How to Check Air Pressure in a Tire in a Chevy Corvette

The Rubber Manufacturers Association recommends taking 5 minutes every month to check the air pressure in your Chevy Corvette tires. Increased performance and gas mileage can result from taking the time to ensure proper pressure.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tire gauge

1. Check that your tires are cold, which means the car has not been driven for more than 2 miles recently. Tires expand with heat, so your reading will not be accurate if they are warm. If your Corvette tires are already low on air, check the pressure before driving the car. That way, you know exactly how much to add once you reach the gas station.

2. Check the placard on the inside driver's door of your Corvette for the range of tire air pressure. Later model Corvettes have ranges of 28 to 34 psi.

3. Unscrew the valve stem cap from the valve stem on each tire. The valve stem is the long black extension coming from your tire near the hubcap. Place the caps in a secure area until you've finished your check. These caps can disappear very quickly.

4. Locate the small pin in the center of the valve stem. This is where the gauge will be placed.

5. Press the end of the gauge to make sure that the indicator stick is all the way inside before pressing the gauge firmly and quickly against the valve stem. If your angle is off or you need to add more pressure, you will hear a hissing noise letting you know that air is escaping.

6. Remove the gauge and check the reading.

7. Inflate the tires on your Corvette only to the recommended range of pressure, depending on how much weight your Corvette will be carrying.

Tips & Warnings

• The 2009 Chevy Corvette ZR1 comes with front tires P285/30R19/LL (87Y) and rear tires P335/25R20/LL (94Y). The 2008 Chevy Corvette Coupe & Convertible comes with P245/40ZR18/LL (88Y) front tires and P285/35ZR19/LL (90Y) rear tires. The 2008 Chevy Corvette Z06 comes with P275/35ZR18/LL (87Y) front tires and rear tires P325/30ZR19/LL (94Y). The higher the final number on these tires, the more weight each tire can handle. The higher the number, the more air pressure you need for your Corvette.
• Check the reading a second time if you're not sure you did the check correctly. Proper air pressure can increase fuel usage.
• With winter comes a colder temperature, which decreases pressure in the tires. Checking air pressure more frequently during this time of year is highly recommended.
• Be careful not to over-inflate or under-inflate your tires. Both could cause damage or even a blowout.