Chevrolet Equinox Tires

Chevrolet Equinox Tire Maintenance near Lexington

The Chevrolet Equinox is a small SUV, with sporty styling and safety features for the family. Routine maintenance is required if you want your Equinox to last as long as possible. One of the most important services you can get on your Equinox is tire service, including tire alignments, balancing, maintaining the correct pressure, and more. Keep reading to learn how to take proper care of your Equinox tires.

Equinox Tire Size

The first step in tire maintenance for your Equinox is knowing the correct tire size. The 2022 Chevrolet Equinox uses P225/60R18 on the Premier, P225/65R17 on the LS and LT, and P235/50R19 on the RS trim. If you are unfamiliar with how to read tire codes, follow these steps:

1. First, look if there is a letter at the beginning. P will indicate that it is a passenger vehicle tire that meets U.S. Tire and Rim Association standards. LT means it is a light truck tire that meets the U.S. Tire and Rim Association standards.
2. Second, look at the three-digit number at the beginning of the code. This indicates the tire section width from sidewall to sidewall in millimeters.
3. Then, look at the next 2 digits. This is the aspect ratio, which is the height-to-width measurement. For example, if the size aspect ratio is 60, that means the tire is 60% as high as it is wide.
4. Next is the construction code. This is indicated by either R or D. R means radial ply construction, and D means diagonal or bias ply construction.
5. Then, the next number is the rim diameter. This is the diameter of the wheel in inches.
6. Finally, if there is a letter at the end, that indicates the service description, or the load index and speed rating of the tire.

If you are unsure that a certain tire will work with your Equinox, your service advisor at Dan Cummins Auto Group would be glad to help you find one that works best with your vehicle.

Chevrolet Equinox Tire Lifespan

When you are deciding to replace your tires, you should consider two factors. The first is the Uniform Tire Quality Grade rating. Manufacturers give grades to the tires for temperature, traction, and treadwear. The number in the rating (ex. 500) is the tread wear or the comparison of the tire’s wear against the government’s mandated tire with a 100 rating. So, if the rating is 500, it wears five times longer than the government’s tire.
The traction and temperature ratings are rated from A to B to C. A is best, B is good, and C is average. Ideally, you would want one that has a high temperature and high grip rating. Those will last the longest.
The second thing you should consider is time. If you look at your tires, each has a raised date code on the sidewall. It starts with “DOT”, then has 12 proceeding digits in three four-number groups. The first two numbers are the week the tire was made, and the second two digits are the year. For example, if your date code is 2421, that means the tire was made in the 24th week of 2021. As a good baseline, you should replace your tires every 5 years, or as soon as you notice any wear to the tread. Replacing them more often will only keep you safer.

Equinox Tire Type

If you drive an Equinox, you know that they are great family vehicles. When choosing tires, you should consider the traction, performance, tread, comfort, and responsiveness of the tire. All-season tires would be a great choice to keep you and the family safe in your Equinox. They are designed to handle various conditions, including rain and light snow. If you live in an area where it snows frequently, it may be beneficial for you to get winter tires. They have increased snow traction, but have decreased dry road traction, increased noise, and shorter longevity of tread. When you use them, be sure to watch for changes in handling or braking. Also, use tires of the same brand/tread type on all four wheels and only use radial ply tires of the same size, load range, and speed rating as the OEM tires.

How to Find the Correct Tire Pressure

Once you have the correct tires, the next step is to know the correct tire pressure. Overinflated tires can lead to unusual wear, poor handling, a rough ride, more damage from hazards on the road, and overall decreased tire longevity. Underinflated tires can lead to decreased fuel efficiency, irregular wear, poor handling, and a shorter lifespan for tires. To find the correct tire pressure, check the Tire and Loading information label on the Equinox. You can find the location in your Owner’s Manual.

How to Check the Tire Pressure

You should check the tire pressure at least once a month. You can do this by:

• Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem.
• Press the tire gauge onto the valve to get a measurement.
  1. No further adjustments are required if the pressure meets the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label.
  2. If the pressure is low, add air until the recommended pressure is reached.
  3. If the pressure is high, press on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve to release air.
• Check the pressure again with the tire gauge.
• Put the valve caps back on the valve stems (only ones designed by GM). If you use non-OEM caps, they could damage the TPMS sensors and hurt your warranty.

It also would be a good idea to have a service technician at Dan Cummins Auto Group do this next time you come in for service to ensure your tires are still functioning properly.

Chevrolet Equinox Tire Rotation

Another crucial part of tire maintenance is routine tire rotation. When you drive your Equinox, the tires on the front and rear axles function with different braking, steering, and driving. This leads to uneven wear and can decrease your Equinox’s tire longevity.
If you want your tires to last the longest possible time, you should rotate your tires often. If you have tires with a more complicated tread design (such as all-season tires), this is especially true.
If you rotate your tires often, you will have a quiet and comfortable ride and it will increase the longevity of your tires and your Equinox’s traction in extreme weather conditions, such as sleet, rain, and snow.
To know the correct tire rotation pattern, consult your Service Advisor at Dan Cummins Auto Group.

Chevrolet Equinox Tire Alignment

Tire Alignment is also an essential service for your Chevrolet Equinox. Tire alignment is the process of adjusting your vehicle’s suspension. If you notice your car is veering to one side of the road, there is uneven tire tread, the tires are making squealing noises, the steering wheel is vibrating, or the steering wheel doesn’t stay straight when you’re driving, you may need an alignment.
If you need a two-wheel alignment, Dan Cummins Auto Group offers a two-wheel alignment service for $79.95. We check and adjust the caster, camber, and set tow, check the tire pressure and wear, and inspect the steering and suspension. This cost may vary depending on necessary parts and labor costs.
If you need a four-wheel alignment, Dan Cummins Auto Group offers a four-wheel alignment service for $89.95. It includes all the same services as the two-wheel alignment, but for all four wheels. This price may also vary based on necessary parts and labor costs.

Chevrolet Equinox Wheel Balancing

Another vital service is wheel balancing, the process of correcting the uneven distribution of weight between your four wheels. If there is uneven distribution, it can lead to vibration, decreased longevity of the tire, suspension damage, and increased tire wear.
When your Equinox gets a wheel balancing service, a tire balancing machine spins the tire and wheel to find and measure the imbalance. Then, your expert service technician will know where to install the correct tire weights to fix the issue.
At Dan Cummins Auto Group, our wheel balancing service costs $39.95 and includes:

• Check of tire pressure
• Adjustment of tire pressure where necessary
• Balance of all four tires
• Tire rotation
• Inspection of the tires and wheels for damage
• Torque of the wheel nuts as recommended

Reasons to Get Your Equinox’s Tire Service at Dan Cummins Auto Group Chevrolet

If you come to Dan Cummins Auto Group Chevrolet, you will receive a quick and correct tire service. Because all our mechanics are factory certified and we stock only OEM parts and tools, we can replace and service your Equinox’s faster than independent tire centers.
In addition, we offer convenient financing for service. We know just how expensive tires can be, so we have a quick and easy online finance application that only takes minutes and has a more than 90% approval rate. Finally, we have a factory-certified, expert service team that goes through rigorous training to know everything about your Equinox. The proof is in the numbers – just check out our more than 7,000 positive reviews.
If you are interested in coming to Dan Cummins Auto Group Chevrolet for tire service, you can schedule a service appointment here.