Scientists at US company...

Scientists at US company MAXAIR have developed a hi-tech system that continually checks rubber and inflates it if needed. Using technology it already sup?plies to HGV manufacturers, the firm has created the Automatic Tyre Monitoring and Inflation (ATMI) set-up, which features an on-board compressor to independently watch and vary inflation levels.

If it senses a puncture, the device sends a constant stream of air to the affected rim, until a repair can be made. And the manufacturer says motorists will save money, too, as correct pressures are always maintained, which means fuel consumption is reduced by up to three per cent and tyres will last longer.

The ATMI unit is still a prototype, but MAXAIR is talking to car makers about putting it into production.