Having the correct tire pressure in your GMC Acadia ensures safer driving on the road. So, what should you have the tire PSI be at? Luckily, we've done plenty of research and have the answer for you. Let's discuss.
It's important to maintain 35 PSI in all four tires (235/65R18 and 255/65R17) and 36 PSI (235/55R20) on the GMC Acadia for better fuel economy and safety. It is also good to check your tire pressure before driving long distances. In addition, be sure not to overinflate your tires, as this could damage them.
Maintaining the right tire pressure serves a few key purposes. This article will discuss why you want to stick to the manufacturer's recommended tire pressure for the GMC Acadia. In addition, we will answer other frequently asked questions about the GMC Acadia, so read on!
What Should The Tire Pressure Be On A GMC Acadia?
To have a smooth drive, you must keep the proper tire pressure for your GMC Acadia. All four factory tires on a GMC Acadia should be inflated to 35 PSI for tire sizes 235/65R18 and 255/65R17. If you have the 235/55R20 tires, you should set the PSI at 36.
Vehicle manufacturers have recommended tire PSI for a reason. By following this recommendation, you ensure that your vehicle operates as intended. Not only is it unsafe to drive with incorrect tire pressure, but there are also other adverse effects you may not be aware of.
Let's take a look at the risks of underinflating and overinflating your GMC Acadia tires.
Risks Of Overinflating Tires
If you overinflate the tires on a GMC Acadia, they can blow out. This can be extremely dangerous while driving and lead to a serious accident.
Blowouts can happen when you contact a pothole, debris, or other road hazards. Since the tire is stiffer, it will be more susceptible to blowouts.
Also, overinflated tires will wear faster and unevenly. This is because the center of the tire will wear faster than the edges.
If you overinflated your tires, you could fix this by releasing air on the valve stem. But, first, check the tire pressure with a gauge until you reach the recommended PSI.
Risks Of Underinflated Tires
If you underinflate your tires on the GMC Acadia, then you are putting yourself and others in danger. In addition to having a lower fuel economy, driving with low PSI means that you will have reduced traction.
This is because there isn't enough air in the tire to create a solid surface. Unfortunately, this means that you will have a harder time getting the vehicle to grip onto the road, even just slightly.
In addition to having an increased chance of sliding off the road, you also increase your hydroplaning chances. There is not enough water being pushed out from underneath the tires as they spin. Instead, the tires are riding on a layer of water which will cause them to lose grip.
If you drive with low tire pressure for too long, the tires will wear out accelerated. In addition, you may experience longer stopping distances when braking. These are both challenging issues for drivers.
How Do You Reset The Tire Pressure Light On A GMC Acadia?
To reset your tire pressure light, follow these steps:
- Turn the vehicle off.
- Turn the car to the "on" position.
- Hold the TPMS button until the tire pressure light blinks three times.
- Start the vehicle and wait 20 minutes for the tire light to turn off.
If you still can't get the tire pressure light to turn off, then you may need a GMC dealer to turn it off. It is also possible to have a bad tire pressure sensor to replace it.
What Is The Best Way To Check Tire Pressure?
A tire gauge is the best way to check your tire pressure on the GMC Acadia. This is because it will give you an accurate reading of how much air you have in your tires.
While most vehicles have a digital tire pressure indicator on the dash, using a tire gauge will give you a more accurate reading. This is because it will tell you the exact pressure in the tire and not an estimate if the system isn't updating.
What Size Tires Are On A GMC Arcadia?
On the standard trim package, the GMC Acadia has P245/65R17. In addition, consumers can opt for a bigger rim size if they choose.
If they choose a larger rim size, they can upgrade to either P235/55R20 or P235/65R18 tires. However, consider that choosing bigger tires and rims will cost more money upfront and time for a replacement.
Why Is My Tire Pressure Light On When My Tires Are Fine?
It can be frustrating when your tire pressure light is on, but the PSI is set to recommended standards. So let's take a look at what could cause this:
Malfunctioning TPMS Sensor
One of the most common causes for a tire pressure light coming on with no issues is a faulty TPMS sensor. This can be due to one or more of the sensors failing, and as such, you will need to replace them as soon as possible.
Missing/Corroded Wheel Valve Stem
Another common cause of a tire pressure warning light is a faulty wheel valve stem. The seal around the outside of the valve can wear down and become loose, which will let the air out.
If you have this issue, then it needs to be repaired right away so that your tires stay at the proper PSI.
Faulty ECU
If none of these apply to your situation, you will need to check the ECU. If the sensor is bad, then it needs to be replaced as soon as possible so that you can get a new one before any other tire malfunctions occur.
Bad ABS Module
Another cause for the tire pressure light could be the ABS module. If it has failed, you can get a warning that your tire pressure is low when there isn't anything wrong with them.
Faulty Wheel Speed Sensor
If something is wrong with your wheel speed sensor, a tire pressure light may also turn on, so you'll want to get that checked out.
The computer uses this information to determine whether or not there's an issue with the tires, and it believes that there is one when there isn't.
Changing Air Temperature
Tires can change pressure depending on the ambient air. For example, if you are driving in cold temperatures, the tires could read low. In comparison, high temperatures could cause the tire sensors to read overinflated PSI.
Low Spare Tire Pressure
If you have a low spare tire, then this will cause the light to come on. However, it does not mean that your other tires are low. The only solution is to fill up the spare tire as soon as possible to get rid of this issue.
Recent Tire Rotation
If you just had your tires rotated, then this could cause the light to turn on. Sometimes the tire pressure light will turn off after driving for a while. If it doesn't, you may need to reset the tire pressure light.
Damaged Rim
If you have a damaged rim, this could cause the tire pressure light to come on. For example, if the rubber is torn and the air is leaking out, this can lead to inaccurate PSI readings.
New Tires
If you have new tires installed on your car, this can cause the pressure light to turn on in your vehicle. The pressure sensors must be calibrated before the tire pressure light turns off.
Can I Drive With The Tire Pressure Light On?
Yes, it is safe to drive with the tire pressure light on, provided that the tire pressure is set at recommended standards. However, it isn't safe to continue driving if the tire pressure light is on due to a low tire. Therefore, you should pull over as soon as possible and inspect it.
If you find that the tire is low, either put on your spare or get to the nearest gas station to put air in it. Driving with a deflated tire can cause severe damage and is incredibly dangerous, so you need to take care of it immediately.
Our Final Thoughts
Overall, it is important to inspect your tire pressure regularly to ensure there aren't any issues. Stay up to date with recommended tire pressure standards, and you should never have any problems in the future.
If you suspect there is something wrong with your TPMS sensors, wheel valve stem, or other parts, then you need to take care of it as soon as possible before it becomes a bigger problem.
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