How To Check GMC Tire Pressure And Inflate Tires

Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the easiest and most effective ways to extend tire life, improve fuel efficiency, and ensure safe driving. Whether you’re commuting daily or preparing for a road trip, it’s essential to check tire pressure regularly—especially on your GMC, where performance and reliability go hand in hand.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to checking and inflating your tires the right way.

Why Tire Pressure Matters

Your tires support the weight of your vehicle, absorb shock from the road, and maintain contact with the pavement. Driving with low or uneven tire pressure can lead to:

Reduced fuel efficiency
Premature tire wear
Poor handling and braking
Increased risk of tire blowouts

Proper inflation helps your GMC drive smoothly, safely, and efficiently.

Step 1: Know Your Recommended Tire Pressure

Before you check anything, find the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) for your specific GMC model. You can typically find this information in:

The driver’s side door jamb sticker
Your owner’s manual
The fuel door on some models

Do not rely solely on the PSI listed on the tire itself—that number refers to the maximum pressure the tire can handle, not the recommended pressure for your vehicle.

Step 2: Use a Tire Pressure Gauge

A reliable tire pressure gauge is essential. You can choose from:

Digital gauges (easy to read)
Dial gauges (analog style)
Stick or pencil gauges (simple and inexpensive)

Remove the valve cap from the tire and press the gauge onto the valve stem. Hold it for a moment until you get a steady reading. Repeat this process for all four tires, including the spare if your GMC has one.

Step 3: Compare and Adjust

Compare each tire’s pressure to the recommended PSI. If a tire is underinflated, it needs air. If it’s overinflated, you’ll need to release some air until it reaches the correct level.

Step 4: Inflate the Tires

You can inflate your tires using:

A home air compressor
An air pump at a gas station
A portable inflator powered by your vehicle’s 12V outlet

To inflate:

Attach the air hose to the valve stem.
Fill the tire in short bursts.
Remove the hose and recheck the pressure with your gauge.
Adjust as needed until you reach the recommended PSI.
Replace the valve cap.

Repeat for each tire. Be sure not to overinflate—too much air can reduce traction and cause uneven wear.

Step 5: Check Tire Pressure Regularly

It’s a good idea to check tire pressure at least once a month and before any long trips. Also check after sudden temperature changes, as tire pressure can drop in cold weather.

Many GMC vehicles are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which alerts you when pressure is too low. However, don’t rely on TPMS alone—manual checks are still recommended.

Visit Fairway Chevrolet GMC for Tire Care and More

Knowing how to check tire pressure is a simple but important step in maintaining your GMC. But if you're unsure about the process, don’t have the right tools, or want a professional inspection, we’re here to help.

At Fairway Chevrolet GMC, our certified technicians can inspect your tires, adjust pressure, and check for any signs of wear or damage. We’ll help you stay safe on the road and protect your investment. While you're here, explore our wide selection of new and pre-owned Chevrolet and GMC vehicles, designed for performance, safety, and comfort.

Visit Fairway Chevrolet GMC today for expert tire service and all your vehicle maintenance needs.