Essential guide to 4WD tyre pressures and related 4X4 driving basics | Auto Expert John Cadogan

[@PaulSi]

The most extreme pressure reduction I have experienced was on a drive across the Sahara from Egypt to Morocco, of which the most sand driven over was in Libya and Tunisia, back in 2004 before the wars. Vehicles comprised around 20 Land Cruisers 80 Series, each weighing at least 3,000kg with three persons aboard and kit for 40 days, including lots of water. Our local Libyan guides told us to drive at 14psi in the dunes, and reduce to 7psi if bogged. Had no punctures or beads breaking. Our tyres were Kumho MT 33", the locals were running an assortment of near-bald HTs or ATs.

[@madmick3794]

Love this John and as a 4wd owner I enjoy going off road and showing the country to my kids by touring but never understood rock hoping, thrashing through bog holes, etc. and still trying to make it a road going vehicle.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Totally agreed mate - it's all a balancing act. Best off-roader = worst on-roader.

[@GuitarsRockForever]

Well, people do crazy sports just for fun. Eg. why some people would want to be in a car going over 300km/h on racing track?

[@madmick3794]

@@GuitarsRockForever I have no issues with those doing it, I find it puzzling when those with crazy modifications suited to off-roading wonder why it will not translate to a car with on road manners as well.

[@GuitarsRockForever]

@@madmick3794 That's part of the reason why we have to have warning and instructions on everything, even the most obvious things. Eg. what's so difficult to understand drinking something poison is not good for health and well-being? Or hot coffee is hot?

[@Triple-N]

Things that I bought when I got my blue collar bogan mobile are shovel, tyre deflator and air compressor. The OE tyres can still beat the bush into submission; you just got to be careful, pick your lines and know the limitation of your 4WDing skills. Once the OE has worn down then upgraded to an All-Terrain.

[@77gravity]

re: ground pressure. The M1 Abrams tank weighs about 55 tons. But it has wide tracks. There have been reports of crewmen jumping out of their tank, which is sitting happily on top of the ground, and sinking to their knees in mud. The tank tracks spread the load so well that the ground pressure (per sq.inch) was lower than that of a person standing on both feet.

[@paultoohey9044]

Definitely Mary Ann... love how you point the after market gear is not really required! Wish I had heard of the channel four years ago!

[@stuuhunter8157]

Maryanne yep. And I shudder at the thought of a flat battery in our flat brown land. Went solo to the centre a few years back, and double triple packed comms and spares. 13 nights & 6500 km and thankfully the only things I took out of the Prado rear was beer and steaks and the swag. And I’ll do it all the same way next time. Might add that shovel though. Ta

[@Dyno440]

John, the diagram of the inflated tire, I only want to suggest that the vertical line should be more to the inside , if a bead was mismatched with a tremendous overhang take that, well, I think you know the rest. I like very much the facts you deliver and the clever humorous way your opinion is added as a extra bonus. It seems apparent most don't consider subjects pragmatically or objectively, you do both,, lol.. I believe you understand what I mean. CHEERS!

[@christophers9095]

SERIOUSLY an excellent video. cant thank you enough mate

[@paulsiebert4863]

42:15 - also, compressor runs better at alternator voltage rather than slipping battery voltage with engine off.

[@WesternAustraliaNowAndThen]

I had to smile a bit at the comparison of those 'good' sealed roads versus those nasty rough gravel roads. In my experience, many sealed roads can be so much harder on tyres than a well maintained gravel road. As for Ginger or Mary-Ann? Never any conflict there, it was always Mary-Ann for me by a country mile. Nice to know we share the same good taste :)

[@supersami7748]

As a subscriber (and 4X4 shop owner for over 30 years, now retired) from the US this was a most informative and entertaining video. I got lots of practice with my calculator using my memorized conversion on measurements and speed so I knew what John was talking about. My fifth grade teacher (in 1959) promised all of us that the US would be completely metric by high school, so much for that! Our off roading is 90% by choice (which was good for me as I sold and repaired a lot of really expensive components over the years), except SW Arizona where I now live. Having never been to Australia I have one question about your emergency equipment, why was the purchase of a winch not recommended? Is your terrain generally not conducive to the use of one? Great vid!

[@lindsaybrown7357]

Super Sami Winches are common on vehicles in Australia. When I was a kid growing up in the 60s four wheel drives were less common, more a work type thing. We used to go bush all the time in an old 2wd station wagon. The old man would get us out of bogs with an axe, spade, sweat and old bushy skills. I remember him dropping the back of the wagon into a mineshaft. Took him all day but he got us out - no winch back then.

[@brianbourke8859]

I think this vid is what is essential, winch nice to have but not essential see video on shackles about a week ago

[@supersami7748]

@@lindsaybrown7357 Dad had a 1948 Ford pickup and started taking me on his desert trips at age 6. He carried 2 boards 2”X12” about 4’ long 2 bumper jacks and 2 flat nose shovels. I spent a lot of time on the business end of a shovel. I’ve turned many old customers and fellow shop owners onto this channel over that last few years, I’m just amazed that he doesn’t have a lot more subscribers over here.

[@lindsaybrown7357]

@@supersami7748 Yes, in earlier times when we couldn't afford fancy and expensive tools, we had to make do. In some ways I think it made us good problem solvers. You start using your brain when you have to move a yard of clay with a shovel.

[@gaj5701]

The only thing I'll add, as many mall crawlers opt for the famous mud tyres available, the sidewalls are now much stronger than the last generation & whilst the generally used pressures for hard ground are still relevant, on soft sand it's definitely changed. The sidewalls on modern mud tyres are strong enough to press into soft sand instead of increasing the footprint so go for the lower end of pressures before getting stuck 👍

[@AutoExpertJC]

Agreed - the tread on those suckers goes halfway down the sidewall now.

[@robk6670]

John, your videos are far more entertaining than any TV program - and a hell of a lot more informative. This is another one.😄

[@robk6670]

By the way - it's Mary-Anne 😊

[@xcitemex6353]

The only thing that I found incorrect in this video. Triton utes have 6 wheel studs, but I still gave you a 👍

[@LiamE69]

Ginger or Mary Ann? The only correct answer is yes please, thank you very much.

[@marianilim5077]

Very detailed explanation for new 4x4 car owners. Thank you.

[@MattBlack6]

The blue singlet brigade salute you! All the way from Dingo Piss Creek too.

[@stendecstretcher4983]

Don’t forget the bearded bogans too.

[@iankakoschke7771]

Great advice re length of tread on the ground. Lowering pressures also subjects the side walls to damage. Care on where you tread your tires in rock.

[@WhyWouldYouDrawThat]

Thanks for the video. Love it. On this topic I’d love to hear your opinion on engaging 4wd on a dirt road “when you don’t need it”. As i understand the physics, this basically creates mechanical stability control (even with open front and rear diffs). That’s assuming the centre diff is locked. i.e. if the back is running away from the front on a corner, the locked centre diff will ensure the fastest rear wheel is no faster than the fastest front wheel. thus, we have mechanical braking on exactly the rear wheel we want to arrest the slide.

[@grahammutton1964]

Great bit of work John. Some of the mist has lifted regarding tyres. Thanks mate.

[@yengsabio5315]

I'm likin' every second of this video! Very informative as it brings me back to fundamentals. Thank you for your service, John! Cheers & Mabuhay, from tropical Philippines!

[@MrBarefoott]

Hey John, as far as I can see there is no link in the description as mentioned in the video. Just thought you may not know. Cheers

[@hectorshouse7348]

The Sheila’s love a good grip, so I’m in like Flynn

[@peterscandlyn]

I can tell you've been watching that absolutely fascinating channel showing all the chumps up Fraser Island way and their antics trying to get to/from the Inskip ferry. Laugh -a-minute stuff......Oh, and you missed the light bars. I looked at the run time and thought nope, then what the heck, only got one life......Kudos John!

[@followthewhiterabbit7504]

OzCharge Rescue Mate 2000 for the battery! And the win!

[@Kris_M]

37:18 Luckily it is not only air pressure. A totally flat tire won't come off the rim because of the bead lock (not on the drawing), you need quite some force to get it off. Note: not talking about bead lock rings that are separate parts on special offroad tires but the bulges on the cylindrical part of the rim.

[@sebastianmessina3285]

John, I have for 30 yrs run on all terrain tyres (light truck) and found them a good compromise.

[@msmnutech2814]

@16:30 Hay, modern 4wd's my insulate you, but I challenge you to fall asleep in my 4b. 1988 75 Series LC Troopy. 1HZ Donk (4.2L Diesel) with shortened exhaust, 2" lifted HD leaf springs. Believe me, there's no fear of falling asleep in that!

[@Wdeane1957]

The 35 and 37 inch tyres brigade are generally the ones that don't do long distances off road touring, but the more challenging Vic high country and long boggy muddy tracks on the eastern seaboard. Most touring 4wds will put an 32-33 inch all-terrains or less aggressive mud terrain which is just a little bigger than the factory road tyres they have as standard.

[@Ren-qp5dt]

You’re intelligence is remarkable, thanks for the info and training, learnt heaps today, cheers from Wagga Wagga

[@123hoffie]

Well done. Mrs Howell for me Luvi, always liked the older ones😉

[@Neilhoh3]

Good indicator of whether you are over or under inflated is the amount of increase in tyre pressure from cold to hot. Cooper Tyres, and others, suggest an increase of 4psi. If yours increase by more than that you are under inflated and visa versa....according to Coopers and co.

[@Buddy-po4hv]

That "stoners with impeccable manners brats" was gold!

[@justingrunwald4431]

Thanks John I was hopeless at maths but you explained it very well Mary Ann

[@bruceparr1678]

Keep in mind that centrifugal force is trying to expand the tyre. I have had tyres expand to the stage where they wore through the fibreglass mudguard at 260 to 270km/hr despite plenty of clearance when stationary.

[@No0ne31]

A rimmer to condition up the hole so that it can fit the plug...Mate, the spare box guys are listing this compressor on the ‘tool shed’ website (you know which tool shed I’m talking about, the quick release one;) ) ... superb stuff. Legend

[@dragancrnogorac3851]

John, youu should demonstrate tire puncture repair kit abilities. I did that exercise probably 100 times but hey, people don't know how that works. And it's interesting to watch.

[@stendecstretcher4983]

I don’t own a 4WD so there’s that. I do however, enjoy watching your educational intelligent videos. Please accept my thanks for the public service you provide.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thanks for watching, Stendec

[@mayflowerlash11]

Serious question. Is the lub from the puncture kit more useful for the quick release or the long slow screw? lol John you are like Socrates, you are a corrupting influence ob the youth of the nation. And we all know how Socrates ended up. Your vids never fail to raise a chuckle, they are priceless.

[@boju42]

I had many 4WD bogan-snobs tell me my stock shitsubishi MN triton dual cab would never make it across the Simpson desert without all manner of upgrades - especially suspension and tires. I took it through stock, with it's aged and pencil thin original shocks, and didn't get stuck once. Late in the season - heavily rutted. Even made it up Big Red. And I was on some very goodyear road tires (slicks are probably better in sand anyway - why dig into it). There were also days of corrugated roads. Low tire pressures, minimizing loads and packing them well, driving a good line, maintaining minimal viable momentum and the dunes and all were relatively easy - was not required to squeal like a pig. 8/10 might do again.

[@yengsabio5315]

May I please ask, what's a bogan-snob? Thank you, Sir!

[@boju42]

@@yengsabio5315 well they are snobs about 4wds and upgrades and who has the biggest... Lift kit. But still bogans because 4wds and upgrades and bashing the bush into submission

[@yengsabio5315]

@@boju42 Oh, that! Thank you for responding, Sir!

[@gaj5701]

Shhhh, the best thing about the Simpson is that it gets less of the inbred, blue singlet wearing, Bundaberg flag flying brigade as they're all up on the Tele Track drowning their trucks, leaving rubbish everywhere & crapping in the open at camp spots. Let's keep the Desert free of dickheadery by making it sound hard to do 😉

[@J-P88]

Makes you wonder when talking with the Bogan Snob how back in the Day they done the Simpson and Big Red in 40 series or Land Rovers..

[@DTGTDetectingTheGoldenTriangle]

I use a bit of 12x4 hard wood under my bottle jack I was always worried about the steel on steel slipping ?

[@AutoExpertJC]

Jacks should only be vertically loaded and the load stabilised against lateral movement. Using wood is unnecessary.

[@paulcrouchley6289]

This is a bit beyond the realms of the standard 4wd driving. I agree with what has been said about tyre pressures, but there one other extreme to be considered. I often run 14ply cross ply tyres at up to 75 to 80psi. But this is because I drive through dense scrub, spinafex etc. Took a while and a few destroyed tyres to learn that high pressure is needed is these situations. The scrub country rips out sidewalls like you wouldn't believe. Removed a 25mm diameter by 350mm long stake from one tyre. High pressure reduces sidewall bulge and most stakes slide off. Also means you need a lot of concentration to pick your way over rocky areas. I work for a mineral exploration company and its my job to get into some pretty "interesting" areas.

[@christen1075]

Oh good Lord. Is this even a question? Please consult the "Hot vs Crazy" matrix and it's Mary Ann hands down.

[@lancer1993]

One thing you need to take into account if you have a crash and your tyre pressures are below the tyre or vehicle manufactures limits your insurance can be canceled.

[@4x4CampingandAdventures]

Tyre pressures are like women the lower the number the less they bog you down.

[@andysmith5220]

That's hilarious I love the line

[@zillmere4034]

Ginger or Mary Anne? What about Mrs Howell?

[@rosstaylor2380]

John, what about using tyres with a thicker and stronger side wall like Nokians aramid sidewalk technology? (Kevlar reinforced sidewalls). Surely these types of tough off road tyres would be better suited for beating the outback into submission? Your thoughts please? Thanks.

[@Noah_E]

Placard plus 10 percent would be crazy in my truck. It recommends 75 PSI. Seventy-five is absolutely insane on heavy duty tires. It's like driving on beach balls. I run them at 60 PSI and have had no issues. My Forester recommends 33 and feels best at 32. Again, 36 PSI is way too stiff and transfers too much impact and tends to wander.

[@steveibbotson1214]

How about one for weekdays and one for the weekends a bit like the FUN in the 4x4. Thanks for taking me back to college all those years ago for the beer garden physics as well as the conundrum of the UK equivalant of the Ginger or Mary Anne debate.

[@Dyno440]

First comment ever. I am compelled to agree 100% Definitely, The only correct correct answer. Considering the options existing! on the mythical island of Gilligan's curse of pitiful ineptitude . Gillian would not have lasted to the thirrd episode, in a real world situation.

[@boondocker7964]

Tires are much better today,than 50 years ago when I got my first car, still, I try to take care of them, as best as I can.

[@AutoExpertJC]

That's true too.

[@camberwellcarrot420]

Mary Ann without hesitation.

[@dantheman5222]

@chris younts one woman is enough trouble lol

[@iloveg25]

Awesome! Also a trick used by some in very bad mud or snow, is to put tyre chains just before that iffy bit of road... The shovel, so underrated, can even help out if one does not have a 46 King Dick slogging spanner :D

[@markchesterfield6118]

Thanks again John for your legendary wisdom. Any definitely Mary Ann. Oh my!

[@dextermorgan5751]

Thanks John. Good info

[@Schaapkraal]

I drive off road 80+% of the time. Would a tyre with a taller sidewall help with comfort over small bumps. My tyres are almost due for replacement and would like to fit something that could increase comfort

[@garageblitztv3215]

Let’s just hope that the people who need to view this and take note, will view it!

[@SpeedSmith]

Excellent review there John, thanks

[@SteveMack]

Good tips as usual mate...my HJ60 landcruiser sits in the yard no longer registered, so it doesn't matter as much lol

[@AquaMarine1000]

750x16 tyres yesss

[@michaelpounds9300]

Mary Ann Summers. Thank you very much!

[@RandomActsofGibberish]

Correct answer: Why not both?

[@AutoExpertJC]

Very good point.

[@robames1293]

@@AutoExpertJCGreat info as usual. Off subject but a magazine from UK stated that some car manufacturers in Europe have been campaigning to have OBD ports not installed to stop non-approved repairers working on them. (does VW spring to mind?)

[@troyjollimore4100]

@@robames1293 I would think BMW. They were the ones that spearheaded a drive for that about a decade or so ago. Plus, they removed oil and transmission fluid dipsticks from their engines back then as well. Why would you ever need to check those?

[@johntheaccountant5594]

Thank you for that really useful information you put together for your Ausy city dwellers negotiating those tarmac roads in their 4WD pick up and 4WD SUVs. What would they do without you Johny Boy?

[@AK-ny5bz]

You make it sound like Mad Max

[@alanhilder1883]

The furthest off-road 90% of all 4x4s go is off the road and onto the concrete driveway at home. Has anyone else noticed that these vehicles, built to go over rough ground, really struggle with speed bumps in car parks?

[@kadmow]

Maybe; Let some air out and/or slow down??- - OR?? - Other Ideas?? lol.

[@liamandrewartha4803]

Hey John, Would you ever recommend an old-school high lift jack over a bottle jack for 4x4ing.

[@biggles1024]

There's no link to the compressor package, John.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Fixed - thanks.

[@AK-ny5bz]

There are more compact and still capable enough tyre inflators.

[@ronaldsmeaton1432]

John could you please explain to me why you would spend eighty k buying a 4x4 then spend 100 plus k altering a brand new Ute to go into the outback for a tv show am I missing the point please explain...

[@garyvee6023]

Damm, you need to tow a trailer to just carry the air compessor and acc..., because by the time you put all of the other stuff in the back of your car there would be nowhere for the esky and fishing gear. ha

[@lucdelhaize4029]

Makes a lot of sense.

[@gordonbismire1436]

Hey john more handsaws in the background than the cast of gilligan’s island ! What’s doing ? Should only be collecting Distons

[@brucesieverts1236]

Got a Suzuki Jimmy - I want to put some 325 60 20 tyres on .the dude at the 4x4 store thinks that I will need a shit load of custom built parts and it's going to cost thousands. Is he pulling my middle finger. What do you think ?

[@AK-ny5bz]

Spreading the leg and load.. both may be good ideas

[@justinwright6611]

I still think you should team up with an off road channel and set up challenge to get from point A to point B. Cadogan V 4WD/247 for example.

[@petergarland5613]

Good information as usual. But a Pro tip us if you are stupid enough to drive your 4WD on a beach then make sure you pressure wash the underbody of the vehicle meticulously with copious amounts of water to flush out the salt solution you covered your vehicle with as soon as possible after your adventure.

[@petergarland5613]

As well as restoring tire pressures

[@duartemachado1158]

The drill is definitely better than a pointer.

[@greg1882]

what can I say Mary-Ann every day if I could... but wait Mrs Howel Mmmmmm Best pressure report I have seen !!!

[@brettc4387]

Cutting through the BS John, thanks !

[@MiniLuv-1984]

Missing link for the compressor kit? Loved the trip down the rabbit hole of self awareness...some would argue with your assumption. They also don't vaccinate their kids and talk to plants.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Link fixed - but can't help with the plant-talkers.

[@robstone4537]

You don’t need any recovery gear. As soon as you get bogged there are always a dozen blokes in singlets beating each other with sticks to be the one to prove their 4wd is the best by pulling you out.

[@axios76]

Brilliant!. Thank you!

[@antone.henderson]

Always had a thing for redheads so Ginger for me. Thanks for the enlightenment. Regards Tony

[@jeffpetley5425]

Very well explained.

[@glight2502]

24:00 ish - Mary Ann

[@hughaskew6550]

"The other four tires"? John, you didn't tell us that this example was for a 5-wheeled off-road vehicle!

[@AutoExpertJC]

You try ad-libbing for that long, word-perfect.

[@AdamMansbridge]

You can hear the violence of tyres when a ute on 33" mud tyres passes you (which they will, 'cause they're not going to stay behind you)

[@robstone4537]

Not any Ute, a Ford Ranger. Ford Ranger drivers have become the new BMW drivers.

[@AdamMansbridge]

@@robstone4537 pretty sure it was a Nissan Patrol

[@PHancock11]

good info, Thanks......Mary-anne...of course

[@samboelliott1]

I performed quite the epic moronic driving adventure over two days once when, while circumnavigating the country I decided to do the Gibb River Road with new road tyres at full pressure, driving flat out, in a ML270 with a space saver spare. I got away with it. The tyres were seriously cut to pieces with actual chicks missing and hanging off, but they made it. The car made it, with damage, and died shortly after getting me home to Cairns.

[@goldwingman1500]

G,Day John i own a honda awd crv 2008 model do i need to change all tyres at once instead of putting two on front theen two on rear ?

[@GuitarsRockForever]

John addressed similar question many months ago, I think. Change all 4.

[@Mambey]

Did you work for a 4wd mag in a past life or do you have a brother that does?

[@leggoman1000]

Maryanne every day ... yessss ... please

[@bobyearley5088]

Epileptic itself into the sand. I nearly choked on my beer :-)

[@pw510577w]

What about the BMW X3/X5 with their run flat tyres?

[@kadmow]

ha ha ha..... Funny query!

[@AK-ny5bz]

It seems like have been there, done all of those.

[@pacman5590]

I don’t know why but this video makes me feel quite sorry for the lonely little tread block..... Also, always remember to connect the black lead before the red when hooking up the compressor!

[@edwardgodsell]

Mary Ann

[@brettdavies3887]

Yep Mary Ann

[@whitedogproductions6153]

Cheers John

[@jiaczemo]

Disliked per your recent request. FYI, like your moves and love your style. Columbia, Missouri Retardhstan.

[@AutoExpertJC]

Thank you Andrew

[@paulkerr782]

Definitely Mary- Anne.

[@brianbourke8859]

Hey John where is the compressor link

[@mael-strom9707]

It's somewhere near the flux capacitor. 😅😆