A fifth of UK motorists are driving cars with under-inflated tyres, according to research by Kwik-Fit.
The tyre-fitting company carried out a number of spot-checks and found that 20 per cent of the 1,300 cars they looked at had tyres at least 3psi below their recommended levels.
Under-inflated tyres could lead to accidents, with braking and handling rendered more difficult.
Tyres that are not at their optimum pressure levels can also lead to tyre failure, including tread damage or a blow-out.
Commenting, customer services director at Kwik-Fit, David White, said: "Many drivers probably aren't aware that amongst other dangers, under-inflated tyres can lead to a blow-out – where a tyre suddenly explodes during transit.
"Any motorist that has had this happen to them will know it is an extremely alarming situation to be in and has the potential to cause a serious accident."
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