Seven weeks and 3000 miles after I took delivery of a new Skoda Octavia Scout 1.8 TSI I decided to check my tyre pressures. They were all too low by about 10 per cent. This I fixed using my own pump and an accurate pressure gauge. The result was that on my very next 25-mile journey to work, my fuel consumption improved from 32/33 mpg to 37/38 mpg. After 30 years of motoring I never realised what a dramatic effect incorrect pressures could have. During these times of financial restraint this is an easy way to help fuel budgets and make your fill-ups last longer. Also, are those little gadgets you can buy that alert you to low pressures using colour coding any good? If so I'll invest in them right away!