Correct tyre pressure can often lead to heated debate. There are just as many opinions on the subject as there are SUV and 4×4 models on the market. Seeing that Suzuki’s Jimny (in both three- and five-door guise) has become the darling of South African off-roading and overlanding enthusiasts, we approached Ryno Cloete, also known as RollingRyno and JimnyDRIVE on social media for some insight into the correct tyre pressures for this inimitable little tyke. Since 2009 he has been deeply involved in Suzuki Jimny 4×4 training, having driven extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa in various 4x4s. He is an accredited 4×4 instructor, assessor, and defensive driver instructor. Currently, he drives a Jimny five-door manual, and his JimnyDRIVE 4×4 courses are officially endorsed by Suzuki SA.
As Ryno explains, people buy Jimny’s to explore, have fun, tackle trails, and venture into neighbouring countries. It’s an amazing vehicle, but there’s one critical aspect often misunderstood: tyre pressures. Based on his experiences, he aims to shed some light on the importance of proper tyre pressure management for the Jimny.
Why tyre pressure matters
Tyre pressure is more than just numbers on a gauge; it’s about safety, performance, fuel efficiency, and tyre longevity. The recommended tyre pressures for the Jimny are determined by Suzuki’s engineers and can be found on a sticker located on the B-pillar door frame—a spot often overlooked by drivers. Unfortunately, many Jimny owners don’t take the time to consult their vehicle’s manual or notice this important sticker.
Tyre pressure and wheel setup is different for each vehicle! And this is very important for a Jimny due to its light weight. It is crucial not to overinflate the tyres. The recommended pressures for daily driving are there for a specific purpose, doing a very important job. By pumping your tyres to the specifications given by Suzuki for your specific model, whether it’s a Gen 3 or Gen 4 Jimny, you maximise equal grip, based on the weight of your unloaded or loaded Jimny.
Benefits of maintaining proper tyre pressure
Safety – Correct tyre pressure ensures stability and control, reducing the risk of accidents.
Improved vehicle performance – Proper inflation enhances handling and responsiveness, improving your overall driving experience.
Fuel efficiency – Adequately inflated tyres can improve fuel economy, saving you money over time.
Extended tyre life – Incorrect tyre pressure can lead to uneven wear, reducing the lifespan of your tyres.
The importance of deflating tyres for off-roading
When you deflate a tyre, it doesn’t get wider as many believe. Instead, the tyre’s footprint elongates, maximising grip. This extended footprint is crucial for off-road traction, especially when combined with careful line selection over obstacles, as it spreads the vehicle’s weight over a larger area and reduces surface pressure. For soft terrain, reducing tyre pressures, on the standard tyres, to 120kPa (1.2 bar) is recommended. However, be cautious not to reduce pressure too much, as this could cause the tyre to detach from the wheel.
For rocky and rough terrain, slightly lower tyre pressures help the tyre conform to obstacles, improving ride comfort and reducing the risk of punctures. Too soft tyres, while driving over rocks, can cause sidewall cuts.
When driving on tar
The tyre pressures specified by Suzuki for daily driving are there for a reason. Do not overinflate your tyres! Overinflating tyres reduces their contact with the road surface, diminishing grip. For example, in an emergency braking situation, the correct tyre pressure will maximise grip equally over the section touching the driving surface. By overinflating your tyres, you lose maximum grip, as the tyre will run more on the centre and less on the outside edges, reducing grip when it’s needed the most.
When driving at high speeds on tarred roads, especially with extra weight, it’s crucial to inflate tyres to the OEM-recommended pressures for a loaded Jimny. Underinflated tyres can lead to overheating, blowouts, and loss of control.
Fitting all-terrain tyres
Many of us want to buy an all-terrain tyre for different reasons, whether that be for practicality or looks. When visiting a tyre shop, we often get our Jimnys fitted with new 15-inch tyres, typically inflated to 2.2 or 2.5 bar. Why? Because most tyre shops train staff that the correct pressure for a 215/75/15 tyre must be 2.2 or 2.5 bar.
However, what they don’t teach them is that tyre pressures are related to the type of tyre and the weight of the vehicle. Do not argue with them. Politely ask them to pump your tyres according to the manufacturer’s specifications as indicated on the inside of the driver’s door or adjust it yourself at home with your own gauge.
Tyre gauges and pressure monitoring
Tyre gauges at petrol stations are often inaccurate due to infrequent calibration. It’s essential to invest in a reliable tyre gauge for home use. For frequent off-roaders like Ryno, tools like the South African-made IndeFlate are invaluable for quickly and accurately adjusting tyre pressures, two at the same time.
Specific tyre pressure recommendations for the Jimny
Gen 3 Jimny – standard tyres
- Standard daily usage, unloaded: 160kPa (1.6 bar)
- Loaded: 160kPa (1.6 bar) front, 180kPa (1.8 bar) rear
- Off-road: 120kPa (1.2 bar) all around
- Long-distance gravel: 140kPa (1.4 bar) all around
Gen 4 Jimny – standard tyres
- Standard daily usage, unloaded: 180kPa (1.8 bar)
- Loaded: 180kPa (1.8 bar) front, 200kPa (2.0 bar) rear
- Off-road: 120kPa (1.2 bar) all around
- Long-distance gravel: 140kPa (1.4 bar) all around
Gen 3 & Gen 4 Jimny – all-terrain tyres
For all-terrain tyres on both Gen 3 and Gen 4 Jimnys (commonly 215/75/15), the pressures remain the same for daily use. However, for off-roading, you can deflate to 100kPa (1.0 bar). All-terrain tyres have stronger sidewalls and can handle the additional stress of off-roading. Jimny’s are very light that adjusting the tyre pressure to 1.0 bar gives only a slight bulge on the sidewall, but just what is needed regarding a longer footprint.
Helpful tip
Ryno inflates his Jimny’sspare tyre to 300kPa (3.0 bar). The reason for this is should he find himself with a flat tyre in a dangerous situation, he can quickly repair the puncture with his steel handle tyre repair kit, connect one connection of his two-pipe IndeFlate to the spare wheel and the other to the flat tyre and inflate the tyre from the spare. This means that he doesn’t have to waste time connecting his 72-litre/minute compressor to the battery and can drive away as soon as possible.
Final thoughts
Tyres are the critical link between you and the road, making proper tyre pressure management essential for your safety and that of your passengers. Don’t take chances – follow the guidelines and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with safe and responsible driving.
*For more information on Jimny 4×4 training, visit www.jimnydrive.co.za or contact Ryno directly via WhatsApp at 083 440 2730.
.
