4WD tyre pressures for all terrains
If you’re an avid reader of this blog, you’ll know that here at Darra tyres we consider tyre maintenance and driver safety to be important issues. You’ll also know that we write a lot about the importance of tyre pressure. Much of the damage caused to tyres is because they are driven on at the incorrect pressure. As well as being one of the major causes of uneven tread wear, over- or underinflated tyres also reduce fuel consumption. That’s a double-cost whammy that is easily avoided by a quick tyre check before you set off on your journey.
In this article, you’ll learn about tyre pressure in your 4WD tyres, and what the correct pressure to inflate to is.
4WD tyre pressure is a unique beast
The pressure you inflate to when driving a 4WD vehicle depends on the terrain you will be driving on, as well as the vehicle and load. Different driving conditions require different tyre pressures for the most effective drive experience. You’ll need to inflate and deflate according to need.
On normal roads and highways, you should inflate to your vehicle’s recommended pressures. But there are times when you’ll need to reduce tyre pressure.
When to reduce 4WD tyre pressure
When you are driving off-road, reducing your tyre pressure is not only desirable, it is essential. A lower pressure makes your tyre spread, providing more tyre traction on surfaces such as sand and mud. Without that traction, you won’t move, and could get buried in sand. So, deflate to create a wider surface area in contact with the ground, gain more traction, and move more easily.
You should also use a lower tyre pressure when driving over rocky surfaces, though the reason is different. 4WD tyres with a higher air pressure are more susceptible to punctures from sharp rocks and stones. Taking some of that air out provides more give to the tyre, allowing it to drive over rocks with less chance of suffering a puncture.
The faster you drive, the higher your tyre pressure should be
As a general rule, the faster your drive the higher you should have your tyre pressure. Off-roading over tough terrain, where you are more likely to encounter mud, sand and sharp rocky areas, requires slower drives and lower tyre pressures. Much is down to experience.
The best choice a 4WD enthusiast can make is to select the best-quality tyres in his or her budget range, then deflate and inflate according to terrain, driving conditions and driving style. Remember to alter your tyre pressures on your travels, and you should never get stuck in the mud or punctured on the rocks.
For the best tyre service in Brisbane, and advice on tyres and how to make them last longer, contact Darra Tyres today.
Keeping your family and fleet safely on the road,
Kevin Wood