Roll Over.

The importance of correct tyre pressures cannot be over-stated. Too high a pressure can cause wear in the centre of the tread. However, many writers prefer a pressure slightly higher than that recommended by the car maker as (i) a small drop in pressure just puts you back to the recommended pressure and (ii) car manufacturers often recommend a low-ish pressure to get a slightly better ride. Too low a pressure can cause wear on the outside edges of the tread and, even worse, can cause accidents.

Driving in sand or mud may require the tyre pressure to be lowered to gain sufficient traction. Do not forget to return the tyre pressure to normal once the surface improves and normal speeds are resumed. This is doubly important with tubeless tyres because breaking the seal to the rim instantly looses all tyre pressure.

Right is a picture of Justin Schooneman's Mitsubishi Pajero, showing the result of tubeless tyres rolling off the rims in a sideways slide at about 70kph. The accident occurred approximately 40km outside Mungo National Park in NSW. Fortunately, Justin and his wife walked away from rolling the car with minor cuts and bruises - for which they are very thankful.

Below is a picture of the Pajero outside the Silverton Hotel in a happier moment, about 24 hours prior to the accident. As Justin puts it "maybe we should have stayed in Broken Hill."

Go to the 4WD-Tyre, Mitsubishi or Four wheel drive safety pages