How to put air in Chevy Equinox tire?
You should inflate the tire to the vehicle’s recommended cold tire pressure found on the driver’s door jamb placard, using a tire gauge to ensure accuracy, then recheck after the tire cools. This helps prevent under- or over-inflation and promotes even tire wear.
In this guide, you’ll learn where to find the correct PSI, what tools you’ll need, a step-by-step process for inflating using a home air compressor or a station pump, and safety tips to handle common issues like leaks or a stubborn tire.
What you’ll need
Before you begin, gather these items and confirm the correct pressure for your Equinox from the door placard or owner’s manual.
- A reliable tire pressure gauge (digital or analog)
- An air compressor (portable at home or a gas station station pump)
- The exact cold tire pressure value for your vehicle (from the placard on the driver’s door jamb or the owner's manual)
Having these on hand keeps the inflation process quick and accurate.
Step-by-step process
These steps assume you’re inflating a standard passenger tire when the tire is cold. If you’ve driven recently, allow the tire to cool for at least a few hours for an accurate reading.
- Park on a flat, stable surface, apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Remove the valve cap from the tire you’re inflating.
- Check the current tire pressure with your gauge. Compare the reading to the recommended cold PSI from the placard or manual.
- Attach the air hose nozzle securely to the valve stem. Begin inflating, keeping an eye on the gauge as you go.
- Inflate until you reach the target PSI. Do not overinflate; if you accidentally go past the number, release air in short bursts and recheck.
- Remove the nozzle, recheck the pressure with the gauge, and reinstall the valve cap. If the TPMS warning persists after driving, recheck the tire pressure and consult a professional if the tire continues to lose air.
Following these steps helps ensure the tire is properly pressurized for safety and optimal tire life.
Tips and safety considerations
Using a portable air compressor
When using a portable compressor, plug into a 12V outlet and monitor the gauge closely. Set the compressor to the target PSI, inflate gradually, and avoid overheating the compressor or the tire.
What if the tire won’t hold air
If a tire continues to lose air after inflation, there may be a puncture, a faulty valve stem, or a bead seating issue. Do not drive long distances on a rapidly losing tire; have it inspected or repaired promptly by a tire professional.
TPMS and timing considerations
The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) should reset after inflating and driving a short distance. If the light stays on after a reasonable drive, recheck the tire pressure and seek service if needed.
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