Tires with 41 PSI

[Autoworker 74]

I know that none of us are sure why these tires call for 41 PSI but I have just about had it. I live about 15 miles from Baltimore and they used to at least fill in the potholes but I think they have stopped. Driving through that city on those roads with 41 pounds of air is unbearable. Has anyone made the decision to go to 36 or 37 PSI for a smoother ride. A couple of days after picking up the car I started getting low PSI alerts and the service writer was surprised about the 41psi. I think the low PSI alert comes on at 35 PSI.

 

[Waterford Nana]

I had mine at 39 for a while, and the ride was much smoother. Today they put them all back to 41. Much noisier and tougher ride again.

 

[2025ChevNox]

We have zero issues at the recommended 41 pounds on our Michelin Primacy Tour OEM tires. The maximum recommended pressure on the sidewall is 50 PSI. These specific tires on the 2025-26 Equinox were engineered for this PSI. The ride is relatively quiet and smooth for us, depending on road surface conditions that will vary for any tire.

 

[2025ChevNox]

I had mine at 39 for a while, and the ride was much smoother. Today they put them all back to 41. Much noisier and tougher ride again.

The 2025-26 Equinox is not the quietest riding, regardless of tires. Much of the road noise is due to the cargo area being wide open to the passenger compartment where the rear wheel wells are. Also, the ANC feature can create interior noise while it attempts to counter and road noise. Some owners have been provided with an update at their dealers to fix certain ANC noise issues.

 

[moose4now]

I agree. My 2025 with firestone tires is supposed to be at 41psi according to the sticker in the door jam and the vehicle rides very harsh. I have been keeping mine at 34 to 35 and much better ride. I have no idea why GM recommends such a high psi.

 

[2025ChevNox]

I agree. My 2025 with firestone tires is supposed to be at 41psi according to the sticker in the door jam and the vehicle rides very harsh. I have been keeping mine at 34 to 35 and much better ride. I have no idea why GM recommends such a high psi.

Handling and load. The higher pressure provides a stiffer sidewall for better cornering and load support and better tire wear.

 

[Dick&Cheryl]

Our 2026 was delivered with 36lbs. in the tires and a window sticker that stated the dealer had inflated them with nitrogen (another topic on another thread). I was disappointed with the way the car drove - wandered around, followed pavement grooves, blew around in the wind, and hard to keep in the lane. It handled like a sow but the ride was nice and soft. I thought it must be the Michelin tires. I'm a Michelin fan but never had this style before. This weekend I added air to 41lbs. and I can't believe the difference it made! The handling firmed right up and all the sloppiness went away. I notice slightly more impact on broken pavement and maybe a little more tire noise in general, but the extreme improvement in handling is well worth it. I'll be running the recommended pressure from now on.

 

[Dick&Cheryl]

Our 2026 was delivered with 36lbs. in the tires and a window sticker that stated the dealer had inflated them with nitrogen (another topic on another thread). I was disappointed with the way the car drove - wandered around, followed pavement grooves, blew around in the wind, and hard to keep in the lane. It handled like a sow but the ride was nice and soft. I thought it must be the Michelin tires. I'm a Michelin fan but never had this style before. This weekend I added air to 41lbs. and I can't believe the difference it made! The handling firmed right up and all the sloppiness went away. I notice slightly more impact on broken pavement and maybe a little more tire noise in general, but the extreme improvement in handling is well worth it. I'll be running the recommended pressure from now on.

I think the fuel mileage improved some as well.