
Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Introduction v
Vehicle Symbol Chart
Here are some additional symbols
that may be found on the vehicle
and what they mean. For more
information on the symbol, refer to
the Index.
9:Airbag Readiness Light
#:Air Conditioning
!:Antilock Brake System (ABS)
g:Audio Steering Wheel Controls
or OnStar®
$: Brake System Warning Light
":Charging System
I:Cruise Control
B: Engine Coolant Temperature
O:Exterior Lamps
#:Fog Lamps
.: Fuel Gauge
+:Fuses
3: Headlamp High/Low-Beam
Changer
j: LATCH System Child
Restraints
*: Malfunction Indicator Lamp
::Oil Pressure
}:Power
/:Remote Vehicle Start
>:Safety Belt Reminders
7:Tire Pressure Monitor
d:Traction Control
M:Windshield Washer Fluid

Black plate (1,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-1
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . 10-3
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-4
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-5
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-6
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-8
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-9
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . 10-12
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-15
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . 10-16
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-17 Engine Coolant . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-18
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . 10-21
Power Steering Fluid . . . . . . . 10-23
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-27
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . 10-28
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-28
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-29
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . 10-29
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . 10-30
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-31
Front Turn Signal,Sidemarker, and Parking
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-32 Taillamps, Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, Stoplamps,
and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . 10-33
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Hatchback) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp (CHMSL)
(Sedan) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-34
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . 10-35
Replacement Bulbs . . . . . . . . . 10-35
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-42
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . 10-42
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-45
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-48

Black plate (9,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-9
A.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter on
page 10‑16.
B. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When
to Add Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
C. Brake/Clutch Fluid Reservoir. See “Brake Fluid” underBrakes
on page 10‑24 andHydraulic
Clutch on page 10‑15.
D. Engine Coolant Surge Tank. See Cooling System on
page 10‑17.
E. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block on page 10‑37.
F. Battery on page 10‑27.
G. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding Washer
Fluid” under Washer Fluid on
page 10‑24. H. Engine Oil Dipstick. See
“Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil on page 10‑9.
I. Automatic Transmission Dipstick. See Automatic
Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑13.
J. Power Steering Fluid Reservoir. See Power Steering Fluid on
page 10‑23.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil.
Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.Always use engine oil approved
to the proper specification and of
the proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
.Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
.Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System on page 10‑12.
.Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
If the engine oil pressure light
comes on, check the engine oil level
right away. The oil pressure light is
on the instrument panel cluster. See
Engine Oil Pressure Light on
page 5‑18. Check the engine oil
level regularly; this is an added
reminder.

Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
10-14 Vehicle Care
Get the vehicle warmed up by
driving about 24 km (15 miles) when
outside temperatures are above
10°C (50°F). If it is colder than
10°C (50°F), you may have to
drive longer.
Checking the Fluid Level
Prepare the vehicle as follows:
1. Park the vehicle on a levelplace. Keep the engine running.
2. With the parking brake applied, place the shift lever in P (Park).
3. With your foot on the brake pedal, move the shift lever
through each gear range,
pausing for about three seconds
in each range. Then, position the
shift lever in P (Park).
4. Let the engine run at idle for three to five minutes. Then, without shutting off the
engine, follow these steps:
1. Locate the automatic
transmission dipstick which is
located toward the front of the
engine compartment, near the
power steering fluid reservoir.
See Engine Compartment
Overview on page 10‑8 for more
information on location.
2. Pull out the dipstick and wipe it with a clean rag or paper towel.
3. Push the dipstick back in all the way, wait three seconds, and
then pull it back out again.
4. Check both sides of the dipstick.The fluid should be between the
MIN (A) and MAX (B) mark of
the hot area of the dipstick. 5. If the fluid level is in the
acceptable range, push the
dipstick back in all the way.
How to Add Automatic
Transmission Fluid
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule
to determine what kind of
transmission fluid to use. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6.
If the fluid level is low, add only
enough of the proper fluid to bring
the level into the area between the
two dimples in the hot range on the
dipstick.
1. Pull out the dipstick.
2. Using a long-neck funnel, add
enough fluid at the dipstick hole
to bring it to the proper level.
It does not take much fluid,
generally less than 0.5 L (1 pint).
Do not overfill.

Black plate (23,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Vehicle Care 10-23
If the temperature overheat gauge
is no longer in the overheat zone
or an overheat warning no longer
displays, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
vehicle distance from the vehicle in
front. If the warning does not come
back on, continue to drive normally.
If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine
until it cools down.Power Steering Fluid
When to Check Power
Steering Fluid
The power steering fluid reservoir is
located toward the front of the
engine compartment on the driver
side of the vehicle. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview on
page 10‑8 for reservoir location.
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless
there is a leak suspected in the
system or an unusual noise is
heard. A fluid loss in this system
could indicate a problem. Have the
system inspected and repaired.
How to Check Power
Steering Fluid
Turn the key off and let the engine
compartment cool down.
The level should be above the MIN
mark on the reservoir. If the level
drops below the MIN mark, add
power steering fluid. Do not overfill
the reservoir and remember to
replace the cap tightly when finished
and clean up any spilled fluid.
What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to
use, see Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11‑6. Always
use the proper fluid. Failure to use
the proper fluid can cause leaks and
damage hoses and seals.

Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
Service and Maintenance 11-5
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 40 000 km/25,000 Miles
.Engine air cleaner filter
replacement. SeeEngine Air
Cleaner/Filter on page 10‑16.
.Spark plug replacement and
spark plug wires inspection.
Not to exceed 60 000 km/
37,500 miles. An Emission
Control Service.
.Engine accessory drive belt
inspection for fraying, excessive
cracks, or obvious damage and
replacement, if needed.
.Passenger compartment air
filter replacement (or every
24 months, whichever occurs
first). More frequent replacement
may be needed if you drive in
areas with heavy traffic, areas
with poor air quality, or areas
with high dust levels.
Replacement may also be
needed if you notice reduced
air flow, windows fogging up, or odors. Your dealer can help
you determine when it is the
right time to replace the filter.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 80 000 km/50,000 Miles
.Automatic transmission fluid and
filter change (severe service
only) for vehicles mainly driven
in heavy city traffic in hot
weather, in hilly or mountainous
terrain, when frequently towing a
trailer, or used for taxi, police,
or delivery service. See
Automatic Transmission Fluid on
page 10‑13.
.Power steering pump accessory
drive belt replacement.
.Evaporative control system
inspection. Check all fuel and
vapor lines and hoses for proper
hook‐up, routing, and condition.
EVAP vent solenoid valve
replacement. 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.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 160 000 km/100,000 Miles
.Timing belt replacement.
.Valve clearance adjustment.
First Engine Oil Change After
Every 240 000 km/150,000 Miles
.Engine cooling system drain,
flush, and refill (or every five
years, whichever occurs first).
See Engine Coolant on
page 10‑18. An Emission
Control Service.

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 (4,1)Chevrolet Aveo Owner Manual - 2011
i-4 INDEX
Engine (cont.)Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-18
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 9-25
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-4, 9-19
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-12
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . 13-15
Extender, Safety Belt . . . . . . . . . . 3-22
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 6-1
F
Filter Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . 10-16
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-2
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 6-3
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-61 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-64
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-83
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . 10-13
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-26
Power Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-23
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-24 Fog Lamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-4
Front Fog Lamps Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-20
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-3
Front Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
Front Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 10-32
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-34 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-36
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-39
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-37
Fuels in Foreign Countries . . . . 9-36
Gasoline Specifications . . . . . . . 9-35
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . 5-20
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Requirements, California . . . . . 9-35
Fuel Economy
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-22 Fuses
Engine Compartment
Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-37
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-36
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-40
G
Gasoline
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9-35
Gauges Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-11
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-10
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-9
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-7