Chevrolet Spark Owners Manual: Tire Pressure
Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively.
Caution
Neither tire underinflation nor overinflation is good.
Underinflated tires, or tires that do not have enough air, can result in:
- Tire overloading and overheating which could lead to a blowout.
- Premature or irregular wear.
- Poor handling.
- Reduced fuel economy.
Overinflated tires, or tires that have too much air, can result in:
- Unusual wear.
- Poor handling.
- Rough ride.
- Needless damage from road hazards.
The Tire and Loading Information label on the vehicle indicates the original equipment tires and the correct cold tire inflation pressures. The recommended pressure is the minimum air pressure needed to support the vehicle's maximum load carrying capacity.
For additional information regarding how much weight the vehicle can carry, and an example of the Tire and Loading Information label, see Vehicle Load Limits on page 9-9. How the vehicle is loaded affects vehicle handling and ride comfort. Never load the vehicle with more weight than it was designed to carry.
When to Check
Check the tires once a month or more.
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to check the tire pressure. Proper tire inflation cannot be determined by looking at the tire. Check the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or no more than 1.6 km (1 mi).
Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press the tire gauge firmly onto the valve to get the pressure measurement.
If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.
If the inflation pressure is low, add air until the recommended pressure is reached. If the inflation pressure in high, press on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve to release air.
Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gauge.
Return the valve caps on the valve stems to keep out dirt and moisture and prevent leaks.
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: ...
Tire Pressure Monitor System
The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio and sensor technology to check
tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in your tires and
transmit tire pressure readings ...
Other materials:
Doing Your Own Service Work
Warning
It can be dangerous to work on your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service manual, tools, or parts. Always follow owner manual
procedures and consult the service manual for your vehicle before doing any service
work.
If doing some of your own service work, use the p ...
Rear Seats
Folding the Seatback
Either side of the seatback can be folded down for more cargo space.
Fold a seatback only when the vehicle is not moving.
Caution
Folding a rear seat with the safety belts still fastened may cause
damage to the seat or the safety belts. Always unbuckle the safety belts and ...
Engine Compartment Fuse Block
The engine compartment fuse block is on the driver side of the vehicle, near
the battery.
Caution
Spilling liquid on any electrical component on the vehicle may
damage it. Always keep the covers on any electrical component.
To access the fuses, press the tab at the front of the cover, and ...
