Inflated fuel prices have led to a surge in drivers checking their vehicles’ tyre pressures as they seek to eek every last mile out of a gallon of fuel, new data has revealed.
Air-Serv, which operates 10,000 air, jet-wash and vacuum machines at forecourts across the UK, says its data shows an 8% rise in use of its air machines in March 2026 compared to the same month last year.
The firm puts this down to rising fuel prices, which have prompted drivers to optimise vehicle efficiency as they attempt to offset the high cost of petrol and diesel.
Road-safety charity Tyresafe, which is backed by tyre firms, service centres and automotive firms, estimates tyres that are 20% underinflated increase fuel consumption by 3%, leading to an average car getting 15 miles less from a full tank of fuel.
Gordon Balmer, executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association says the data indicates “the message is starting to get across that correct tyre pressure and fuel economy go hand in hand”.
He adds: “Equally important for road safety, underinflated tyres can affect handling, braking distances and tyre wear, making regular checks one of the simplest and most effective habits drivers can adopt.”
Richard Sweet, UK sales and marketing director at Air-serv, comments: “The rise in air transactions during March shows how motorists respond when fuel prices increase. For forecourt operators, air machines become an even more valuable customer service touchpoint during these periods.”
