2021 CHEVROLET MALIBU inflation pressure

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
268 Vehicle Care
High Speed Operation Inflation Pressures
Tire Size Cold Inflation Pressure kPa (psi)
245/40R19 262 kPa (38 psi)
Return the tires to the recommended cold
tire inflation pressure when high-speed
driving has ended. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 179 and
Tire Pressure 0266.
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 to a receiver
located in the vehicle.
Each tire, including the spare (if provided),
should be checked monthly when cold and
inflated to the inflation pressure
recommended by the vehicle manufacturer
on the vehicle placard or tire inflation
pressure label. (If your vehicle has tires of a
different size than the size indicated on the
vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure
label, you should determine the proper tire
inflation pressure for those tires.) As an added safety feature, your vehicle has
been equipped with a tire pressure
monitoring system (TPMS) that illuminates a
low tire pressure telltale when one or more
of your tires is significantly under-inflated.
Accordingly, when the low tire pressure
telltale illuminates, you should stop and
check your tires as soon as possible, and
inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving
on a significantly under-inflated tire causes
the tire to overheat and can lead to tire
failure. Under-inflation also reduces fuel
efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect
the vehicle's handling and stopping ability.
Please note that the TPMS is not a
substitute for proper tire maintenance, and
it is the driver's responsibility to maintain
correct tire pressure, even if under-inflation
has not reached the level to trigger
illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure
telltale.
Your vehicle has also been equipped with a
TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when
the system is not operating properly. The
TPMS malfunction indicator is combined
with the low tire pressure telltale. When the
system detects a malfunction, the telltale
will flash for approximately one minute and
then remain continuously illuminated. This
sequence will continue upon subsequent
vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction
exists.
When the malfunction indicator is
illuminated, the system may not be able to
detect or signal low tire pressure as
intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for
a variety of reasons, including the
installation of replacement or alternate tires
or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the
TPMS from functioning properly. Always
check the TPMS malfunction telltale after
replacing one or more tires or wheels on

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 269
your vehicle to ensure that the replacement
or alternate tires and wheels allow the
TPMS to continue to function properly.
SeeTire Pressure Monitor Operation 0269.
See Radio Frequency Statement 0328.
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure
Monitor System (TPMS). The TPMS is
designed to warn the driver when a low tire
pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are
mounted onto each tire and wheel
assembly, excluding the spare tire and
wheel assembly. The TPMS sensors monitor
the air pressure in the tires and transmit the
tire pressure readings to a receiver located
in the vehicle.
When a low tire pressure condition is
detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire
pressure warning light located on the
instrument cluster. If the warning light
comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended
pressure shown on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 179.
A message to check the pressure in a
specific tire displays in the Driver
Information Center (DIC). The low tire
pressure warning light and the DIC warning
message come on at each ignition cycle
until the tires are inflated to the correct
inflation pressure. Using the DIC, tire
pressure levels can be viewed. For additional
information and details about the DIC
operation and displays see Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level) 094 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
The low tire pressure warning light may
come on in cool weather when the vehicle is
first started, and then turn off as the vehicle
is driven. This could be an early indicator
that the air pressure is getting low and
needs to be inflated to the proper pressure.
A Tire and Loading Information label,
attached to your vehicle, shows the size of
the original equipment tires and the correct
inflation pressure for the tires when they
are cold. See Vehicle Load Limits 0179, for an example of the Tire and Loading
Information label and its location. Also see
Tire Pressure
0266.
The TPMS can warn about a low tire
pressure condition but it does not replace
normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection
0 272, Tire Rotation 0272 and
Tires 0259.
Caution
Tire sealant materials are not all the
same. A non-approved tire sealant could
damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor
damage caused by using an incorrect tire
sealant is not covered by the vehicle
warranty. Always use only the GM
approved tire sealant available through
your dealer or included in the vehicle.
Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a
GM-approved liquid tire sealant. Using
non-approved tire sealants could damage the
TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0279 for information
regarding the inflator kit materials and
instructions.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 271
briefly press the center of the valve stem.
When the recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash within
15 seconds after starting to inflate the tire,
the tire fill alert has not been activated or is
not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are on, the
tire fill alert visual feedback will not work
properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire fill alert
properly under the following conditions:
.There is interference from an external
device or transmitter.
.The air pressure from the inflation device
is not sufficient to inflate the tire.
.There is a malfunction in the TPMS.
.There is a malfunction in the horn or turn
signal lamps.
.The identification code of the TPMS
sensor is not registered to the system.
.The battery of the TPMS sensor is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate due to
TPMS interference, move the vehicle about
1 m (3 ft) back or forward and try again.
If the tire fill alert feature is not working,
use a tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification code
needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel
position after rotating the vehicle’s tires or
replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors.
The TPMS sensor matching process should
also be performed after replacing a spare
tire with a road tire containing the TPMS
sensor. The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next ignition
cycle. The sensors are matched to the tire/
wheel positions, using a TPMS relearn tool,
in the following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger side rear
tire, and driver side rear tire. See your
dealer for service or to purchase a relearn
tool. A TPMS relearn tool can also be
purchased. See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or call
1-800-GM TOOLS (1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the first
tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall
to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it
takes longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching process is: 1. Set the parking brake. 2. Place the vehicle in Service Mode. See
Ignition Positions 0182.
3. If equipped, make sure the Tire Pressure info page option is turned on. The info
pages on the DIC can be turned on and
off through the Options menu. See Driver
Information Center (DIC) (Base Level)
0 94 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 96.
4. Use the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel to scroll to the Tire
Pressure screen under the DIC info page.
5. Press and hold
Vin the center of the
DIC controls.
A message requesting acceptance of the
process may display.
The horn sounds twice to signal the
receiver is in relearn mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on
the DIC display.
6. Start with the driver side front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press
the button to activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor
identification code has been matched to
this tire and wheel position.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
272 Vehicle Care
8. Proceed to the passenger side front tire,and repeat the procedure in Step 7.
9. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7.
10. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure in Step 7. The horn
sounds two times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been matched to
the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS
sensor matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE
message on the DIC display goes off.
11. Turn the vehicle off.
12. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires, including
the spare tire, if the vehicle has one, be
inspected for signs of wear or damage
at least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or more
places around the tire can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric showing
through the tire's rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut,
or snagged deep enough to show
cord or fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge, or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut, or other
damage that cannot be repaired well
because of the size or location of the
damage.
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi). See Maintenance Schedule
0 304.
Tires are rotated to achieve a more
uniform wear for all tires. The first
rotation is the most important.
Anytime unusual wear is noticed,
rotate the tires as soon as possible,
check for proper tire inflation pressure,
and check for damaged tires or wheels.
If the unusual wear continues after
the rotation, check the wheel
alignment. See When It Is Time for New
Tires 0273 and
Wheel Replacement 0276.
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Do not include the compact spare tire
in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. See Tire
Pressure 0266 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0179.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 269.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 273
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See“Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 317, and “Removing the Flat Tire and
Installing the Spare Tire” underTire
Changing 0285.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See
Tire Inspection 0272 and
Tire Rotation 0272 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends
that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of
tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 281
4. Attach the air only hose (10) to thesealant canister inlet valve (1) by turning
it clockwise until tight.
5. Slide the base of the tire sealantcanister (3) into the slot on the top of
the compressor (6) to hold it upright.
Make sure the tire valve stem is
positioned close to the ground so the
hose will reach it.
6. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it counterclockwise.
7. Attach the sealant/air hose (2) to the tirevalve stem by turning it clockwise until
tight.
8. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
Unplug all items from other accessory
power outlets. See Power Outlets077. If the vehicle has an accessory power
outlet, do not use the cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a cigarette lighter,
use the cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug cord in the
door or window.
9. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using the air compressor.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject sealant and air
into the tire.
The pressure gauge (8) will initially show
a high pressure while the compressor
pushes the sealant into the tire. Once
the sealant is completely dispersed into
the tire, the pressure will quickly drop
and start to rise again as the tire inflates
with air only.
11. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended inflation
pressure can be found on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0266.
The pressure gauge (8) may read higher
than the actual tire pressure while the
compressor is on. Turn the compressor

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
282 Vehicle Care
off to get an accurate pressure reading.
The compressor may be turned on/off
until the correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure cannot be
reached after approximately 25 minutes,
the vehicle should not be driven farther.
The tire is too severely damaged and the
tire sealant and compressor kit cannot
inflate the tire. Remove the power plug
from the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from the tire
valve. SeeRoadside Assistance Program
0 323.
12. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will continue
to leak air until the vehicle is driven and
the sealant is distributed in the tire.
Therefore, Steps 13–21 must be done
immediately after Step 12.
Be careful while handling the tire sealant
and compressor kit as it could be warm
after usage.
13. Unplug the power plug (9) from the accessory power outlet in the vehicle. 14. Turn the sealant/air hose (2)
counterclockwise to remove it from the
tire valve stem.
15. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
16. Remove the tire sealant canister (4) from the slot on top of the compressor (6).
17. Turn the air only hose (10) counterclockwise to remove it from the
tire sealant canister inlet valve (1).
18. Turn the sealant/air hose (2) clockwise onto the sealant canister inlet valve (1)
to prevent sealant leakage.
19. Return the air only hose (10) and power plug (9) back to their original storage
location.
20. If the flat tire was able to inflate to therecommended inflation pressure, remove
the maximum speed label from the
sealant canister and place it in a highly
visible location. Do not exceed the speed on this label
until the damaged tire is repaired or
replaced.
21. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the vehicle.
22. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the sealant in
the tire.
23. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer to Steps 1–10 under
“Using the Tire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen more than
68 kPa (10 psi) below the recommended
inflation pressure, stop driving the
vehicle. The tire is too severely damaged
and the tire sealant cannot seal the tire.
SeeRoadside Assistance Program 0323.
If the tire pressure has not dropped
more than 68 kPa (10 psi) from the
recommended inflation pressure, inflate
the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure.
24. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, or vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14584249) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
284 Vehicle Care
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must berunning while using the air compressor.
8. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit on.
The compressor will inflate the tire with
air only.
9. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended inflation
pressure can be found on the Tire and
Loading Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0266.
The pressure gauge (8) may read higher
than the actual tire pressure while the
compressor is on. Turn the compressor
off to get an accurate pressure reading.
The compressor may be turned on/off
until the correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure cannot be
reached after approximately 25 minutes,
the vehicle should not be driven farther.
The tire is too severely damaged and the
tire sealant and compressor kit cannot
inflate the tire. Remove the power plug
from the accessory power outlet and
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
unscrew the inflating hose from the tire
valve. See Roadside Assistance Program
0 323.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the compressor
as it could be warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (9) from the accessory power outlet in the vehicle.
12. Turn the air only hose (10) counterclockwise to remove it from the
tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
14. Return the air only hose (10) and power plug (9) back to their original storage
location.
15. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the vehicle.
The tire sealant and compressor kit has
accessory adapters located in a
compartment on the bottom of its housing
that can be used to inflate air mattresses,
balls, etc.
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
To access the tire sealant and
compressor kit: 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk018.
2. Lift the cover.
3. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise to remove the tire sealant and compressor
kit bag.
4. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from the bag.
To store the tire sealant and compressor kit,
reverse the steps.