
Data from TyreSafe reveals that 57 percent of tyres on UK roads are at least four PSI below recommended pressures, costing motorists up to £1 billion annually due to increased fuel consumption. One in five drivers has never checked their tyres, and approximately 10 million illegal tyres are in use—equivalent to one in every four vehicles.
Onions emphasised the importance of regular tyre checks, especially as colder and wetter weather approaches. He advised drivers to inflate tyres at petrol stations for less than £1 or use a manual or electric pump at home. Those unsure about tyre maintenance should consult a mechanic.
