Overlanding Tyre Pressure Guide

For a typical 4×4 on all-terrain tyres in South African conditions, these bar pressures are a solid starting point:

Terrain	Recommended Pressure
Highway	2.5 – 2.9 bar
Dirt roads / gravel	2.0 – 2.2 bar
Rocky tracks	1.2 – 1.8 bar
Mud	1.2 – 1.7 bar
Hard sand	0.8 – 1.2 bar
Soft sand	0.7 – 1.0 bar

Why these pressures work

Highway (2.2–2.8 bar)

• Reduces rolling resistance
• Improves fuel economy
• Keeps tyre temperatures under control
• Better steering response
• Less sidewall flex at speed

Dirt Roads (2.0–2.2 bar)

• Improves ride comfort
• Reduces corrugation vibration
• Increases traction on loose gravel
• Less chance of punctures from sharp stones
• Better vehicle control

Rocky Tracks (1.2–1.8 bar)

• Tyre conforms around rocks
• More traction on uneven surfaces
• Reduces shock loads to suspension
• Less wheel spin
• Better crawl capability

Mud (1.2–1.7 bar)

• Larger footprint
• More grip in slippery conditions
• Helps tyres clean themselves
• Reduces wheel spin
• Improves forward momentum

Hard Sand (0.8–1.2 bar)

• Significantly larger footprint
• Prevents digging in
• Easier acceleration
• Lower drivetrain stress
• Better flotation

Soft Sand (0.7–1.0 bar)

• Maximum footprint
• Essential for dunes and beach driving
• Reduces bogging
• Allows smoother momentum
• Minimises track damage

Wild Dog 4×4 recommendation

For most South African overlanding vehicles (Hilux, Ranger, Land Cruiser, D-Max, Triton, Jimny, etc.):

• Tar: 2.4–2.6 bar
• Gravel: 2.0 bar
• Rocky trails: 1.5 bar
• Mud: 1.4 bar
• Kalahari hard sand: 1.0–1.2 bar
• Deep dune sand (Namibia/Kalahari/Mozambique): 0.8 bar

⚠️ Always reinflate before driving at highway speeds. Pressures below 1.2 bar should generally be used at low speeds only to avoid tyre debeading or sidewall damage.