Air-Down & Re-Inflate Procedures

Choose the spot

• Flat, firm shoulder; wheels chocked if sloped.
• Hazards on; exit traffic side.
• Keep kids, pets, and hands clear of tyre bead.

Prep the tools

• Deflators pre-set (e.g., 16–18 PSI for sand start).
• Gauge handy (spot-check a front & rear).
• Compressor cab-ready; power leads reachable.

Do a quick rig scan

• Loose cargo secured; recovery points accessible.
• Hub/locker status known; TPMS alerts off if needed.
• Note starting PSI (helps you return on-road).

Option A — Automatic deflators (set-and-forget)

1. Set each deflator to target PSI (bench set or field tweak).
2. Clip one on each valve; stand clear and listen for stop.
3. Spot-check one front + one rear with a quality gauge.
4. If terrain changes, adjust in small 2–3 PSI steps.

Best for groups: you can manage comms and route while the tyres drop themselves.

Option B — Manual bleed (speed + control)

1. Use a bleed gauge or valve tool; release in bursts.
2. Check PSI every 5–10 seconds; aim for the range, not a single number.
3. Repeat all four, then drive 200–300 m and reassess.

Faster for small changes (gravel washboard) or when testing a new baseline.

Feel & feedback

• Smoother ride and traction improve within 100–300 m.
• Steering shouldn’t feel “swimmy” on firm surfaces.
• No rim strikes over small edges at crawl pace.

Heat & distance

• On long beach/gravel transits, check sidewall warmth by hand.
• Hot sidewalls? Add 2–4 PSI or slow down.

Bead awareness

• Go slow when cambered at very low PSI.
• Avoid sharp steering inputs under load.

Solo with portable compressor

1. Stage on firm ground; engine running for alternator support.
2. Connect power clamps; keep leads clear of belts and fans.
3. Inflate each tyre in a loop (e.g., FL→FR→RR→RL), ending at your placard PSI.
4. Verify with gauge; replace valve caps; stow leads neatly.

High-CFM compressors cut time dramatically on LT tyres and heavy rigs.

“Set & forget” with Auto-Stop

1. Dial target PSI on the compressor LCD.
2. Clip the hose; the unit stops automatically at set pressure.
3. Move to the next wheel while the previous finishes.

Ideal when daylight’s fading or you’re managing a convoy.

Air-down mistakes

• Too low too soon: Start conservative; add grip in steps.
• Valve core nicks: If you remove cores, keep them clean & straight.
• Forgetting baseline: Note highway PSI before you drop.

Re-inflate mistakes

• Overheating hoses/compressor: Give short rests on hot days.
• Mismatched PSI: Finish with one verification loop.
• Loose caps/slow leaks: Pocket a few spares; check hissing with soapy water.