2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Tire Size & Pressure Guide

Quick answer

• OEM Tire Sizes: LT245/75R17, LT265/70R17, LT265/60R20
• Recommended Cold Tire Pressure (Door Placard): Refer to your specific vehicle's door placard, as pressures can vary based on tire size and vehicle configuration. Typically 60-70 PSI front, 60-80 PSI rear when loaded.
• Bolt Pattern: 8x180mm
• Wheel Size: 17x7.5", 17x8", 18x8", 20x8.5"
• Load Index/Speed Rating: Varies by tire size and type, but generally ranges from 121/118R to 123/120S for OEM specifications, indicating heavy-duty load capacity.
• Spare Tire Size: Matches one of the OEM tire sizes, typically LT245/75R17.
• TPMS Frequency: 315 MHz

Tire sizes by trim

Recommended replacement tires

Here are some popular and highly-rated replacement tire options for your 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, catering to different needs and budgets.

• BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 (Premium Tier): A legendary all-terrain tire, the KO2 offers exceptional traction on and off-road, with a focus on durability and tread life. Expect excellent performance in various weather conditions. Price: $$$
• Michelin Defender LTX M/S (Premium Tier): Known for its long-lasting tread, quiet ride, and excellent all-season traction, the Defender LTX M/S is a popular choice for truck owners who spend most of their time on pavement but still need reliable performance. Price: $$$
• Nitto Ridge Grappler (Mid-Tier): This hybrid terrain tire blends the quiet ride of an all-terrain with the aggressive styling and capable off-road performance of a mud-terrain. A great choice for those who need a balance of both. Price: $$
• Firestone Transforce AT2 (Mid-Tier): Designed for commercial light trucks and heavy-duty pickups, the Transforce AT2 offers dependable all-season traction, strong towing capabilities, and good treadwear. Price: $$
• Goodyear Wrangler Workhorse AT (Value Tier): A more budget-friendly option that still provides reliable all-terrain performance and a robust construction suitable for heavy-duty use. Price: $

When to inflate to max load psi

For a heavy-duty truck like the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, understanding tire pressure for varying loads is crucial. Your door placard will list the recommended cold tire pressure for normal driving conditions. However, when you frequently tow heavy trailers or carry significant loads in the bed, you should adjust your tire pressure to the maximum cold inflation pressure listed on the tire's sidewall.

This "max PSI" is critical for maintaining stability, maximizing load-carrying capacity, and preventing excessive heat buildup and premature tire wear when your truck is working hard. Always check the tire manufacturer's recommendations and your truck's owner's manual for specific guidelines.

Lug nut torque & pattern

The 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD utilizes an 8-lug wheel pattern which is designed for maximum strength and load distribution. Proper lug nut torque is essential for wheel safety and to prevent issues like uneven rotor wear or wheel vibrations.

• Lug Nut Torque: 140 lb-ft (190 Nm)
• Lug Nut Tightening Pattern: Always tighten lug nuts in a star or cross-hatch pattern. This ensures the wheel is seated evenly against the hub. Start by hand-tightening all lug nuts, then progressively tighten them to the specified torque in the star pattern. Do a final check of all lug nuts at the full torque setting.

Common tire issues for this vehicle

Owners of the 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD may encounter some common tire-related issues, often tied to its heavy-duty nature and how it's used.

• Rapid or Uneven Tire Wear: This is often a result of improper tire pressure (under or over-inflation), worn suspension components, or misaligned wheels. Given the truck's capacity to carry heavy loads, maintaining correct tire pressure for the load is paramount. Regular rotations (every 5,000-7,500 miles) and alignments are crucial.
• Cupping or Scalloping: This wavy wear pattern is typically indicative of worn shock absorbers or other suspension issues. With the weight of a 2500HD, suspension components can wear more quickly, necessitating inspection if this wear pattern appears.
• Vibrations at Speed: Imbalanced tires or bent wheels are common culprits here. Even slight imbalances can be amplified by a heavy truck. Ensure tires are properly balanced during installation and re-balanced if you notice vibrations.
• TPMS Sensor Malfunctions: While not exclusive to this model, TPMS sensors can fail due to battery depletion or physical damage. If your TPMS light comes on, it's important to have it diagnosed.
• Tire Punctures/Damage: Due to their use in work environments or off-road conditions, tires on 2500HD trucks can be more susceptible to punctures or sidewall damage. Regular inspection of your tires for cuts, bulges, or foreign objects is highly recommended.

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