Tire Inflation Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Chevrolet Corvette. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

IMPORTANT: This vehicle is equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. Refer to Tire Pressure Monitor Description and Operation in Tire Pressure Monitoring.

This vehicle has been engineered to operate up to the stated load capacity with wheel and tire assemblies of the type, size, construction, and configuration as originally installed. Maintenance of the tire inflation pressures is critical to the continued satisfactory performance, handling, and operating economy of the vehicle. Operation with incorrectly or improperly inflated tires can adversely affect vehicle performance and may contribute to the following:

Reduced fuel economy
Tire overloading
Shortened tire life
Excessive tire wear
Uneven tire wear
Vehicle handling concerns

Inspect the tire pressures when the vehicle has not been driven for at least 3 hours or not more than 1.6 km (1 mi) and when the tires are cool to the touch.

Tire inflation pressures should be inspected monthly and before an extended trip and adjusted to meet the specifications listed for the particular vehicle. Replace any missing or damaged tire valve stem extensions and/or caps to prevent the intrusion of water and contaminates.

One pound per square inch (psi) equals 6.9 kilopascals (kPa). The following table illustrates the conversion of kilopascals to pounds per square inch:

Inflation Pressure Conversion (Kilopascals to PSI)

kPa	psi	kPa	psi
140	20	215	31
145	21	220	32
155	22	230	33
160	23	235	34
165	24	240	35
170	25	250	36
180	26	275	40
185	27	310	45
190	28	345	50
200	29	380	55
205	30	415	60
Conversion: 6.9 kPa = 1 psi

For the correct inflation pressures refer to the vehicle tire placard.

Tires inflated to a higher than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions:

A hard ride
Tire bruising
Rapid tread wear at the center of the tire

Tires inflated to a lower than recommended pressure can contribute to the following conditions:

Tire squeal on turns
Hard steering
Rapid and/or uneven wear on the outer edges of the tread
Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
Tire cord breakage
High tire temperatures
Sluggish vehicle handling
Higher fuel consumption

Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the following conditions:

Uneven braking action
Steering lead
Imprecise vehicle handling