Tire Pressure

Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate efficiently.

• Tire overloading and overheating, which can lead to a blowout.
• Premature or uneven tread wear.
• Poor handling.
• Reduced fuel economy.

Overinflated tires, or tires that contain too much air, can result in:

• Uneven wear.
• Poor handling.
• Harsh ride.
• Increased damage from road hazards.

The Tire and Loading Information placard on the vehicle indicates the original equipment tire size and the correct cold tire inflation pressures. The recommended pressure is the minimum air pressure required to maintain maximum load-carrying capacity. Refer to Vehicle Load Limits.

How a vehicle is loaded affects handling, ride quality, and comfort. Never load the vehicle with more weight than it was designed to carry.

When to Check

Check the tires once a month or more. Do not forget the compact spare tire, if the vehicle has one. For a cold compact spare tire, the pressure should be 420 kPa (60 psi). See Compact Spare Tire.

How to Check

Use a good quality pocket-type tire pressure gauge. Proper tire inflation cannot be determined by looking at the tire. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or driven no more than 1.6 km (1 mile).

Remove the cap from the tire valve stem. Press the tire pressure gauge firmly onto the valve to get a pressure reading. If the cold tire pressure matches the recommended tire pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label, no further adjustment is needed. If the inflation pressure is low, add air until the recommended pressure is reached. If the inflation pressure is high, press the metal pin in the center of the tire valve to release air.

Recheck the tire pressure using a tire pressure gauge.

Reinstall the valve caps on the valve stems to protect against dirt and moisture and to prevent leaks. Use only valve caps designed for the GM vehicle. TPMS sensors may be damaged and not be covered by the vehicle warranty.