Page 332 of 400

Black plate (78,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2012
10-78 Vehicle Care
{WARNING
Wheel nuts that are improperly or
incorrectly tightened can cause
the wheels to become loose or
come off. The wheel nuts should
be tightened with a torque wrench
to the proper torque specification
after replacing. Follow the torque
specification supplied by the
aftermarket manufacturer when
using accessory locking wheel
nuts. SeeCapacities and
Specifications on page 12‑2 for
original equipment wheel nut
torque specifications.
Notice: Improperly tightened
wheel nuts can lead to brake
pulsation and rotor damage. To
avoid expensive brake repairs,
evenly tighten the wheel nuts in
the proper sequence and to the
proper torque specification. See
Capacities and Specifications on
page 12‑2 for the wheel nut
torque specification.
16. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly in a crisscross sequence, as
shown.
17. Lower the jack all the way and remove the jack from under the
vehicle.
18. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the wheel wrench.Front Jack Cover Shown, Rear
Jack Cover Similar
19. If this vehicle is the RS model, snap the jack cover back into
place.
20. Remove the wheel blocks and return them to their proper
storage location.
When reinstalling the wheel cover or
center cap on the full-size tire,
tighten all five plastic caps hand
snug with the aid of the wheel
wrench and tighten them with the
wheel wrench an additional
one‐quarter of a turn.
Page 333 of 400

Black plate (79,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-79
Notice:Wheel covers will not fit
on the vehicle's compact spare.
If you try to put a wheel cover on
the compact spare, the cover or
the spare could be damaged.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{WARNING
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
Storing the Flat Tire and Tools
1. Replace the wheel wrench and wheel blocks in the tool bag.
2. Remove the foam container from the rear storage compartment.
Coin/Pierce Jack Shown, Hex
Head Jack Similar
3. Place the flat tire in the storage compartment with the valve
stem down.
4. Place the jack and jack handle extension, if the vehicle has one,
in the foam container.
5. Place the foam container inside the flat tire. Align the hole with
the stow rod. 6. Place the tool bag tether over
the stow rod and the tool bag
rear of the flat tire.
7. Turn the retainer nut clockwise until tight.
8. Replace the load floor.
The load floor may not lay flat.
The compact spare is for temporary
use only. Replace the compact
spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as you can.
Storing the Compact Spare Tire
and Tools
Reverse the instructions for
removing the spare tire and tools to
store the compact spare tire.
Page 335 of 400

Black plate (81,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-81
Notice:Ignoring these steps
could result in costly damage to
the vehicle that would not be
covered by the warranty.
Trying to start the vehicle by
pushing or pulling it will not
work, and it could damage the
vehicle.
The jump start positive post (B) is
located in the engine compartment
on the driver side of the vehicle. The jump start negative grounding
point (D) is the engine block or an
engine mounting bolt. Connect to a
spot as far away from the
discharged battery as possible.
These locations are used instead of
a direct connection to the battery.
The positive jump start connection
is under a trim cover. Open the
cover door to expose the terminal.
1. Check the other vehicle. It must
have a 12-volt battery with a
negative ground system.
Notice: Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump
starting. If the other vehicle does
not have a 12-volt system with a
negative ground, both vehicles
can be damaged.
2. Position the two vehicles so that they are not touching.
3. Set the parking brake firmly and put the shift lever in P (Park)
with an automatic transmission,
or Neutral with a manual transmission. See
Shifting Into
Park (Automatic Transmission)
on page 9‑24 with an automatic
transmission, or Parking on
page 9‑27 with a manual
transmission.
Notice: If the radio or other
accessories are left on during the
jump starting procedure, they
could be damaged. The repairs
would not be covered by the
warranty. Always turn off the
radio and other accessories when
jump starting the vehicle.
4. Turn the ignition to LOCK/OFF. Turn off all lights and
accessories in both vehicles,
except the hazard warning
flashers if needed.{WARNING
An electric fan can start up even
when the engine is not running
and can injure you. Keep hands,
clothing and tools away from any
underhood electric fan.
Page 339 of 400
Vehicle Care 10-85
Vehicles with an automatic
transmission should not be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be
towed, a dolly should be used.
See“Dolly Towing” that follows for
more information.
Dinghy Towing
(With Manual Transmission)
To dinghy tow the vehicle from the
front with all four wheels on the
ground:
1. Position the vehicle to tow and then secure it to the towing
vehicle.
2. Shift the transmission to Neutral.
3. Turn the ignition to ACC/ACCESSORY.
4. To prevent the battery from draining while the vehicle is
being towed, remove fuse 22,
23, 24, and 25 from the
instrument panel fuse block.
See Instrument Panel Fuse
Block on page 10‑40 for more
information. Remember to reinstall the fuses
once the destination has been
reached.
Notice:
If 105 km/h (65 mph) is
exceeded while towing the
vehicle, it could be damaged.
Never exceed 105 km/h (65 mph)
while towing the vehicle.
Page 343 of 400

Black plate (89,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2012
Vehicle Care 10-89
driving on roads that have been
sprayed with magnesium,
calcium, or sodium chloride.
These chlorides are used on
roads for conditions such as
ice and dust. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water
after exposure.
Notice:To avoid surface damage,
do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, brushes, or cleaners
that contain acid on aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels. Use only
approved cleaners. Also, never
drive a vehicle with aluminum or
chrome-plated wheels through an
automatic car wash that uses
silicone carbide tire cleaning
brushes. Damage could occur
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect front and rear
suspension and steering system for
damaged, loose, or missing parts or
signs of wear. Inspect power
steering lines and hoses for proper
hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Visually check constant
velocity joints, rubber boots, and
axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and
steel fuel door hinge unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make them
last longer, seal better, and not stick
or squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Use plain water to flush dirt and
debris from the vehicle's underbody.
Your dealer or an underbody car
washing system can do this. If not
removed, rust and corrosion can
develop.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Page 348 of 400
Black plate (94,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2012
10-94 Vehicle Care
Removing and Replacing the
Floor Mats
Pull up on the rear of the floor mat
to unlock each retainer and remove.
Reinstall by lining up the floor mat
retainer openings over the carpet
retainers and snap into position.
Make sure the floor mat is properly
secured in place.
Verify the floor mat does not
interfere with the pedals.
Page 353 of 400
Black plate (5,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-5
.Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check on
page 10‑26.
.Check ignition transmission lock.
SeeIgnition Transmission Lock
Check on page 10‑27.
.Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check on
page 10‑27.
.Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. See your
dealer if service is required.
.Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit on
page 10‑65.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof on
page 2‑21.
Page 361 of 400
Black plate (13,1)Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual - 2012
Service and Maintenance 11-13
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Engine Oil Use only engine oil licensed to the dexos1 specfication, or equivalent, of
the proper SAE viscosity grade. ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend is
recommended. 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 10‑16.
Hydraulic Brake/Clutch System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid
(GM Part No. 88863461, in Canada 88863462).
Windshield Washer Optikleen
®Washer Solvent.
Automatic Transmission DEXRON
®-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Manual Transmission Manual Transmission Fluid
(GM Part No. 19259104, in Canada 19259105).
Key Lock Cylinders Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube
(GM Part No. 12346241, in Canada 10953474).