A Sand Driving Tyre Pressure Guide

Sand Driving Tyre Pressures: Why Airing Down Is So Important, BEFORE You Hit Soft Sand.

For many 4WD owners, sand driving can feel intimidating.

You might hear people talk about “momentum” or “just keep your foot in it,” but that advice can create more problems than it solves — especially if you’re new to driving on beaches or dunes.

The truth is, successful sand driving starts before you even move. It starts with tyre pressure.

Why Tyre Pressure Matters in Sand

On the road, your tyres are typically inflated to around 32–40 PSI. That keeps the vehicle stable, improves fuel economy, and reduces wear.

In soft sand, those same pressures work against you. At highway pressures, tyres are firm and hold their shape. That means the vehicle’s weight is concentrated into a smaller area. In sand, this causes the tyre to sink and dig.

When the vehicle starts to sink, the natural reaction is to press the accelerator harder and this often makes things worse.

Lowering your tyre pressure spreads the vehicle’s weight over a larger surface area. Instead of digging down into the sand, the vehicle is better able to float over it.

That’s the key difference.

It’s Not About Speed — It’s About Flotation

You may hear experienced drivers talk about momentum, but momentum should be a backup tool — not the main strategy.

Correct sand driving tyre pressure allows you to:

Drive more slowly and in control
Reduce wheelspin
Maintain steering control
Avoid sudden digging
Reduce stress on your vehicle

When tyres are overinflated in sand, the vehicle has to work much harder. That increases heat, drivetrain stress, and the likelihood of getting stuck.

Lowering tyre pressure makes the job easier for both the driver and the vehicle.

What Is the Best Tyre Pressure for Sand Driving?

There isn’t one perfect number for every vehicle. It depends on:

Vehicle weight
Tyre size and construction
How much gear you’re carrying
Whether you’re towing
The softness of the sand

As a starting point for most touring 4WDs:

18–20 PSI – Good starting pressure for beach driving
14–18 PSI – Softer dunes or heavily churned sand
Below 14 PSI – Only in very soft conditions and with appropriate care

If you’re unsure, start at around 18–20 PSI and adjust lower only if the vehicle is still struggling.

Lower pressures improve flotation, but they also increase sidewall flex. That means you should:

Drive at reduced speeds
Avoid sharp steering movements
Avoid aggressive throttle inputs
Reinflate once back on firm ground

Slow and steady is far more effective in sand than aggressive driving.

The Hidden Benefit: Protecting Your Vehicle

Many sand recoveries happen not because the vehicle isn’t capable, but because the tyre pressure wasn’t adjusted properly.

High pressures in soft sand can lead to:

Excessive wheelspin
Increased driveline shock loading
Transmission overheating
Deep ruts that make conditions worse for everyone

Lowering tyre pressure reduces strain across the entire vehicle. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect your investment while improving capability.

Using a Tyre Deflator to Get It Right

If lowering tyre pressure is the most important step, accuracy matters.

Trying to estimate pressure or releasing air without checking can lead to uneven handling or incorrect setup.

A purpose-built tyre deflator allows you to:

Lower pressures evenly across all four tyres
Monitor PSI as you deflate
Set a consistent target pressure
Make small adjustments if conditions change

The Saber Tyre Deflator is designed to make airing down simple and controlled — especially for drivers who want confidence and consistency before entering soft sand.

The goal isn’t speed for the sake of it. It’s preparation done properly.