MORE than 10 million motorists could be driving this winter without having checked their tyre pressures, while the handling and control of one in seven cars could be impaired by over or under inflation.

These are the findings of a survey based on an inspection of 2,100 cars, and 10,700 tyres have been labelled 'alarming and a serious risk to road safety' by the National Tyre Distributors' Association, the RAC and the Association of Chief Police Officers.

The RAC says more than a third of motorists never test their tyre pressures and more than 90% drive with at least one incorrectly inflated tyre. The association adds: 'Driving with defective tyres could cost a life and result in a fine of £2,500 for each defective tyre.'

What company car drivers should remember: