For any Jeep Wrangler owner who enjoys venturing off the beaten path, airing down your tires is an essential part of off-roading. It increases your tire’s contact patch, improves traction, and gives you a smoother ride over rough terrain. But how do you actually release air quickly and easily? That’s where tire deflators come in!
We’ll briefly review three main types of tire deflators to consider, each with their own pros and cons:
- Screw-On Deflators
Screw-on deflators are the simplest and most affordable option. Slightly more sophisticated than putting a rock under the valve stem cap, these deflators are simple, fool-proof, and always do the job; letting air out of your tires. Simply screw these deflators onto the valve stem, and once the desired pressure is reached, unscrew the deflator. I use the Teraflex Air Deflator keychain for my Jeep as a backup or for when a simple adjustment is needed.
Pros: They’re cheap and easy to use, and nearly impossible to break. Perfect for beginners or infrequent off-roaders.
Cons: You will need a separate pressure gauge to monitor the tire pressure manually. This is the slowest tire deflation option of the three, especially on larger tires. Easy to misplace an individual deflator (or two) due to the smaller size.
Popular Options: Teraflex Air Deflator Keychain, Budget-friendly tire deflators
In theory, you can use all four deflators at once, but monitoring the pressure is difficult without help. What I typically do is lightly thread on three of the deflators, while deflating one tire fully at a time. This method requires lots of manually pressure checks with a pressure gauge to ensure the tires are evenly deflated.
- Rapid Air Deflators with Built-In Gauge
Rapid air deflators temporarily remove the valve core to release air quickly, often much faster than screw-on tire deflators. While you will need to adjust each tire individually, the built-in gauge and faster deflation speed will typically allow you to air down all four tires quicker than using screw-on deflators. They tend to be made with high-quality materials like brass or stainless steel components, and braided hoses for added durability. Rapid air deflators can feature either a manual or digital pressure gauge.
Pros: Very fast deflation thanks to the valve core removal. Often constructed with durable, high-quality materials.
Cons: The bleed valve design can be noisy compared to other options. A more expensive option for casual off-roaders, especially when using a quality digital gauge.
Popular Options: Smittybilt Rapid Air Deflator (manual gauge), ARB E-Z Deflator (digital gauge)
- Automatic Tire Deflators
Using a set screw, these deflators automatically stop when the target tire pressure is reached. Depending on the style, these may require an initial set-up to confirm the desired tire pressure. Since setting the desired tire pressure is required before use, those who use multiple vehicles, or off-road on a variety of terrain may not enjoy resetting the ideal pressure for each tire size and type of terrain (sand, mud, rock, etc.).
Pros: They are often the fastest deflation option. The automatic shut-off feature allows you to deflate all four tires simultaneously. You can focus on other tasks while the tires are deflating.
Cons: Most expensive option for an accurate, high-quality version. Designs that use an external set screw can loosen and become inaccurate over time.
Popular Options: Staun tire deflators for 6-30 PSI, J.T. Brooks Auto Deflators (not PRO version shown above)
The Verdict
Ultimately, the best tire deflator for you depends on your budget and off-roading needs.
- For casual off-roaders who want a simple and affordable option, screw-on deflators are a great choice.
- If you want more control over deflation pressure, rapid air deflators offer a good balance of affordability and functionality.
- Serious off-roaders who prioritize speed, precision, and ease of use will appreciate the features of digital deflators or automatic tire deflators with internal set screws and easily adjustable pressure presets.
No matter which type of deflator you choose, remember that airing down your tires is an important safety precaution when venturing off-road. It will not only give you better traction but will make your ride more comfortable and enjoyable. So, happy trails!
No responses yet