EC rule means tyre monitors for all

09th February 2009

Being stranded with a flat could soon be a thing of the past – as all new cars are to get tyre pressure monitors.

The kits provide an early warning about punctures, and will be compulsory on factory-fresh vehicles from next year. This comes after the passing of a European Commission ruling aimed at cutting CO2 emissions and reducing accidents.

Tyre pressure monitors are already an option on many cars, and standard on MINIs. They warn drivers if pressure drops below a safe level or if a tyre is over-inflated. Both can compromise handling and increase braking distances and wear rates.

Maker Continental says 90 per cent of tyre failures are due to slow punctures, usually from nails, screws or faulty valves.

And the firm also claims that if every vehicle’s rubber was inflated correctly, running costs in Europe alone could be reduced by more than £3billion a year.

The first production car to get tyre pressure monitors was 1986’s Porsche 959.