4WD on a sandy track

Airing down is the simplest and cheapest way to transform your 4WD off-road. Letting some air out lets the tyre spread and conform to the surface, giving far more grip on sand, mud and rock.

Why it works

A softer tyre has a longer, wider footprint. On sand that means flotation instead of digging in; on rock it means the tyre wraps around obstacles for grip; everywhere it softens the ride and is gentler on tracks.

How low to go

It depends on the terrain, your tyre and your load, so treat figures as a guide and adjust. The lower you go, the more care you need with speed and steering, as a very soft tyre can roll off the rim if you corner hard.

Air back up

The golden rule is to reinflate to road pressures before you return to the bitumen. Running soft tyres at highway speed builds dangerous heat. A good onboard compressor makes this quick and easy.

We fit quality compressors and can set you up for safe airing down. See our 4WD accessories at our Stepney workshop, a short drive from St Peters, or book a time.