4x4 tyre sales have increased by 151% in the last five years according to data from tyre manufacturer, Cooper Tires.

The increase is being attributed to the influx of 'Chelsea tractors' in town and city centres, as well as a growing trend to replace the standard manufacturer fitted wheels and tyres with larger sizes.

In 2004, there were 1.25m 4x4 tyres sold throughout the UK, a jump from 825,000 in 2000.

Not only has demand for 4x4s vehicles almost doubled in the past five years, vehicle manufacturers are building heavier, more powerful models, which in turn places even greater demands on the performance of the tyres.

As a result, while most vehicles sat on 16-inch a few years ago, they are now standing taller on 20-inch, 22-inch and in some cases, even 24-inch.