Car SOS star shares 'often overlooked' check to help drivers save on fuel cash

Drivers have been urged to follow an overlooked tip that can help them improve their fuel economy (Image: Getty)

Car SOS presenter and motoring expert Fuzz Townshend has urged drivers to check a component every week in a bid to boost fuel economy and prevent devastating accidents.

Whilst the cost of petrol and diesel are steady, many drivers are looking for simple yet effective ways to cut down on their motoring bills.

Fuzz Townsend, brand ambassador for Landsail, highlighted that checking tyre pressures regularly is one way drivers can improve their vehicle's fuel economy.

He said: "My first tip is easily achievable, but one that I know is often overlooked. Check your car’s tyre pressures on a weekly basis.

"Perhaps the most convenient time might be when you are visiting a fuel filling station, but ideally, this task should be before setting out on a journey, when the tyres are still cold (yes, tyre temperatures increase when driving)."

Fuzz recommended that drivers check their tyre pressures weekly to avoid increased fuel consumption (Image: Getty)

Whilst drivers may feel apprehensive to spend a couple more minutes at the petrol station each week, regularly making sure that a vehicle's tyres have enough air in them has several advantages.

In particular, correctly inflated tyres make a vehicle much easier to steer at high-speed and stop at shorter distances, helping drivers stay safe in an emergency.

However, keeping the tyres topped up can also improve fuel economy, with previous studies finding that consumption increases by about 0.2 percent for each PSI below the recommended amount.

Drivers were also urged to replace any worn tyres to prevent fines of up to £10,000 (Image: Getty)

Similarly, Fuzz recommended that drivers also check their tread depths regularly, which can help to reduce the risk of skidding and fines of up to £2,500 for each affected tyre.

He continued: "Badly worn tyres are not only dangerous, but they can also cause a lot of unexpected wear to other car components, all the way through the drivetrain, right up to the engine and to steering, suspension and braking components.

"In the UK the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6mm in a continuous band across 75 percent of the central breadth of the tyre."

Finally, when buying a new set of tyres for their car, Fuzz urged drivers to make sure they are using the size and width recommended by the manufacturer.

He added: "Fitting tyres which are the incorrect size for your car can result in all kinds of unexpected handling and wear characteristics, which can be expensive.

"Stick to the specifications recommended by vehicle and tyre manufacturers. Wide tyres may indeed give a greater tyre and road contact area, but they can be surprisingly unwilling to allow predictable cornering."