Chevrolet Malibu Tires

The Chevrolet Malibu was named the Highest Ranked Midsize Car in Initial Quality by J.D. Power, proving its status as an amazing sedan to drive on Lexington roads. The last thing you would want is for your trip in the Chevy Malibu to be interrupted by a preventable tire issue, such as losing traction and hydroplaning.
To prevent events like this from occurring, it is important to know how to maintain your tires. Keep reading to learn more about tire maintenance.

Chevrolet Malibu Tire Sizes

The 2022 Chevrolet Malibu uses different tire sizes on different trims. The trims and each of their tire sizes are:

• LS – P205/65R26
• LT – 245/45R18, 245/40R19, P225/55R17
• Premier – 245/40R19
• RS – 245/45R18

If you want confirmation on the correct tire size for your Chevrolet Malibu, check on the Tire and Loading Information panel on the door jamb or look on the sidewall of the OEM tires. You can also consult with your expert service technician at Dan Cummins Auto Group to pick out the best tire for your Chevrolet Malibu.

How to Read Tire Sizes

Unless you are a vehicle enthusiast, you may not know how to read a tire code. To read a tire code, 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, it indicates the service description, or the load index and speed rating of the tire.

If you’re still unsure about what size of the tire to request at the time of service, please consult with a service advisor at Dan Cummins Auto Group to get an expert recommendation.

Chevrolet Malibu Tire Type

The Chevrolet Malibu comes equipped with two different types of tires: all-season or low-profile tires.
All-season tires are designed to provide good performance on most road surfaces and weather conditions. They are made to stand up to light snow, but not heavy snowfall.
If your Malibu has 245/45R18 or 245/40R19 size tires, they are classified as low-profile tires. Low-profile tires have less flex under acceleration, less rolling resistance under braking, and wider contact patches, making them a great choice for those who prioritize performance.

Tire Inspection for Chevrolet Malibu

Chevrolet recommends inspecting your tires, including your spare, at least once a month. You should replace the tire if you notice any of these signs:

• You can see cord or fabric through the tire’s rubber
• You can see the indicators at three or more places around the tire
• The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut, or snagged deep enough to show the fabric
• The tire has a bump, bulge, or split
• The tire has a cut, puncture, or other damage that cannot be replaced

How Often to Change Chevrolet Malibu Tires

The maintenance schedule and driving conditions, such as temperature, vehicle loading, road conditions, and driving speeds, affect the wear rate of your Malibu tires. One way you can tell you may need new tires is the treadwear indicators. When the tires have less than 1/16 of an inch or less of tread remaining, you will be able to see them.
Regardless of tread wear, GM recommends replacing your tires after 6 years. To know the age of your tires, look at the tire manufacture date, which is the last four digits of the DOT Tire Identification Number molded into the tire’s sidewall. The first two digits are the week, and the second two are the year. For example, if the code is 4218, the tires were manufactured in the 42nd week of 2018.

Tire Rotation for Chevrolet Malibu

If you notice uneven wear on your Malibu tires, you should immediately bring it into Dan Cummins Auto Group Chevrolet for a tire rotation. You should also get a tire rotation every 7,500 miles. Tire rotations help to achieve a uniform wear for all tires, aiding in traction.
This is especially true on tires with more complicated tread designs, such as all-season tires. Routine rotation will give you a quiet and comfortable ride, increase the longevity of your tires, and increase your traction in extreme weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, and snow.
If unusual wear continues after a rotation, check the wheel alignment.

Cost of Malibu Tire Rotation

Our Dan Cummins Auto Group service menu lists the cost of a tire rotation as $14.95.
If you are interested in more comprehensive service, we also offer an “every 6,000 miles” appointment, which includes a tire rotation and oil change. This is the recommended interval for both oil changes and tire rotations, so we conveniently bundled the two. This appointment costs around $44.90, depending on your Malibu’s oil capacity and type. If you’d like a specific estimate on the cost of service, feel free to call us at (859) 340-1340 to speak with a service advisor.

Wheel Alignment for Chevrolet Malibu

If you notice your Chevrolet Malibu is veering in one direction (without you doing it), uneven tire tread, squealing noises from the tires, steering wheel vibration, or your steering wheel is not staying straight, you may need an alignment. When you get a tire alignment at Dan Cummins Auto Group, the service technician will adjust the suspension of your Malibu.

Malibu Wheel Alignment Cost

If you only need two of your tires aligned, Dan Cummins Auto Group offers a two-wheel alignment service for $79.95. The service technician will 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.

Malibu Wheel Balancing

If you notice uneven tread on your tires, poor fuel efficiency, or vibration in the steering wheel, your tires may be out of balance. Tire balancing is the process of correcting the uneven distribution of weight between your Malibu’s tires.
When you come in for a tire balancing service at Dan Cummins Auto Group, our Wheel Balance service costs $39.95 and our service technician will balance all four tires, rotate the tires, inspect the tires and wheels for wear or damage, torque the wheel nuts as recommended, and check the tire pressure and adjust them as necessary.

Why You Should Come to a Dealership for Tire Service

If you come to Dan Cummins Auto Group of Paris or Georgetown for a tire appointment, you will receive quick and amazing service. We can replace tires quicker and better than independent tire centers because our mechanics are experts on Chevrolet vehicles, and we only use OEM parts. We have top-tier customer service and comfortable lounges with free Wi-Fi, coffee, and snacks, ensuring you will have an amazing experience. Just look at our more than 7,000 positive reviews from customers just like you. You can schedule online if you are interested in scheduling tire service.