Tire Maintenance
Inflation
Riding on Air
How important is tire inflation to your vehicle? Considering tires are your first and only contact with the road, proper and correct inflation is vital to the optimal performance of your vehicle and your personal safety.
Check the inflation, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) of each tire at least once a month using a good quality pocket-type gauge. This is the only way to check your tire's air pressure. You cannot tell if your tires are properly inflated by simply looking at them.
How to Check and Adjust Air Pressure
Step ONE
Find the recommended inflation pressure for your tires on the vehicle information placard. For most GM vehicles, the tire inflation placard will be found on the driver's door or centre pillar near the door latch. Check your owner's manual for its exact location.
Step TWO
Tire pressure should always be measured when tires are cold. This means your vehicle should be stationary for at least three hours or has not been driven more than 2 km.
Step THREE
Remove valve cap from tire, press tire gauge onto valve and take pressure reading.
Step FOUR
Add or remove air to achieve recommended air pressure. If you need to reduce pressure, release air by depressing the metal stem at the centre of the valve and re-measure. If more air is needed, take note of the pressure reading, take a second reading and then add air.
Step FIVE
Replace valve cap and repeat for remaining tires, including your spare.
Never Over. Never Under.
Over inflation of a tire is as harmful as under inflation. That's why knowing your vehicle's tires' exact recommended air pressure figure is important.
Over-Inflation
Too much air can cause the following:
- Unusual wear
- Poor handling
- A rough ride
Under-Inflation
Likewise, too little air can also cause problems:
- Too much flexing
- Overheating
- Tire overload
- Unusual wear
- Reduced handling
- Reduced fuel economy
Tire Tip!
Tires will lose pressure when the temperature gets colder. The general rule provided by tire manufacturers is 7kpa or 1psi drop for every 5 degree Celsius or Fahrenheit change, so measuring tire pressures year-round is vital.
