Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual: Tire Inflation Description Wheels

When you inflate the tires to the recommended inflationpressures, the factory-installed wheels and tires are designed inorder to handle loads to the tire's rated load capacity. Incorrecttire pressures, or under-inflated tires, can cause the followingconditions:

Vehicle handling concernsPoor fuel economyShortened tire lifeTire overloading

Inspect the tire pressure when the following conditionsapply:

The vehicle has been sitting at least3-hours.The vehicle has not been driven for more than1.6-km (1-mi).The tires are cool.

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

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

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

Tires with a higher than recommended pressure can cause thefollowing conditions:

A hard rideTire bruisingRapid tread wear at the center of the tire

Tires with a lower than recommended pressure can cause thefollowing conditions:

A tire squeal on turnsHard steeringRapid wear and uneven wear on the edge of the treadTire rim bruises and tire rim ruptureTire cord breakageHigh tire temperaturesReduced vehicle handlingHigh fuel consumptionSoft riding

Unequal pressure on the same axle can cause the followingconditions:

Uneven brakingSteering leadReduced vehicle handling

Refer to the Tire Placard for specific tire and wheelapplications and tire pressures.