Tire Inflation Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Sonoma, 2003 GMC Jimmy, 2003 Chevrolet S10 Pickup, and 2003 Chevrolet Blazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

When you inflate the tires to the recommended inflation pressures, the factory-installed wheels and tires are designed in order to handle loads to the tire's rated load capacity. Incorrect tire pressures, or under-inflated tires, can cause the following conditions:

Vehicle handling concerns
Poor fuel economy
Shortened tire life
Tire overloading

Inspect the tire pressure when the following conditions apply:

The vehicle has been sitting at least 3 hours.
The vehicle has not been driven for more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
The tires are cool.

Inspect the tires monthly or before any extended trip. Adjust the tire pressure to the specifications on the tire label. Install the valve caps or the extensions on the valves. The caps or the extensions keep out dust and water.

The kilopascal (kPa) is the metric term for pressure. The tire pressure may be printed in both kilopascal (kPa) and psi. One psi equals 6.9 kPa.

Fig 1: Inflation Pressure Conversion Table (Kilopascals To PSI)

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Tires with a higher than recommended pressure can cause the following conditions:

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

Tires with a lower than recommended pressure can cause the following conditions:

A tire squeal on turns
Hard steering
Rapid wear and uneven wear on the edge of the tread
Tire rim bruises and tire rim rupture
Tire cord breakage
High tire temperatures
Reduced vehicle handling
High fuel consumption
Soft riding

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

Uneven braking
Steering lead
Reduced vehicle handling

Refer to the Tire Placard for specific tire and wheel applications and tire pressures.