Chevrolet Sonic Repair Manual: Tire Inflation Description
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.
|
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 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.
Tire Dismounting and Mounting (Match Mounting)
Match mounting is required on any wheel/tire assembly not within RFV specification.
Important: If a wheel/tire assembly is not within the RFV specification
after match mounting, the ti ...
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, be inspected for signs of wear or damage at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
The indicators at three or ...
Other materials:
Tire Pressure Indicator Sensor Replacement
Removal Procedure
Raise the vehicle on a suitable support. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.
Remove the tire/wheel assembly from the vehicle. Refer
to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
Dismount the tire from the rim. Refer to
Tire Dismounting and Moun ...
General Description
The factory installed tires are designed to operate satisfactorily with loads
up to and including the full rated load capacity when these tires are inflated to
the recommended pressures.
The following factors have an important influence on tire life:
Correct tire pressures
Correct wheel ...
Exhaust Manifold Heat Shield Installation
Install the exhaust manifold heat shield (2).
Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution.
Install the 3 exhaust manifold heat shield bolts (1) and the washers and
tighten to 8 Y (71 lb in).
...
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