WHY DEFLATEYOUR TYRES?

Dropping your tyre pressure before hitting sand, corrugations, or rocky tracks isn't optional, it's essential. Here's the science behind why, and what it means for your rig.

SHOP DEFLATORS
250%MORETRACTION
40%BETTER OBSTACLECLEARANCE
15%FUEL SAVINGSOFF-ROAD
Protect the Environment
More Traction
Clear Obstacles
Save Fuel
Softer Surfaces
Less Wear & Tear
THE DIFFERENCE

FULL PRESSURE VS. DEFLATED

See why every experienced 4WD owner airs down before hitting the tracks.

FULL PRESSURE
FULL PRESSURE DEEP RUTS
  • Narrow contact patch sinks into sand
  • Deep tyre ruts damage the environment
  • Bounces off obstacles and corrugations
  • Higher fuel consumption off-road
  • Axle hop wears out drivetrain
DEFLATED PRESSURE
DEFLATED PRESSURE WIDE FOOTPRINT
  • Wide footprint floats over soft terrain
  • Minimal environmental disruption
  • Tyre conforms to rocks and roots
  • 10–15% fuel savings off-road
  • Smooth ride, less drivetrain stress
THE SCIENCE

6 REASONS TO DEFLATE

Every experienced 4WD driver knows these by heart. Here's why they matter.

  1. MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL DISRUPTION
    70%LESS GROUNDDAMAGE

    MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL DISRUPTION

    An inflated tyre leaves a noticeably deeper imprint on the terrain it crosses. By reducing tyre pressure, you widen the contact patch and distribute your vehicle's weight over a larger area, leaving a lighter footprint on sand, mud, and bush trails.

    This isn't just good practice — it's how we protect and conserve our natural environment so everyone can enjoy the off-road experience in the future.

  2. INCREASE YOUR VEHICLE'S TRACTION
    250%MORETRACTION

    INCREASE YOUR VEHICLE'S TRACTION

    A wider contact patch dramatically increases grip on loose surfaces. Tests have shown up to 250% more traction at lower tyre pressures, especially on sand and gravel.

    Better traction means fewer recoveries, less damage, and a more confident drive — the kind of confidence that lets you focus on the trail, not the next bog.

  3. REDUCE RESISTANCE TO OBSTACLES
    40%BETTER OBSTACLEHANDLING

    REDUCE RESISTANCE TO OBSTACLES

    Tests have shown a 40% improvement in overcoming obstacles at lower tyre pressures. A deflated tyre conforms around rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces rather than bouncing off them.

    The result is a smoother, softer ride with less jarring for you, your passengers, and your vehicle. Your spine — and your cargo — will thank you.

  4. IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY BY 10–15%
    15%FUELSAVINGS

    IMPROVED FUEL ECONOMY BY 10–15%

    Fuel usage increases when tyres are at higher pressures on off-road surfaces because more revs and greater acceleration are required to push through soft terrain.

    Deflating reduces rolling resistance on sand and gravel, meaning your engine works less hard. Over a long trip, that 10–15% fuel saving adds up fast.

  5. TRAVEL ON SOFTER SURFACES
    2XCONTACTAREA

    TRAVEL ON SOFTER SURFACES

    The bigger the footprint, the softer the surface you can travel on — because your vehicle's weight is distributed over a larger area.

    When tyres have very little traction, they have a greater chance of getting bogged. Deflating effectively doubles your contact patch, turning your tyres into flotation devices on soft sand and mud.

  6. REDUCE WEAR & TEAR ON DRIVETRAIN
    REDUCEDDRIVETRAINSTRESS

    REDUCE WEAR & TEAR ON DRIVETRAIN

    Driving with higher tyre pressure on soft surfaces can cause axle hop — your wheels repeatedly losing and regaining traction. This puts enormous stress on differentials, gearboxes, axles, and bearings.

    Deflating provides consistent grip, which means smooth power delivery and far less mechanical punishment on your drivetrain. Over time, this saves serious money on repairs.

QUICK REFERENCE

THE NUMBERS AT A GLANCE

250%MORE TRACTIONFrom a 25–30% drop in tyre pressure on loose or soft terrain.
40%OBSTACLE HANDLINGImprovement in overcoming rocks, roots, and uneven surfaces.
10–15%FUEL SAVINGReduced rolling resistance means less fuel burned off-road.
2XCONTACT AREAWider footprint distributes weight and prevents bogging.
70%LESS GROUND DAMAGELighter imprint preserves trails for future generations.
REDUCEDDRIVETRAIN STRESSConsistent grip eliminates axle hop and mechanical wear.

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FROM 4WD'RS

From Fraser Island to the Simpson Desert see Staunies in action.

“I've used Staun deflators for over 20 years on every trip. They are simply the most reliable piece of kit in my recovery bag. Nothing else comes close to the accuracy and speed.”
David Wilson4WD Driver Trainer, Author
“Don't waste money on cheap copies. I learned the hard way. Staun is the only way to go.”

— Ken Brown, Brownie's Coastwatch

“Super fast, super accurate. Makes beach driving a breeze.”

— Cole Ford, rockcrawler.com