The recommended tire pressure for a Chevy Malibu is 35 pounds per square inch (PSI) for both front and rear tires, but depending on the model year and trim level, it could vary.
Properly inflating tires is a key component of road safety. Inflating your tires to the correct air pressure not only improves driving performance but also improves steering and handling, reduces your risk of a blowout or accident, and improves fuel economy.
If you’re unsure what the correct tire pressure is for your Chevy Malibu, don’t sweat it. Luckily, the car insurance
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has all the details on the proper tire pressure for the Chevy Malibu. We’ll cover how to find the correct pressure for your model, how you can check your tire pressure and reset the dashboard warning light, and even give you the best tip for reducing your Chevy Malibu insurance costs
without compromising coverage. What is the right tire pressure for a Chevy Malibu?
The recommended tire pressure for a Chevy Malibu depends on the model year and trim level, but generally speaking, the tire pressure should be 35 psi for both front and rear tires. To confirm the appropriate inflation level for your specific model, refer to your Chevy owner’s manual or locate the tire pressure sticker on the driver-side door jamb. It will display the vehicle’s weight restriction and tire information, including the recommended tire pressure.
While the Chevy Malibu doesn’t come in a high-performance variant, the tires you choose for your Malibu may influence pressure levels. For example, all-terrain or off-road tires typically require a different tire pressure. For example, the 245/45R18 all-season Blackwall tires that come standard on the Chevy Malibu RS
require inflation to 32 to 35 psi. If you’re putting non-stock tires on your Chevy Malibu, check the tire pressure specifications to ensure they’re correctly inflated.
Tire pressure recommendations for other Chevy vehicles
How to check Chevy Malibu tire pressure
Unsure how to find your tire pressure? Depending on your Malibu's model year and trim level, your vehicle may be equipped with tire pressure sensors on your Malibu’s dashboard display screen or infotainment touchscreen. This tire pressure monitoring system continually monitors the pressure of all four tires and will alert you with a low tire pressure warning if it’s time to inflate.
If you have an older Malibu model that doesn’t have all the high-tech features, don’t panic—there are other ways to check your vehicle’s tire pressure. But doing so is an important part of regular vehicle maintenance that can affect your vehicle's performance.
To check the pressure in your tires at home, you’ll need to have a tire pressure gauge. Once you have one, remove the valve stem cap on each tire and push the gauge onto the valve stem. The gauge will provide a reading, indicating if you need to add or remove air—ensure it’s secure to avoid letting air escape.
Alternatively, if you don’t have a tire pressure reader, most gas stations have an air-filling station you can use. The air pump will also have a built-in pressure reader.
You may also be able to tell if your tire’s air pressure is low by your vehicle’s performance. Often, low tire pressure manifests as a flapping noise while driving, an uneven ride, steering issues, or reduced fuel efficiency. If you’re unsure, check!
How often should you check tire pressure?
Get in the habit of checking your tire pressure at least once a month and before setting off on any long journeys or if you're carrying additional loads.
How to tell if your Chevy Malibu needs new tires
As a general rule of thumb, tires should be changed every 25,000 to 50,000 miles depending on the tire, which equates to roughly every two to five years. However, it’s usually a good idea to change your tires every six years, regardless of mileage.
Also, get in the habit of checking for signs of wear when you check your tire pressure! If you notice low tread depth or odd cracks and bulges in the tire, it might be time to consider buying a new set of tires.
Not sure how to check your tire’s tread depth? Use the penny method! Stick a US penny head-first into the tire tread—if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to invest in new tires.
MORE:Low tire pressure in cold weather, and how to fix it
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How to reset the Chevy Malibu tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light
Dealing with a non-cooperative tire pressure system on your Chevy Malibu is less than ideal, and sometimes the tire pressure warning light won’t turn off even when the tires are properly inflated. If you’ve refilled your tires and the dashboard warning light is still illuminated, you may need to reset your TPMS
. To reset the TPMS system on your Chevy Malibu, follow these steps:
Fill each tire to the recommended air pressure level.
Engage your parking brake for safety.
Turn the vehicle ON without starting the ignition.
Take your keyless remote or key fob and hold down both the lock and unlock buttons simultaneously until the horn beeps twice—this tells you it’s ready to reprogram the TPMS.
Go to the front of your vehicle. The driver’s side headlight should be lit, showing you where on the vehicle to start.
Let the air out of the driver’s side tire until the horn beeps—this could take a minute.
Repeat on all tires in this order: driver, front passenger, rear passenger, and left drivers. Each area’s light will illuminate, telling you which tire to release next.
Once all air is released from the tires, and you hear three beeps, reprogramming is complete, and you can refill your tires to the appropriate pressure level.
If you’ve completed these steps and the light is still illuminated, or you’re still getting a warning, contact your local Chevrolet dealership to book an appointment for a licensed mechanic to diagnose the problem.
MORE:Chevrolet Malibu LS V6
How to save on Chevy Malibu insurance
Maintaining the correct tire pressure for your vehicle is an easy way to ensure your safety on the road, but it’s also a great way to save money on car expenses. Properly-inflated tires improve driving performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Another simple way to save on car expenses is shopping for car insurance with Jerry
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Best of all, shopping with Jerry for insurance could save you over $800 a year!
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