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Wheels and Tyres Staun Tyre Deflators By Simon Ward-Hastelow Published: 14th Feb 2007 Original article: http://www.difflock.com/magazine/Wheels_and_Tyres/Staun_Tyre_Deflators.shtml

 Staun Products  info@devon4x4.com  www.staunproducts.com  Price: £45.00

Driving different terrains often requires different tyre pressures for optimum traction. Inflating and and deflating your tyres to the correct pressure can be time consuming and also a bit hit-and-miss if you're in a hurry. The Staun Tyre Deflators are the best method we've ever seen for DEFLATING to the correct pressure, far better than the age-old 'matchstick method'. Inflating back to road pressures will be covered in a separate article.

The theory is perfectly simple, use an adjustable valve that automatically shuts off when the desired pressure is achieved. Saving you the hassle of venting air (usually with a matchstick or ignition key!) check pressure, vent some more, check pressure again, etc, etc, for each tyre.

So why deflate your tyres anyway?
On soft terrain like sand progress is made easier with a broader footprint. Driving with tyres at standard pressure often just digs into the sand and makes progress very difficult. A softer and wider footprint has the effect of 'floating' you over the top of the sand. Depending on the type of tyre fitted deflating from 30psi down to 18 can more than DOUBLE the surface area of rubber in contact with the terrain.

Similarly for rock crawling. A tyre inflated to road pressure is hard and unforgiving and will bounce you off a large obstacle whereas a softer tyre will mould itself around the obstacle and allow you to drive over it with much less effort, for you AND the vehicle.

Although each deflator weighs just 30 grammes it is not recommended that you leave them fitted. Firstly you don't need to, once deflated they are no longer required. Secondly they do stick out further than the standard tyre valve so the risk of dislodging them is increased (or even damage the tyre valve)

We tried these deflators and can highly recommend them. Adjusting the pressure was a breeze and deflating all four tyres from 30psi down to 20psi took just 3 minutes including fitting and removing the Staun Deflators.

They also come with a handy leather pouch which can easily be kept in your glove box, or even your pocket!

Staun Tyre Deflators come preset to 18psi but this can be easily adjusted, even in the field

Adjust the pressure of your spare tyre to the desired level

Screw on the Staun Deflator

Adjust the large brass ring until air starts to vent then adjust back slightly until it stops. Lock with the smaller locking ring

View the STAUN TV ADVERT here