Believe it or not, vehicles throughout the world often have under-inflated tyres, sometimes even dangerously under-inflated. This, according to numerous independent, detailed analyses, says Michelin.

Maintaining correct tyre pressure, a critical factor in both safety for all road users as and in efficient fuel consumption, is a top priority, and ignorance on the matter is a very troubling phenomenon that knows no national borders.

This phenomenon is cause for concern not only because of the potential consequences but also because the gravity of the situation has been confirmed by a small number of independent sources.

Leading French tyre producer Michelin, then, has established its position as the "tyre pressure champion". Fully committed to making road travel safer and more economical, Michelin will conduct FREE tyre checks in Singapore at participating SPC petrol stations (mentioned below).

The Singapore initiative aims to raise drivers' awareness of the right pressure, with Michelin teams providing local car owners/drivers free professional advice and re-inflating tyres as needed.

Michelin insists that proper inflation is a critical factor in road safety and fuel savings. The recent spikes in oil prices have already affected many motorists in more ways than one. Under-inflated tyres, which has been identified as a common occurrence globally, is one of the causes of inefficient fuel consumption. Moreover, under-inflation puts the driver, his passenger and pedestrians in danger.

Impact on Safety

Under-inflation reduces the tyres' contact with the road surface, most noticeably in the wet, reducing the effectiveness of the tyres to resist aquaplaning and maintaining adequate traction.

The sidewalls of the tyre do not function as they should if the inflation pressure is insufficient. This leads to excessive stress on the tyre and increases its operating temperature and wear. Irreversible damage to the tyre is possible as well as catastrophic failure (blow-out or tyre unseating from the rim), resulting in dramatic loss of control of the vehicle.

As with under-inflation, over-inflation may cause handling problems because the tyre's contact patch with the road surface is reduced.

Impact on costs

Incorrect inflation pressure by 6-7 psi can take 8,000 to 10,000 km off the life span of a tyre, necessitating more frequent tyre purchases.

Under-inflation decreases the vehicles optimum performance. More fuel is consumed to move the vehicle. As tyre pressure decreases, rolling resistance increases, due to greater flexing and shearing of the tread. This results in lost energy that must be offset by the engine, which in turn burns more fuel. Under-inflation therefore leads to poorer fuel economy.

Free professional, no obligation tyre checks will be conducted by MICHELIN from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm on June 21-22 (SPC Bukit Merah and SPC Commonwealth) , July 26-27 (SPC Hougang and SPC Punggol) and 23-24 August (SPC East Coast and SPC Yishun)