Cars could soon feature "talking tyres" that let motorists know when they are in need of attention, leading to reduced fuel consumption and extended tyre life, according to engineering firm Schrader Electronics.

The Northern Ireland-based company has developed a new sensor that constantly monitors road conditions and the state of the tyre, and then communicates with the driver through the vehicle's electronic system.

The sensor will be installed on a new tyre dubbed the "Cyber Tyre", which is being developed in partnership with Pirelli and is slated for launch in 2013.

Schrader Electronics said the new system features a tyre pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS) that will be mounted inside the tyre, rather than on the valve or wheel rim as with current direct TPMS systems. The sensor will then transmit information wirelessly to the driver via receivers in the wheel housing and the car's engine control unit.

The company said that the technology could help motorists significantly reduce their carbon tyreprint as vehicles with properly inflated tyres boast an improved fuel efficiency. In addition, underinflated tyres wear out quicker and need replacing more frequently.

According to figures from Michelin, a tyre which is underinflated by 15 per cent could reduce tyre life by 15 per cent, while a tyre that is underinflated by 20 per cent will reduce lifespan by 25 per cent.

Existing TPMS systems have already been shown to improve safety and fuel efficiency. However, Schrader claims its pioneering technology will allow the motorist to access more detailed information about the state of their tyres, including data on the tyre's tread depth, pressure and temperature that will be combined with readings of road conditions, such as the amount of grip available.