UK forecourts saw an 8% increase in tyre inflation equipment usage in March 2026, as motorists looked for practical ways to make fuel go further amid higher petrol prices.

The increase - identified through analysis of AIR-serv’s air machine data - suggests more drivers are turning to simple vehicle maintenance measures such as checking tyre pressures when motoring costs rise.

AIR-serv manages the largest network of forecourt service equipment of any provider, with over 10,000 air, jet wash and vacuum machines installed across the UK, and over 23,000 across Europe.

For forecourt operators, the findings highlight how customer behaviour shifts during periods of higher fuel prices, with increasing demand for on-site services that help motorists manage running costs a noticeable trend.

Using the UK average petrol price for March 2026, a 50-litre tank cost around £70.25. With TyreSafe estimating that tyres around 20% underinflated can increase fuel use by 3%, keeping tyres properly inflated could help motorists travel roughly 3% further on the same tank - equivalent to around 15 extra miles for a vehicle with a 500-mile range.

Alongside fuel economy benefits, correct tyre pressure also plays an important role in road safety, helping to maintain grip, braking performance and tyre condition.

Gordon Balmer, from the Petrol Retailers Association, said: “This is interesting data from AIR-serv as it shows the message is starting to get across that correct tyre pressure and fuel economy go hand in hand. Equally important for road safety, underinflated tyres can affect handling, braking distances and tyre wear, making regular checks one of the simplest and most effective habits drivers can adopt.”

Richard Sweet, UK sales and marketing director at AIR-serv, commented: “The rise in air transactions during March shows how motorists respond when fuel prices increase. For forecourt operators, air machines become an even more valuable customer service touchpoint during these periods.

“We continuously maintain equipment and monitor usage for sites that use our machines, and we know just how vital reliability and uptime are when demand rises. Operators want to be confident that when customers need these services most, they are available and working properly. And clearly, they need them now.”