Leading fast fit network HiQ, is recommending that Bath drivers wanting to help keep fuel costs down and reduce their vehicle's carbon emissions should come along to the store to have their tyre pressures checked by a specialist to ensure readings are reliable and safe.

The HiQ advice comes on the back of a report by Trading Standards which found that 40 per cent of tyre pressure gauges on petrol station forecourts and motorway service stations were inaccurate.

"As part of its drive to reduce carbon emissions, the government is currently running a high profile campaign to encourage drivers to check their tyre pressures. HiQ fully supports this campaign and is able to advise drivers on a range of other measures aimed at reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions," comments Farrell Dolan, HiQ commercial manager.

"However even drivers who are responding to this advice and regularly checking their tyre pressures may be still driving on tyres which are incorrectly inflated," he adds.

The Trading Standards Authority survey tested 53 petrol stations and motorway services, of which 40 per cent gave incorrect and inaccurate readings.

A lack of legislation requiring operators to perform regular maintenance on tyre pumps and pressure gauges was thought to be contributing to the problem.

"Tyre pressure gauges can be affected by a number of factors including moisture and general lack of maintenance and as the Trading Standards survey demonstrated, if they are not regularly checked, they can give false readings to drivers who consequently will be driving around on under or over-inflated tyres.

"Based on that report we recommend that drivers wanting an accurate reading come along to a specialist outlet such as HiQ where tyre pressure gauges are regularly checked and calibrated," concludes Farrell Dolan.

HiQ Bath is part of a national network which provides a range of automotive services to motorists throughout the UK . HiQ's trained technicians carry out regular maintenance on all tyre pressure equipment and are available for advice on all aspects of tyre safety and care.

ENDS

Further information

Mark Hand

Connect PR

01902 714957

markh@connect-goup.com

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