Let’s Talk PSI Levels - Finding the Right Pressure for Every Terrain

When I first started 4WDing, I didn’t realise just how important it was to air down before hitting the tracks or beach. But once I learned what worked for my Jimny, it made every drive safer and way more enjoyable.

Deflating your tyres is one of the most important (and underrated!) skills in 4WDing. By lowering your tyre pressure, you increase the tyre’s footprint meaning more rubber is in contact with the ground. This gives you:

• Better traction - essential for soft sand, mud, and rocky terrain.
• A smoother ride - less bumping around on corrugations or gravel.
• Less track damage - lower pressures help your tyres “float” over sand instead of digging in and creating ruts.
• Reduced risk of punctures - softer tyres can mould over rocks rather than piercing on sharp edges.

So, here’s a breakdown of the PSI levels I use and what’s worked for me and my setup.

Highway Driving

When I’m cruising on bitumen, I keep my tyres around 35 PSI.
That keeps the ride firm, fuel-efficient, and the tyres wearing evenly. Always make sure to check your tyre placard (usually inside your door) to confirm the recommended on-road pressures for your vehicle.

Gravel Roads

For gravel or corrugated dirt roads, I’ll usually drop down to around 28–30 PSI.
This helps absorb some of those bumps and gives better traction without feeling too soft. You’ll instantly notice the ride feels smoother and more controlled, especially on washboard-style tracks.

Beach Driving

Now for the fun part sand!
On the beach, I normally drop my tyres to around 16–18 PSI, depending on how soft the sand is. If it’s really soft or I’m struggling for traction, I’ll go a little lower to about 14 PSI, but never below 12 PSI unless absolutely necessary. The key here is to make sure you’ve got a good air compressor with you so you can air back up before hitting the road again.

Lowering your tyre pressure spreads out the tyre’s footprint, giving you more surface area and helping you “float” on top of the sand instead of sinking in.

Rocky or Technical Tracks

For rocky, rutted, or slow technical terrain, I usually go for 20–26 PSI.
This gives me a bit more grip while allowing the tyres to flex and mould over rocks or uneven surfaces. It’s all about balancing traction and protection too low and you risk popping a bead, too high and you’ll bounce around with less control.

After the Drive

Once you’re back on the road, don’t forget to air back up!
Driving on low PSI at highway speeds can damage your tyres and cause them to overheat. I always carry my compressor and a reliable gauge so I can adjust as needed wherever I am.

My Tip

Every setup is a little different tyre type, vehicle weight, terrain, and even the weather can change what works best. The more you experiment, the better you’ll get at feeling what your car needs.

Always carry a tyre deflator and a compressor so you can air down and air back up when needed. The key is adjusting to conditions don’t be afraid to pull over, check, and tweak your PSI as you go.

Start with these as a baseline and adjust slightly up or down depending on how your rig handles. And if you’re ever unsure, ask someone on the tracks the 4WD community is usually more than happy to share their PSI secrets!

Final Thoughts

Getting your tyre pressure right isn’t just about performance it’s about safety and confidence. It’s one of the easiest things you can control before every drive, and it makes a world of difference whether you’re cruising the highway, tackling rocky climbs, or enjoying a solo beach sunset.