How To Use a 4wd Tyre Deflator

You need to know how to use a 4wd tyre deflator to lower your tyre pressure if you get out on dirt roads and sandy or muddy tracks. Watch my short video running through the basics of what you’ll need and how to get it done.

There is a technique to using a rapid tyre deflator. Here’s a quick how-to.

Identifying the Four Main Components of the Tyre Deflator

Tyre Deflator Components

  1. The first component is the gauge, use this to you take your readings.
  2. The second component is the spindle. This is the bit that threads on to the outside of your tyre valve. This component allows the valve core to be captured and allows the air release valve to slide.
  3. The third component is the valve core armature. This is a long thin steel shaft with a knob on the end. It has a valve core removal mechanism to internally remove and fasten your tyres valve core. The valve is completely captured inside the tool so there is no chance of losing it.
  4. The fourth component is the air release valve. This part slides up over the top of the spindle. This is the part that allows you to quickly release air from your tyres.

Using the Tyre Deflator – 5 steps to deflating a tyre

Step 1
Thread the spindle section onto your tyres valve stem. Make sure the threads are spinning freely and it isn’t cross threaded and your release valve is set to the closed setting (pushed towards the bottom of the tool).

Step 2
Push the valve core armature section all the way in. Gently turn it clockwise whilst seating to make sure that it connects correctly to the valve core within the valve stem. When seated the gentle rotation should stop. Gently screw the armature section in a counter clockwise direction while maintaining pressure against the valve core. This will unscrew the valve core. When the core is fully unscrewed the armature will be free to extend out of the way of the airflow from the valve.

Step 3
Now that the valve core has been removed you can check your tyre pressure with the gauge. Now, slide the air release valve back towards the top of the tool to allow air to rapidly exit. Check the pressure of your tyre often by sliding the air release valve back down towards the front to close it off.

Step 4
When the desired pressure has been reached depress the valve core armature section back in all the way. Now we just need to do the reverse of what we have done already to finish up. Turn the valve core armature counter-clockwise to reseat the valve core within the valve stem.

Step 5
Once you have tightened the valve core (don’t overtighten – just snug is ideal), check the air release valve to make sure the valve core has been put back properly. If no air escapes you can remove the spindle by unthreading it. Replace your valve caps to protect the seal from dust, sand and dirt.

Note
It’s a good idea to carry a few spare valves and dust caps. Removing and replacing the valves with the rapid tyre deflator does run the risk of damaging the valve. I have used the deflator hundreds of times and never damaged a valve, but there will always be that one time. You can get them very cheaply off eBay. Spare dust caps are a good idea, I have lost quite a few over the years. Again, they’re cheap on eBay so don’t go stealing them in your workplaces carpark!

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