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

Inaccurate load and tire pressure can cause poor fuel usage, uneven tire wear and possibly even a blowout of your Chevy Silverado's tires. That's why it is so important to check the pressure of your tires on a regular basis.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tire gauge

1. Locate the proper load and air pressure for your Silverado. There is a decal on the inside of the driver's door of the Silverado that recommends a 28 to 36 psi weight load for the truck. Accordingly, your pressure may need to be adjusted depending upon the load you may be carrying for a particular trip.

2. Screw off the valve stem caps. The valve stems are located near the hubcap of each tire. These little caps can be lost very easily. Make sure you have a secure, flat surface to place the caps while you work.

3. Locate the small pin in the center of the valve stem, as this is where you'll place the gauge.

4. Push the gauge against the stem quickly and firmly to keep air from escaping the tire. Should you hear hissing, simply adjust your angle or your pressure against the stem to stop the flow of air from leaving the tire.

5. Remove the gauge from the valve stem and check the reading. Compare this number to the recommended 28 to 36 psi for your Silverado.

6. Add air if low. Be sure not to exceed the recommended air pressure for your tires. Once all tires, including your spare, have the same amount of air pressure, replace all caps and put your gauge away.

Tips & Warnings

• The 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x2 Crew Cab Short Box (2LT/LTZ) is manufactured with P245/70R17 108S tires. The 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 Crew Cab Short Box (LS) comes with P265/70R17 113S tires. The 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500 4x4 Ext. Cab Long Box (WT/1LT/2LT/LTZ) is made with P265/70R17 113S tires. The higher the weight load on the tires, the more air pressure you should use with your Silverado. The last number in the tire number is the Silverado's tire weight load.
• Be careful not to over-inflate or under-inflate your tires. Too much air could cause the tread to separate from the steel belt, and too little air could cause a blowout.