Under-inflation will reduce tread life and increase fuel consumption. It can also lead to sudden tyre failure. Without enough air, the sides of a tyre bend and flex too much. This builds up heat, which can cause serious damage.
Vehicles being operated with under-inflated tyres pose a significant safety problem. Rubber manufacturers association stated that the "leading cause of tyre failure is under-inflation (which reduces tread life and generates excessive heat due to increased flexing)".
