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
Caution: Use a tire changing machine in order to dismount tires. Do
not use hand tools or tire irons alone in order to remove the tire from the
wheel. Damage to the tire beads or the wheel ri ...
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:
Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Replacement - Driver Side
Instrument Panel Lower Airbag Replacement - Driver Side
Callout
Component Name
Warning: Refer to SIR Inflator Module Handling and Storage
Warning.
Warning: Refer to SIR Warning.
Preliminary Procedure
...
Tire Terminology and Definitions
Air Pressure
The amount of air inside the tire pressing outward on each square inch
of the tire. Air pressure is expressed in kPa (kilopascal) or psi (pounds per
square inch).
Accessory Weight
The combined weight of optional accessories. Some examples of optional
access ...
Replacing Engine Gaskets
Gasket Reuse and Applying Sealants
Do not reuse any gasket unless specified.
Gaskets that can be reused will be identified in the service procedure.
Do not apply sealant to any gasket or sealing surface unless called
out in the service information.
Separating ...
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