Tyre pressure is a decidedly personal subject for many off-roaders as they will all have their own opinions on the matter and, honestly, that’s ok. However, there are just as many who would prefer to completely ignore it and leave the tyre pressure unaltered regardless of the terrain or weather conditions.
It’s important to always ensure you’re airing up and airing down when it’s best for you and your vehicle and to remember to return the tyre pressure to factory recommended settings when you’re back on the road. But why is it so important and when should you turn to your trusty portable air compressor?
Surface contact
If you’re planning on driving through a large area of mud, standing water or sand then you’ll want to deflate your tyres slightly to increase surface area contact and therefore improve grip. It is also true that tyres with less air in them will be more flexible, which means they will not only absorb impact better but are less likely to be punctured.
However, you should always be careful when deflating your tyres too much, as if used too heavily, under-inflated tyres can come off the wheel rims. Not only that but deflating tyres can speed up general wear and tear.
Speed needs air
So, if letting a little air out of your tyres makes things easier on your vehicle and makes for a more comfortable ride overall, why not deflate your tyres a little before every drive? For one thing, low air pressure does not make for a great ride at speed and on-road.
The lower the air pressure in your tyres, the greater heat buildup there will be and this can result in a blow-out. In extreme circumstances, it can also let the suspension flex and with off-road driving, it will lower your ground clearance. And that’s before even mentioning the fuel economy.
Managing your air
So, what’s the ideal air pressure for your 4×4? That depends on the size and weight of your vehicle and the specific situation. For that, you’re going to need an air compressor kit and perhaps an air tank or tyre deflator for increased flow and faster inflation, if you’re a serious off-roader. Air compressors can either be portable or vehicle-mounted and can either be bought separately or as part of an air compressor bundle which will also include a tank and inflator.
As for how to operate your air compressors when “out in the field?” One school of thought is to deflate tyres gradually in small increments of around 5 psi when attempting more technical terrain. You might also want to run different pressures in the front and rear depending on the amount of weight you’re carrying on each axle.
Generally speaking, it’s all about trial and error and working with your vehicle to see what works best in each situation. It’s a rather exact science and this is just a primer but the best place to start is always with a good pair of tyres and a reliable air compressor. And a pressure gauge, of course.
Image: Andre Silva Pinto / Shutterstock.com
