What is typical tire pressure for snow?

[1RNGR]

Is there a rule of thumb tire pressure for snow? Or does it vary depending on variables like ice, terrain, chains, etc?

I helped a Toyota out who slid sideways on Dog Valley Road yesterday and went into the ditch. When I suggested he air down his tires, he asked me this question. All I could tell him was I was running at 16 pounds and getting good traction, but I don't know if I gave him good advice or not.

 

[Mike Pierson]

Lower the better. If not on beadlocks then about 10lbs would be the max to avoid de-beading but if on beadlocks you can go down to a couple PSI.

 

[Brute]

On bead locks in deep snow I usually run at 4 psi

 

[GP NOIR]

It depends on the conditions and tire.

In general, on pavement, air the tires up, especially with snow tires. The tires will cut through the snow down to the pavement for traction.

Off-road, it varies greatly. In some conditions, The tires will work better aired up so they can cut through the snow to bite into the terrain underneath. In others, it’s best to air down and float on top. Sometimes, no matter what you try, you ain’t getting through!

 

[1RNGR]

Went down to 4 lbs today on Peavine Peak in Reno, NV. We had an epic day in deep snow going up and down the hills.

 

[cozdude]

Last big snow we had I went down to 8psi on my beadlocks. Allowed me to float on top a bit more even on the road where there was more noticeable grooves.