2019 Chevrolet Malibu Tire Size & Pressure

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Size: 225/55R17, 245/45R18, 245/40R19
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure:
  • 17-inch wheels: 30-35 psi (front and rear)
  • 18-inch wheels: 30-35 psi (front and rear)
  • 19-inch wheels: 30-35 psi (front and rear)
• Bolt Pattern: 5x115 mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7.5 et45, 18x8 et34, 19x8 et34
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Varies by tire size and trim (typically 94V or 94H)
• Spare Tire Size: T125/70D17 (compact spare)
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Recommended replacement tires

When it comes to replacing the tires on your 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, you have a wide variety of excellent options that balance performance, comfort, and longevity. Here are a few popular choices across different price tiers:

• Michelin Primacy MXM4 (Premium): These grand touring all-season tires are a popular choice for their exceptional ride comfort, quiet operation, and long tread life. They also offer excellent wet and dry traction. Expect to pay around $180-$250 per tire, depending on size.

• Continental PureContact LS (Mid-Range): The PureContact LS is another fantastic all-season option known for its strong all-season traction, comfortable ride, and good tread life. They provide a nice balance of performance and value. These typically run about $150-$200 per tire.

• Goodyear Assurance All-Season (Value): For a more budget-friendly option, the Goodyear Assurance All-Season offers reliable year-round traction and a comfortable ride. While not as refined as the premium options, they provide solid performance for the price. You can often find these in the $120-$170 range per tire.

• Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S (Value/Sporty): If you're looking for a slightly sportier feel at a good value, the Falken Ziex ZE960 A/S is a great contender. It offers good wet and dry grip, responsive handling, and a comfortable ride. Prices typically range from $130-$180 per tire.

When to inflate to max load psi

For the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, which is a passenger car, you should never inflate your tires to the "max load psi" indicated on the tire's sidewall. This pressure is a maximum cold inflation pressure and is intended for commercial or heavy-duty applications, not typical passenger vehicle use. Always refer to the tire pressure placard located on your driver's side door jamb for the recommended cold tire inflation pressure for your specific vehicle and tire size. Overinflating your tires can lead to a harsher ride, premature tire wear (especially in the center of the tread), reduced traction, and an increased risk of tire damage.

Lug nut torque & pattern

Proper lug nut torque is crucial for safety and to prevent damage to your wheels and hubs. For the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, the recommended lug nut torque is 100 lb-ft (135 Nm). Always use a torque wrench to ensure accurate tightening.

The lug nut tightening pattern is also important. To ensure the wheel is properly seated and to distribute the clamping force evenly, always tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern or crisscross pattern.

Here's a general procedure:

1. Start by hand-tightening all lug nuts until they are snug.
2. Using a torque wrench, tighten the first lug nut to about half of the recommended torque (e.g., 50 lb-ft).
3. Move to the lug nut directly opposite the first one and tighten it to the same partial torque.
4. Continue this star pattern until all lug nuts are tightened to the partial torque.
5. Repeat the star pattern, tightening each lug nut to the full recommended torque of 100 lb-ft (135 Nm).
6. After driving a short distance (e.g., 50-100 miles) after a wheel removal or tire rotation, it's a good practice to re-check the lug nut torque to ensure they haven't loosened.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Owners of the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu, like most sedans, may encounter some common tire-related issues:

• Uneven Wear: Misaligned wheels, incorrect tire pressure, or worn suspension components can all lead to uneven tire wear. Regular tire rotations (every 5,000-7,500 miles) and alignments are essential to maximize tire life.

• Road Noise: As tires wear or if they develop irregular wear patterns, road noise can increase. Choosing a quality grand touring tire can help mitigate this, but keeping up with rotations and alignments is your best bet.

• Pothole Damage: Low-profile tires, like the 245/40R19 found on some Premier models, are more susceptible to damage from potholes due to their shorter sidewalls. This can lead to sidewall bulges, bent rims, or even immediate flats. Driving carefully over rough roads can help prevent this.

• TPMS Malfunctions: The Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) alerts you to low tire pressure. Sometimes, these sensors can fail due to battery depletion or physical damage, leading to a warning light even if tire pressure is correct. This is typically a repairable issue.

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