F1 teams often try to run their tyres at low pressures because it puts more rubber in contact with the road and offers better grip. However, those minimal gains also result in more tyre wear, worse fuel consumption and added stresses in the tyre, which can ultimately lead to spectacular blow-outs.
To protect teams from their relentless desire to push the boundaries, the series sets minimum and maximum tyre pressure levels. The same is true for road tyres, with manufacturers setting recommended limits – not just to help your safety, but also your wallet.
Running a car on underinflated tyres does not just impact handling and comfort, it also takes a substantial toll on fuel costs. Now that winter is coming, the cooler temperatures can reduce those pressures without you even noticing. So, paying them a little bit of attention can pay off a lot.
Just ask F1 presenter and racing driver Naomi Schiff, who is working with Esso and KwikFit to help raise awareness of the issues, highlighted by recent research from tyre safety charity TyreSafe that shows British drivers collectively waste an astonishing £1 billion in fuel every year due to underinflated tyres.
“The statistics are concerning,” said Schiff. “They really show the importance of campaigns like this to educate people to frequently check their tyres. We all want drivers to be safe on the road, and if it saves them money too, it’s even better.”
Source: Autosport