Manufacturers and safety groups are warning motorists to be mindful of their tyres, as weather forecasters predict a cold start to the winter.
Tyre maker Michelin has warned that incorrectly inflated tyres can be dangerous, and that under-inflation contributes to higher fuel consumption and emissions.
During a tour of 17 locations in the UK, the company found that 65% of cars tested had incorrect tyre pressures. Thirty-five per cent had dangerously low pressures, with 10% classed as very dangerous - 14psi or more below the car maker's recommendation.
One in twenty of the 2,600-plus cars tested had a puncture.
Michelin warned that under-inflated tyres increased the risk of aquaplaning on wet roads, and could lead to damage from over-heating, or even failure of the tyre.
Meanwhile, the Met Office has predicted that December will be colder than the average, with this winter as a whole remaining colder than last year's. Precipitation (rain, sleet, hail and snow) is forecast to be average or less than average for the season.
Recently, tyre industry safety body TyreSafe urged motorists to consider fitting specialist winter tyres, similar to those required by law in some other European countries.
