Posted on 6/27/2025
When you're heading off the pavement and into the dirt, rocks, or sand, one of the most important adjustments you can make to your vehicle is tire pressure. While highway tire pressure is optimized for fuel economy and tread life, off-road tire pressure serves a very different purpose. Knowing how and when to adjust it can improve traction, ride comfort, and overall control of your vehicle on rugged terrain. Why Tire Pressure Matters Off-Road The surface you drive on affects how your tires interact with the ground. On pavement, firm tire pressure enhances efficiency and improves steering response. But when the surface becomes loose, soft, or uneven, firm tires can actually hurt your vehicle's ability to grip. Lowering tire pressure increases the contact patch—the area of the tire that touches the ground. With more tire surface pressing against the terrain, your vehicle gains more traction. Softer tires can also conform to the terrain, which helps absor ... read more