GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Inflation Pressure

For tire pressure and maximum tire load rating specifications, refer to the tire loading information sticker located on the driver's door opening, below the door latch.

The metric unit for tire inflation pressure is the kilopascal (kPa), although inflation pressures are usually given in both kPa and psi. To convert between kPa and psi, use the following conversion formula:

1 psi = 6.9 kPa

Important: Tire valve caps must always be installed onto the tire valve to keep dirt and moisture out of valve.

Maintaining correct tire inflation pressure is essential to proper vehicle performance. The specified inflation pressure is carefully calculated to provide satisfactory ride, stability, precise steering, proper tire wear, and resistance to road damage.

Tire inflation pressure should be inspected when the tires are cold. Cold tires are defined as tires on a vehicle that have not been driven for at least 3 hours, or more than 1 mile.

As a vehicle is driven, the tires heat up. It is normal for  tire inflation pressure to increase by at least 28 kPa  (4 psi), when tires heat up. Therefore, on a vehicle with warm tires, never attempt to correct tire pressure by letting air out of the tire; wait until the tire cools down to check and adjust tire pressure. Letting air out of a warm tire reduces the cold inflation pressure.

Incorrect Tire Inflation Pressure

Incorrect tire inflation pressure can lead to the following symptoms:

Over-Inflation

    • Hard ride
    • Tire bruising or carcass damage
    • Rapid tread wear at center of tire

Under-Inflation

    • Tire squeal on turns
    • High steering effort
    • Rapid tread wear on tire edges
    • Tire bruises or bead rupture
    • Tire cord breakage
    • High tire temperatures
    • Degraded handling
    • Reduced fuel economy

Unequal-Inflation Pressure On Same Axle

    • Uneven braking
    • Steering lead or pull
    • Degraded handling
    • Swerve on acceleration