
Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-15
Notice:Use of the incorrect
automatic transmission fluid may
damage the vehicle, and the
damages may not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
the automatic transmission fluid
listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants on page 11‑6.
3. After adding fluid, recheck the fluid level as described under
“How to Check Automatic
Transmission Fluid” earlier in
this section.
4. When the correct fluid level is obtained, push the dipstick back
in all the way.
Manual Transmission
Fluid
It is not necessary to check the
manual transmission fluid level.
A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak
occurs, take the vehicle to the
dealer service department and have
it repaired as soon as possible. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6
for the
proper fluid to use.
Hydraulic Clutch
There is one reservoir for both the
brake and the hydraulic clutch fluid.
See Brakes on page 10‑24 for more
information.
The hydraulic clutch linkage in the
vehicle is self-adjusting. The master
cylinder reservoir is filled with
hydraulic fluid.
A fluid loss in this system could
indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
When to Check and What
to Use
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine how often to check the
fluid level in the master cylinder
reservoir and for the proper fluid.
See Scheduled Maintenance on
page 11‑2 andRecommended
Fluids and Lubricants on page 11‑6.
How to Check and Add Fluid
The reservoir is located near the
back of the engine compartment on
the driver side of the vehicle. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10‑8 for more information on
location.
To check the fluid level, look on the
side of the reservoir. If the fluid
reaches the MAX (A) mark on the
reservoir, the fluid level is correct.
If the fluid does not reach the
MIN (B) mark on the reservoir,
then fluid needs to be added.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
10-24 Vehicle Care
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When the vehicle needs windshield
washer fluid, be sure to read the
manufacturer's instructions before
use. If operating the vehicle in an
area where the temperature may fall
below freezing, use a fluid that has
sufficient protection against
freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑8 for reservoir location. Notice:
.When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer's instructions
for adding water.
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the solution
to freeze and damage the
washer fluid tank and other
parts of the washer system.
Also, water does not clean as
well as washer fluid.
.Fill the washer fluid tank only
three-quarters full when it is
very cold. This allows for
fluid expansion if freezing
occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the windshield
washer. It can damage the
windshield washer system
and paint.
Brakes
This vehicle has front disc brakes
and could have rear drum brakes or
rear disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{WARNING
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive with
worn-out brake pads could result
in costly brake repair.

Black plate (26,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
10-26 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake/clutch master cylinder
reservoir is filled with DOT 3 brake
fluid as indicated on the reservoir
cap. SeeEngine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑8 for the
location of the reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
fluid level in the reservoir might
go down:
.The fluid level goes down
because of normal brake lining
wear. When new linings are
installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake/clutch
hydraulic system can also cause
a low fluid level. Have the brake/
clutch hydraulic system fixed,
since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes and/or clutch
will not work well.
Do not top off the brake/clutch fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake/clutch hydraulic
system.
{WARNING
If too much brake fluid is added, it
can spill on the engine and burn,
if the engine is hot enough. You
or others could be burned, and
the vehicle could be damaged.
Add brake fluid only when work is
done on the brake/clutch
hydraulic system.
When the brake/clutch fluid falls to a
low level, the brake warning light
comes on. See Brake System
Warning Light on page 5‑16.
What to Add
Use only new DOT 3 brake fluid
from a sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6.
Always clean the brake/clutch fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it. This
helps keep dirt from entering the
reservoir.

Black plate (27,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-27
{WARNING
With the wrong kind of fluid in the
brake/clutch hydraulic system, the
brakes might not work well. This
could cause a crash. Always use
the proper brake/clutch fluid.
Notice:
.Using the wrong fluid can
badly damage brake/clutch
hydraulic system parts. For
example, just a few drops of
mineral-based oil, such as
engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of fluid.
.If brake fluid is spilled
on the vehicle's painted
surfaces, the paint finish can
be damaged. Be careful not
to spill brake fluid on the
vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately.
Battery
Refer to the replacement number
shown on the original battery label
when a new battery is needed. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10‑8 for battery location.
{DANGER
Battery posts, terminals, and
related accessories contain lead
and lead compounds, chemicals
known to the State of California to
cause cancer and reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
Vehicle Storage
{WARNING
Batteries have acid that can burn
you and gas that can explode.
You can be badly hurt if you are
not careful. See Jump Starting on
page 10‑70 for tips on working
around a battery without
getting hurt.
Infrequent Usage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery to keep the battery from
running down.
Extended Storage: Remove the
black, negative (−) cable from the
battery or use a battery trickle
charger.

Black plate (3,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-3
Reset the oil life system whenever
the oil is changed. SeeEngine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
Every Engine Oil Change
.Change engine oil and filter.
Reset oil life system. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9 and
Engine Oil Life System on
page 10‑12. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18.
.Engine cooling system
inspection. Visual inspection of
hoses, pipes, fittings, and
clamps and replacement,
if needed.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.
.Windshield wiper blade
inspection for wear, cracking,
or contamination and windshield
and wiper blade cleaning,
if contaminated. See Exterior
Care on page 10‑76. Worn
or damaged wiper blade
replacement. See Wiper Blade
Replacement on page 10‑30.
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑48.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑53.
.Rotate tires if necessary. See
Tire Rotation on page 10‑54.
.Fluids visual leak check (or
every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). A leak in any
system must be repaired and
the fluid level checked.
.Engine air cleaner filter
inspection. See Engine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑16.
.Brake system inspection
(or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first).
.Steering and suspension
inspection. Visual inspection
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear.
.Body hinges and latches, key
lock cylinders, and trunk lid
hinges and latches lubrication.
See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6. More
frequent lubrication may be
required when the vehicle
is exposed to a corrosive
environment. Applying silicone
grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth makes them last
longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
.Restraint system component
check. See Safety System
Check on page 3‑23.
.Fuel system inspection for
damage or leaks.

Black plate (4,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
11-4 Service and Maintenance
.Exhaust system and nearby heat
shields inspection for loose or
damaged components.
.PCV system inspection.An
Emission Control Service. The
U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency or the California Air
Resources Board has
determined that the failure to
perform this maintenance item
will not nullify the emission
warranty or limit recall liability
prior to the completion of the
vehicle's useful life. We,
however, urge that all
recommended maintenance
services be performed at the
indicated intervals and the
maintenance be recorded.
.Automatic transmission fluid
level check and adding fluid,
if needed. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑13.
Additional Required Services
Every 12 000 km/7,500 Miles
.Rotate tires. Tires should be
rotated every 12 000 km/
7,500 miles. See Tire Rotation
on page 10‑54.
At Each Fuel Stop
.Engine oil level check. See
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
.Engine coolant level check. See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18.
.Windshield washer fluid level
check. See Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24.
Once a Month
.Tire inflation pressures check.
See Tire Pressure on
page 10‑48.
.Tire wear inspection. See Tire
Inspection on page 10‑53.
.Sunroof track and seal
inspection, if equipped. See
Sunroof on page 2‑16. Once a Year
.See
Starter Switch Check on
page 10‑28.
.See Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control Function
Check on page 10‑28.
.See Ignition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑29.
.See Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check on
page 10‑29.
.Accelerator pedal check for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Underbody flushing service.
.Hood/Decklid/Liftgate/Liftglass
Support Gas Strut Service:
Visually inspect gas strut,
if equipped, for signs of wear,
cracks, or other damage. Check
the hold open ability of the gas
strut. Contact your dealer if
service is required.

Black plate (6,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
11-6 Service and Maintenance
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
Fluids and lubricants identified below by name, part number, or specification can be obtained from your dealer.Usage Fluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil The engine requires engine oil approved to the dexos™
specification. Oils
meeting this specification can be identified with the dexos™ certification
mark. Look for and use only an engine oil that displays the dexos™
certification mark of the proper viscosity grade. See Engine Oil on
page 10‑9.
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
See
Engine Coolant on page 10‑18
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 12377967, in
Canada 89021320).
Windshield Washer Solvent Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Power Steering System DEXRON
®‐VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission Use only T-IV Automatic Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 88900925, in
Canada 22689186).
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid (GM Part No. 89021806, in Canada 89021807).
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
INDEX i-1
A
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-40
Adjustments Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . 10-16
Air Filter, Passenger Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-5
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8-4
Airbag System
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-37
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
Passenger Sensing
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-31
What Makes an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-29
What Will You See After
an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . 3-30
When Should an Airbag Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-28
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . 3-26 Airbags
Adding Equipment to the
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
Passenger Status Indicator . . . 5-12
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-12
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-36
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-24
Alarm System Anti-Theft . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-3
Antenna
Multi-Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Anti-Theft Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-10
Antilock Brake
System (ABS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-17
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-76
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-80
Ashtrays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13-6 Audio Players . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
CD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-10
Audio System Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . 7-9
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-8
Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . 9-25
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Shift Lock ControlFunction Check . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Auxiliary Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-15
B
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Inadvertent Power Saver . . . . . . 6-5
Jump Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-70
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . 10-30
Brake System Warning Light . . . 5-16
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-30
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-31
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-3
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . 9-17