A method for controlling the inflation pressure of a plurality of inflatable tires, said method comprising the steps of:

a. providing a central tire inflation system including a connection to a source of pressurized fluid, an exhaust means, a pressure transducer remote from the inflatable tires and means for selecting a desired pressure of said inflatable tire;
b. sensing the selected desired inflation pressure of the inflatable tires;
c. exposing the pressure transducer to a fluid pressure substantially equal to the inflation pressure of one of said tires to measure and store an initial inflation pressure value;
d. comparing the initial inflation pressure value to the desired pressure value;
e. if said initial inflation pressure value exceeds said desired pressure value, calculating a target pressure value having a value less than said desired pressure value;
f. then causing the interior pressure chambers of said inflatable tires to be connected to the exhaust until the measured inflation pressure value is substantially equal to said target pressure value, and
g. then causing the interiors of said tires to be connected to the source of pressurized fluid until the measured inflation pressure value substantially equals said selected desired pressure value.

A system for carrying out the method is also disclosed.