And just in time too as as garage forecourts begin to charge for air.

There is a new invention that actually pumps your tyres to the correct pressure . . . while you are on the move. Scientists at Maxair, an American company, have developed a hi-tech system that continually checks, and if necessary, inflates the tyre.

Using technology it already supplies to HGV manufacturers the firm has created the automatic tyre monitoring and inflation setup (ATMI) which has an on-board compressor to watch, and vary, depending on load, the pressure in each tyre.

If it senses a puncture, the device sends a constant stream of air to the affected rim until a repair can be made. The manufacturer points out that motorists can save money with the device as the correct pressure is always maintained. The system calls for a slightly modified axle design but Maxair are already talking to a number of car companies while the ATMI system is still a prototype.