Tyre pressure is life in 4WD driving, striking a direct relationship between safety, performance, and comfort over different terrains. For the off-road enthusiast, adjusting tyre pressure is not a mere technicality; it’s a strategy aimed at maximising your vehicle’s capabilities and protection for your tyres.
This guide explains how to manage your 4×4 tyre pressure. It highlights the reliability and performance of Predator Tyres for Australian conditions.
Why Tyre Pressure Matters for 4WDs
The right tyre pressure can provide better traction, less wear, and fewer chances of punctures while driving off-road. Low pressures are often used to create a bigger surface to increase grip especially on soft surfaces, such as sand or mud. High pressure instead is used for better fuel efficiency when driving on sealed roads or when towing. Adjusting your tyre pressure is crucial to get the most out of your tyres while increasing the life of the tyre.
Recommended Tyre Pressures by Terrain
The optimum tyre pressure varies according to the weight of your 4WD, load, and type of tyre fitted, but the following will give a good guide. Always change pressures within safe limits for your vehicle and tyres to prevent damage or instability.
Tyre Pressure for Beach and Sand Driving: 12–16 PSI
The chance of bogging is reduced because lower pressure allows greater surface area for the tyre to touch. This increased surface area allows for more grip on sand and avoid getting bogged, most people getting bogged on sand are usually hitting the sand with the same pressure they are using on road. Also note that sometimes you may require to go as low as 10 PSI but remember the lower you go the higher the risk of debeading.
Rocky Terrain: 18–26 PSI
Slightly deflating tyres allows them to better push against the irregular ground and increases their grip while minimising the possibility of a puncture. However, extremely low pressures also make the tyres vulnerable to punctures which is why the Predator’s Mutant X-AT has been designed to provide additional durability for rocky trails with increased side wall ply.
Mud: 18–24 PSI
Lowered pressures increase the tyres traction while allowing the tread to dig into soft and slick surfaces. However, if you are frequently hitting the mud, you should consider switching to a set of Predator New Mutant X-MT which have been designed to have a better tread pattern to suit these conditions and provide better grip.
Highway Driving: 32–36 PSI
Sticking to the manufacturer’s recommendation is crucial for fuel efficiency and pro-longing the life of the tyres. However, making sure that your tyres aren’t under-inflated as this will create rolling resistance, which will cause problems over a long journey.
Towing: 36–40 PSI
Increasing the pressure to handle the additional load is crucial to making sure there’s improved stability and reduction of sidewall flex. Also, it should be noted that when towing a heavy load that your PSI might need to be even higher but check your vehicles and tyre specifications to ensure you pick the right PSI.
How to Manage Tyre Pressure
The pressure adjustment of tyres is easy with the proper equipment for example a portable air compressor and tyre deflator can be used to modify the pressure according to one’s needs. Tyre pressure should regularly be checked using a good gauge to maintain optimum pressure levels and get the results that you are trying to achieve. For hard-core off-roading, equipment such as Beadlock wheels, like the ROH Zullo, offer additional security by holding the tyre bead firmly in place in low pressures (when off-road as bead locks are illegal on road).
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I adjust pressure for towing with a 4×4?
You will need to inflate your tyres to account for handling the extra weight and maintain control while towing. Higher pressure reduces sidewall flex and improves stability, preventing excessive heat buildup and uneven tyre wear.
- Can I drive on the highway with off-road tyre pressures?
No, you should always re-inflate tyres before returning to sealed roads for maximum efficiency and safety. Lower pressures increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy, affects handling, and can cause excessive tyre wear.
- Do Bead lock wheels make a difference?
Yes, bead locks like the ROH Zullo provide stability at ultra-low pressures, making them essential for extreme off-road conditions. However, you should check local laws, as Bead locks may not be street legal in some Australian states.
- When should I use Bead lock wheels?
Bead lock wheels should be used for hard-core off-roading where ultra-low tyre pressures are necessary for maximum traction. They securely hold the tyre bead in place, preventing it from coming off the rim during extreme terrain driving.
- How often should I check my tyre pressure?
You should check your tyre pressure at least once a month and before and after every off-road trip. For the most accurate reading, check pressures when tyres are cool or after a short drive to your local service station to avoid heat-related pressure inflation.
- What happens if I don’t adjust my tyre pressure for different terrains?
If you don’t adjust your tyre pressure, you risk getting bogged in soft terrain, losing traction, or damaging your tyres on rocky surfaces. Proper pressure adjustment ensures better grip, reduces the chance of punctures, and improves overall vehicle performance.
- Can I go too low with my tyre pressure?
Yes, going too low can cause the tyre to debead, especially below 10 PSI without Bead locks. Extremely low pressures also increase sidewall flex, reducing control and making the tyre more vulnerable to damage.
- What’s the best way to deflate my tyres for off-roading?
The best way to deflate your tyres is by using a tyre deflator, which allows precise control over pressure adjustments. Avoid letting out air too quickly without checking a gauge, as going too low can compromise safety and performance.
Predator Tyres: The Right Choice for your 4WD
Predator Tyres will dominate on any terrain, from highway cruising to the most notorious trails in Australia, the robust construction of the Predator features advanced tread patterns for unrivaled reliability thanks to reinforced sidewalls. The Mutant X-MT is the clear choice for those wanting to traverse more intense rocky and muddy terrain, while the Mutant X-AT shows its versatility in mixed-use performance.
Use the Request a Quote tool to get a quote from your local Predator Tyres Australia Dealer and understand why drivers everywhere in Australia have confidence in a Predator for whatever lies ahead.
