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:
Where Are the Airbags?
The driver frontal airbag is in the center of the steering wheel.
The front outboard passenger frontal airbag is in the passenger side instrument
panel.
The driver knee airbag is below the steering column. The front outboard passenger
knee airbag is below the glove box.
Driver Sid ...
Cooling System
The cooling system allows the engine to maintain the correct working temperature.
Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
Warning
An electric engine cooling fan under the hood can start up
even when the engine is not running and can cause injur ...
Driver Safety Belt Reminder Light
There is a driver safety belt reminder light on the instrument cluster.
When the vehicle is started, this
light flashes and a chime may come on to remind the driver to fasten their safety
belt. Then the light stays on solid until the belt is buckled.
This cycle may continue several times if th ...
