Buick Enclave: Tire Pressure. Tire Pressure Monitor System. Tire Pressure Monitor Operation

Tire Pressure

Tires need the correct amount of air pressure to operate effectively. Proper tire inflation helps the tire carry the vehicle load, maintain the correct shape, provide stable road contact, and deliver the handling and ride quality expected from the vehicle.

On the Buick Enclave, tire pressure affects more than comfort. It can influence steering response, braking distance, tread life, fuel economy, road noise, traction, and the way the vehicle feels during highway driving, cornering, and wet-weather operation.

Notice: Neither tire underinflation nor overinflation is good.

Underinflated tires, or tires that do not have enough air, can result in:

► Tire overloading and overheating, which could lead to a blowout.

► Premature or irregular wear.

► Poor handling.

► Reduced fuel economy.

When a tire is underinflated, the sidewall flexes more than it should. This extra flexing creates heat, increases rolling resistance, and can weaken the tire structure. The tire may also wear more heavily on the outer edges, making replacement necessary sooner than expected.

Overinflated tires, or tires that have too much air, can result in:

► Unusual wear.

► Poor handling.

► Rough ride.

► Needless damage from road hazards.

When a tire is overinflated, the center of the tread may carry too much of the load. This can reduce the tire’s ability to absorb bumps and may make the ride feel harsher. Overinflation can also make the tire more vulnerable to impact damage from potholes, broken pavement, sharp edges, or debris on the road.

The Tire and Loading Information label on the vehicle indicates the original equipment tires and the correct cold tire inflation pressures. This label should be used as the main reference when checking or adjusting tire pressure.

The recommended pressure is the minimum air pressure needed to support the vehicle's maximum load carrying capacity. It is selected by the vehicle manufacturer to balance safety, load support, handling, braking, comfort, and tire wear.

For additional information regarding how much weight the vehicle can carry, and for an example of the Tire and Loading Information label, see Vehicle Load Limits.

How the vehicle is loaded affects vehicle handling and ride comfort. Never load the vehicle with more weight than it was designed to carry. Extra passengers, luggage, tools, roof cargo, or towing-related load can increase the demand placed on the tires.

Correct tire pressure is especially important before long trips, highway travel, heavy cargo use, seasonal temperature changes, or driving in cold weather. A tire that was properly inflated in warm weather may read lower when temperatures drop.

When to Check

Check the tires once a month or more. Do not forget the compact spare tire, if the vehicle has one. The compact spare should be at 420 kPa (60 psi).

For additional information regarding the compact spare tire, see Compact Spare Tire.

It is also a good idea to check tire pressure before extended driving, after a major temperature change, or whenever the vehicle feels different on the road. A tire can lose air slowly over time even when there is no obvious puncture.

How to Check

Use a good quality pocket-type gauge to check tire pressure. A reliable gauge gives a more accurate reading than simply looking at the tire or judging by how the vehicle sits.

Proper tire inflation cannot be determined by looking at the tire. A tire can be significantly underinflated and still appear normal, especially on a larger vehicle with strong sidewalls.

Check the tire inflation pressure when the tires are cold, meaning the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours or has been driven no more than 1.6 km (1 mi).

Cold pressure matters because tires warm up during driving. As heat builds, the air inside the tire expands and the pressure reading rises. Adjusting pressure while the tires are hot can lead to an inaccurate setting once the tires cool again.

Remove the valve cap from the tire valve stem. Press the tire gauge firmly onto the valve to get a pressure measurement. A brief hiss of air can occur if the gauge is not seated squarely, so press straight and firmly for a clean reading.

If the cold tire inflation pressure matches the recommended pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label, no further adjustment is necessary.

If the inflation pressure is low, add air until the recommended pressure is reached. If the inflation pressure is high, press on the metal stem in the center of the tire valve to release air.

Re-check the tire pressure with the tire gauge after adding or releasing air. Small adjustments can make a noticeable difference, so confirm the final reading before reinstalling the cap.

Return the valve caps on the valve stems to help prevent leaks and keep out dirt and moisture. Valve caps protect the valve core from contamination, corrosion, and small debris that could affect sealing.

Maintaining the correct tire pressure helps the Buick Enclave deliver safer handling, better tire life, and more consistent performance in everyday driving.

Tire Pressure Monitor System

The Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) uses radio and sensor technology to check tire pressure levels. The TPMS sensors monitor the air pressure in the tires and transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.

This system is designed to help alert the driver when one or more tires become significantly underinflated. It is an important support feature, but it should not replace regular tire pressure checks with a proper gauge.

Each tire, including the spare if provided, should be checked monthly when cold and inflated to the inflation pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label. If the vehicle has tires of a different size than the size indicated on the vehicle placard or tire inflation pressure label, the proper tire inflation pressure for those tires should be determined.

As an added safety feature, the vehicle has been equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system that illuminates a low tire pressure telltale when one or more of the tires is significantly underinflated.

Accordingly, when the low tire pressure telltale illuminates, stop and check the tires as soon as possible, and inflate them to the proper pressure. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire causes the tire to overheat and can lead to tire failure.

Underinflation also reduces fuel efficiency and tire tread life, and may affect the vehicle's handling and stopping ability. A low tire can make the vehicle feel less stable, increase steering effort, reduce cornering response, and create longer stopping distances in certain conditions.

Please note that the TPMS is not a substitute for proper tire maintenance. It is the driver's responsibility to maintain correct tire pressure, even if underinflation has not reached the level required to trigger illumination of the TPMS low tire pressure telltale.

For the Buick Enclave, the TPMS should be viewed as a helpful warning system, not as the only method of tire care. Tire pressure should still be checked manually, and the tires should also be inspected for tread wear, visible damage, cracking, punctures, sidewall bulges, or uneven wear patterns.

The vehicle has also been equipped with a TPMS malfunction indicator to indicate when the system is not operating properly.

The TPMS malfunction indicator is combined with the low tire pressure telltale. When the system detects a malfunction, the telltale will flash for approximately one minute and then remain continuously illuminated.

This sequence will continue upon subsequent vehicle start-ups as long as the malfunction exists.

When the malfunction indicator is illuminated, the system may not be able to detect or signal low tire pressure as intended. TPMS malfunctions may occur for a variety of reasons, including the installation of replacement or alternate tires or wheels on the vehicle that prevent the TPMS from functioning properly.

Replacement wheels, non-original tire sizes, incompatible sensors, missing sensors, damaged sensors, incorrect sensor programming, or certain service procedures can affect TPMS operation. If the warning remains after the tires are properly inflated, the system should be checked.

Always check the TPMS malfunction telltale after replacing one or more tires or wheels on the vehicle to ensure that the replacement or alternate tires and wheels allow the TPMS to continue to function properly.

See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation  for additional information.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada Standards

See Radio Frequency Statement  for information regarding Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Rules and with Industry Canada Standards RSS-GEN/210/220/310.

The TPMS uses radio frequency communication, so its operation must comply with applicable communication standards. Interference, damaged sensors, or incompatible parts can affect the ability of the system to send or receive pressure information correctly.

Tire Pressure Monitor Operation

This vehicle may have a Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS). This system is designed to help the driver recognize when one or more tires are significantly underinflated before the condition becomes more serious.

The TPMS is designed to warn the driver when a low tire pressure condition exists. TPMS sensors are mounted onto each tire and wheel assembly, excluding the spare tire and wheel assembly, if the vehicle has one. These sensors monitor the air pressure inside the tires and transmit tire pressure readings to a receiver located in the vehicle.

On the Buick Enclave, the TPMS works as a helpful support system for tire safety, but it should not replace regular tire inspections or manual pressure checks. Tire pressure can change with temperature, driving conditions, tire age, small leaks, or damage that may not be immediately visible.

When a low tire pressure condition is detected, the TPMS illuminates the low tire pressure warning light located on the instrument cluster.

If the warning light comes on, stop as soon as possible and inflate the tires to the recommended pressure shown on the Tire and Loading Information label. See Vehicle Load Limits.

► A message to check the pressure in a specific tire displays in the Driver Information Center (DIC). The low tire pressure warning light and the DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle until the tires are inflated to the correct inflation pressure. Using the DIC, tire pressure levels can be viewed.

This message helps identify which tire needs attention, making it easier to correct the issue without guessing. However, the pressure should still be confirmed with a reliable tire pressure gauge, especially before long trips or when the vehicle is carrying passengers and cargo.

For additional information and details about DIC operation and displays, see Driver Information Center (DIC)  and Tire Messages.

The low tire pressure warning light may come on in cool weather when the vehicle is first started, and then turn off as the vehicle is driven.

This can be an early indicator that the air pressure is getting low and needs to be adjusted to the proper pressure. As outside temperature drops, tire pressure can decrease, and the system may detect the lower pressure before the tires warm up during driving.

► The Tire and Loading Information label shows the size of the original equipment tires and the correct inflation pressure for the tires when they are cold. See Vehicle Load Limits for an example of the Tire and Loading Information label and its location. Also see Tire Pressure.

The correct cold tire pressure is the pressure specified for the vehicle before the tires have built up heat from driving. This is the most accurate condition for checking and adjusting tire pressure. Do not use the maximum pressure molded on the tire sidewall as the normal inflation target unless directed by the vehicle label or service information.

The TPMS can warn about a low tire pressure condition, but it does not replace normal tire maintenance. See Tire Inspection, Tire Rotation  and Tires.

Regular maintenance is still necessary because the TPMS may not warn about uneven tread wear, sidewall damage, cracking, punctures, tire age, poor alignment, or other conditions that can affect safety and performance. A tire can also be damaged even if the pressure reading appears normal.

Notice: Tire sealant materials are not all the same. A non-approved tire sealant could damage the TPMS sensors. TPMS sensor damage caused by using an incorrect tire sealant is not covered by the vehicle warranty. Always use only the GM-approved tire sealant available through your dealer or included in the vehicle.

Factory-installed Tire Inflator Kits use a GM-approved liquid tire sealant. Using non-approved tire sealants could damage the TPMS sensors. See Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit  for information regarding the inflator kit materials and instructions.

Sealants can affect the internal sensor, valve stem area, and pressure reading if they are not compatible with the system. If a tire sealant has been used, tell the service technician before tire repair or replacement so the sensor and inside of the tire can be inspected properly.

TPMS Malfunction Light and Message

The TPMS will not function properly if one or more of the TPMS sensors are missing or inoperable. When the system detects a malfunction, the low tire warning light flashes for about one minute and then stays on for the remainder of the ignition cycle. A DIC warning message also displays.

The malfunction light and DIC warning message come on at each ignition cycle until the problem is corrected. If the system is not operating correctly, it may not be able to warn the driver about a low tire pressure condition as intended.

Some of the conditions that can cause these warnings to come on are:

► One of the road tires has been replaced with the spare tire.

The spare tire does not have a TPMS sensor. The malfunction light and DIC message should go off after the road tire is replaced and the sensor matching process is performed successfully. See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later in this section.

The TPMS sensor matching process was not done or was not completed successfully after rotating the tires.

The malfunction light and the DIC message should go off after the sensor matching process is completed successfully.

See "TPMS Sensor Matching Process" later in this section. One or more TPMS sensors may also be missing or damaged.

The malfunction light and the DIC message should go off when the TPMS sensors are installed and the sensor matching process is performed successfully. See your dealer for service.

► Replacement tires or wheels do not match the original equipment tires or wheels. Tires and wheels other than those recommended could prevent the TPMS from functioning properly. See Buying New Tires.

► Operating electronic devices or being near facilities using radio wave frequencies similar to the TPMS could cause the TPMS sensors to malfunction.

Other possible causes may include a damaged sensor battery, incorrect sensor programming, a faulty valve stem sensor, wheel damage, or service work performed without completing the relearn procedure. If the warning continues, the Buick Enclave should be checked with the proper diagnostic equipment.

If the TPMS is not functioning properly, it cannot detect or signal a low tire condition. See your dealer for service if the TPMS malfunction light and DIC message comes on and stays on.

TPMS Sensor Matching Process

Each TPMS sensor has a unique identification code. The identification code needs to be matched to a new tire/wheel position after rotating the tires or replacing one or more of the TPMS sensors. The TPMS sensor matching process should also be performed after replacing a spare tire with a road tire containing the TPMS sensor.

The malfunction light and the DIC message should go off at the next ignition cycle after the matching process is completed correctly. This allows the vehicle to recognize which sensor belongs to each wheel position.

The sensors are matched to the tire/wheel positions using a TPMS relearn tool in the following order:

Driver side front tire, passenger side front tire, passenger side rear tire, and driver side rear tire. See your dealer for service or to purchase a relearn tool.

There are two minutes to match the first tire/wheel position, and five minutes overall to match all four tire/wheel positions. If it takes longer, the matching process stops and must be restarted.

The TPMS sensor matching process is:

1. Set the parking brake.

2. Turn the ignition to ON/RUN with the engine off.

3. Press the Remote Keyless Entry (RKE) transmitter's LOCK and UNLOCK buttons at the same time for approximately five seconds. The horn sounds twice to signal that the receiver is in relearn mode, and the TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message displays on the DIC screen.

4. Start with the driver side front tire.

5. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve stem. Then press the button to activate the TPMS sensor.

► A horn chirp confirms that the sensor identification code has been matched to this tire and wheel position.

6. Proceed to the passenger side front tire and repeat the procedure in Step 5.

7. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire and repeat the procedure in Step 5.

8. Proceed to the driver side rear tire and repeat the procedure in Step 5. The horn sounds two times to indicate the sensor identification code has been matched to the driver side rear tire, and the TPMS sensor matching process is no longer active. The TIRE LEARNING ACTIVE message on the DIC display screen goes off.

9. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF.

10. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure level as indicated on the Tire and Loading Information label.

After the relearn procedure is complete, confirm that the warning light and DIC messages operate normally. Correct sensor matching helps the Buick Enclave display tire pressure information for the proper wheel position and helps the driver respond accurately when a low tire pressure condition is detected.