Originally Posted by jhguth

while you're going through the process of checking pressures also check tire temps before and after you are driving down gravel roads, and if your tires are noticeably hotter the pressure is too low for the speed you're driving

there are rules of thumb about what temp increase is appropriate for tires and some people bring thermometers and stuff but i just use my palm and back of my hand - tires should be warm but not hot to the touch.

you'll calibrate your trusty hand thermometer after awhile of just feeling your tires in normal situations, get in the habit for awhile of just feeling your tire when you get out of the vehicle on regular road driving with them properly inflated - that's the temp they are supposed to be. your hand thermometer can also be good for finding if a brake is dragging and checking trailer wheel bearings among other things