GMC Terrain Tire Pressure

 The recommended tire pressure for GMC Terrain Model is 35 psi for both front and rear tires. According to the automaker, this is the ideal pressure level for 2010 through the 2022 year models. It also applies to its trim levels, including the SLE, SLT, AT4, and Denali.

However, there are some cases where you’ll need to use a slightly different tire pressure for your GMC Terrain. For example, If you use high-performance or winter tires, you’d have to check the specification of the tire itself to know what the best psi would be.

Certain driving conditions may also require a slightly different tire pressure than the manufacturer’s recommendations.

This article will examine the various recommended tire pressures for the GMC Terrain for all its 5 trims and  7 original equipment tire size sets and model years. As a bonus, I’ll show you how to check your tire pressure through the GMC Terrain TPMS system and reset it in case of a malfunction.

 

Tire Pressure Table For Gmc Terrain Year Models And Trims

  Recommended Tire pressure
GMC Terrain

Year Model

Tire SizeFront tireRear tire
2022225/60R18 100H35 psi35 psi
 225/65R17 102H
 235/50R19 99H
 
2021225/60R18 100H35 psi35 psi
 225/65R17 102H
 235/50R19 99H 
 
2020225/60R18 100H35 psi35 psi
 225/65R17 102H
 235/50R19 99H 
 
2019225/60R18 100H35 psi35 psi
 225/65R17 102H
 235/50R19 99H
 
2018225/60R18 100H35 psi35 psi
 235/50R19 99H 
 225/65R17 102H
 
2017P235/55R18 99T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R19 101H
 
2016P225/65R17 100T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 
2015P225/65R17 100T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 
2014P225/65R17 100T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 P235/60R17 100H
 
2013P235/55R18 99T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R19 101H
 P235/60R17 100H
 
2012P235/55R18 99T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R19 101H
 P235/60R17 100H
 
2011P225/65R17 100T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 
2010P225/65R17 100T35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 
Denali235/50R19 99H              35 psi35 psi
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 
SL225/65R17 102H35 psi35 psi
 P225/65R17 100T
 P235/55R18 99T
 
SALE225/60R18 100H35 psi35 psi
 225/65R17 102H
 235/50R19 99H 
 P225/65R17 100T
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 P235/60R17 100H
 
SLT225/60R18 100H35 psi35 psi
 235/50R19 99H 
 P225/65R17 100T
 P235/55R18 99T
 P235/55R19 101H
 P235/60R17 100H

 

Why 35 Psi For The GMC Terrain?

The manufacturers of the GMC terrain model have recommended 35 psi as the ideal tire pressure drivers should work primarily due to security and fuel efficiency reasons.

Unlike a regular vehicle, the tire pressure recommended for this crossover improves manoeuvrability. When you stick to this psi level, it guarantees stability and reduces the braking. The temperature of the tires also drops so that you have less risk of punctures while driving at high speeds.

In addition, the manufacturers have studied the terrain model and recommended 35 psi because it allows the tire to generate less wheel resistance, leading to improved fuel economy.

Another thing worth noting about this tire pressure is that it reduces tire erosion. If you drive on higher tire pressure with the GMC Terrain, your tires will likely be more mechanically demanded. So sticking with the 35 psi will promote a longer life span for the original tires.

Lastly, the GMC studied the wheel mechanism of the terrain model to discover that the 35 psi pressure range will allow the car to be more stable. You won’t feel irregular while driving, thanks to the improved shock absorbency.

 

When Should I Use A Different Tire Pressure For My GMC Terrain?

You must have seen on the internet where fellow GMC terrain owners pump their tires above the recommended 35 psi, and they record a fantastic driving experience.

In some cases, it becomes necessary to go a little higher or slightly lower in the tire pressure when inflating your tires.

An example of this specific situation is when you ride your GMC terrain in the sand. No matter the year model, you may have to lower the pressure to 15 pounds to widen the tire’s track and gain more contact with the field for better traction while rolling.

P.S.: always remember to inflate the tires again to 35 psi when you return to the harder surface so that you don’t damage them.

Another case where I’d recommend you inflate your tires with 3 or 4 pounds above the recommended tire pressure is when you want to intentionally reduce fuel consumption in emergencies, e.g. while circulating the city.

The only tradeoff attached to this attempt is that you may feel more road irregularities since the ground attachment level will drop, and there’ll be more tire erosion in the central area.

 

How Do I Reset/Service The GMC Terrain Tpms System?

The first thing is to ensure all the TPMS sensors in all tires are good, so ensure each tire’s tire pressure is within the recommended psi value range (35 psi). Then you can reset those sensors through the regular mode.

You will also need a TPMS scan tool which you can rent for between $10 and $20 at any local mechanical store or get a cheap one online.

Step 1: Apply the parking brake (just to be safe)

Step 2: Turn your key to the ON position but do not start the vehicle

Step 3: Use the menu buttons and press the up or down arrow to scroll through the menu on the screen till you get to the tire pressure option.

You will see that none of the sensors is displaying.

Step 4: Initiate the tire learn mode by pressing and holding the last button, “set clear,” for a couple of seconds and then confirm “relearn” by navigating upwards to press ‘yes”

Step 5: You will hear a horn sound twice, which means the tire learn mode is active. Get your TPMS scanner and proceed out of the vehicle to learn each tire sensor separating, starting from front to rear tires.

Please note that this guide applies to GMC Terrain from 2010 to 2017.

 

Why Is The Tpms Light Blinking On GMC Terrain?

When the TPMS light flashes on your vehicle, it means there is a defect in the TPMS sensor itself and not necessarily an issue with your tire pressure level.

It usually happens in GMC terrain vehicles when one or more TPMS sensors malfunction or are missing.

Once your vehicle detects the malfunction, the low tire pressure warning light flashes for about one minute and remains static during the ignition cycle. This is usually followed by a DIC warning message on the display screen.

According to the official owner’s manual of the GMC terrain, this issue usually happens when you:

  • Replace one of the road tires with a spare tire
  • One or more TPMS sensors are missing or damaged
  • You didn’t complete the TPMS sensor matching process after rotating the tires
  • You used replacement tires or wheels that do not match the original equipment tires or wheel

When you replace one of the road tires of your GMC terrain with a spare tire, the spare tire may not have a TPMS sensor. The solution to this case is to replace the road tire and ensure you perform the sensor-matching process successfully.

Suppose you suspect that one part of the TPMS sensors is missing or damaged or the TPMS is not functioning properly (it’s any longer detecting or signalling a low tire pressure condition). In that case, you need to contact your dealer for service.