Re: airing down, when to do it and where.

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Posted by Pugsly on August 13, 2002 at 21:54:18:

In Reply to: 4X4 question, please show mercy on the ignorant posted by RiverRat on August 12, 2002 at 17:18:03:

Hi RiverRat -

Good question about airing down. It can be useful if you are in a situation where you aren't getting a lot of traction - it lengthens the tread pattern, so that more of your tread is in contact with the ground. It also makes it easier for the tire tread to conform to changes in terrain. There are places where this is really useful.

The downside is that airing down can make your sidewalls more vulnerable - and DV is one place that you don't need to make your sidewalls more vulnerable, there are lots of sharp rocks! (voice of experience here!)

My advice is recognize that you can air down if you get hung up in something really loose, but don't do it until then. And of course you will have to air back up again before you can drive at speed (>40-45 mph). If you decide to use one of the cheap compressors from Wal-Mart be prepared to wait a while!

Take care,

P

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