
Black plate (14,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-14 Vehicle Care If the coolant inside the coolant
surge tank is hot, do not do anything
else until it cools down. The vehicle
should be parked on a level surface.
The coolant level should be
between the MIN and MAX lines.
If it is not, you may have a leak at
the radiator hoses, heater hoses,
radiator, water pump, or somewhere
else in the cooling system.
{ WARNINGHeater and radiator hoses, and
other engine parts, can be very
hot. Do not touch them. If you do,
you can be burned.
Do not run the engine if there is a
leak. If you run the engine, it
could lose all coolant. That could
cause an engine fire, and you
could be burned. Get any leak
fixed before you drive the vehicle.
If there seems to be no leak, with
the engine on, check to see if the
engine cooling fan(s) is running. If the engine is overheating, the fan
should be running. If it is not, the
vehicle needs service. Turn off the
engine.
Notice: Engine damage from
running the engine without
coolant is not covered by the
warranty.
Notice: Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL ®
can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing
sooner, at 50 000 km (30,000 mi)
or 24 months, whichever occurs
first. Any repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always use DEX-COOL
(silicate-free) coolant in the
vehicle.
Engine Coolant The cooling system in the vehicle is
filled with DEX-COOL ®
engine
coolant. This coolant is designed to
remain in the vehicle for 5 years or 240 000 km (150,000 mi), whichever
occurs first, if only DEX-COOL
extended life coolant is added.
The following explains the cooling
system and how to add coolant
when it is low. If there is a problem
with engine overheating, see Engine
Overheating on page 10 ‑ 18 .
A 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant will: .
Give freezing protection down to
− 37°C ( − 34°F). .
Give boiling protection up to
129°C (265°F). .
Protect against rust and
corrosion. .
Help keep the proper engine
temperature. .
Let the warning lights and
gauges work as they should.
Notice: Using coolant other than
DEX-COOL ®
can cause premature
engine, heater core, or radiator
corrosion. In addition, the engine
coolant could require changing

Black plate (15,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-15sooner than DEX-COOL. Any
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty. Always use
DEX-COOL (silicate-free) coolant
in the vehicle.
What to Use Use a mixture of one-half clean,
drinkable water and one-half
DEX-COOL coolant which will not
damage aluminum parts. If you use
this coolant mixture, you do not
need to add anything else.
{ WARNINGAdding only plain water or some
other liquid to the cooling system
can be dangerous. Plain water
and other liquids, can boil before
the proper coolant mixture will.
The coolant warning system is set
for the proper coolant mixture.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) With plain water or the wrong
mixture, the engine could get too
hot but you would not get the
overheat warning. The engine
could catch fire and you or
others could be burned. Use a
50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant.
Notice: If an improper coolant
mixture is used, the engine could
overheat and be badly damaged.
The repair cost would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Too much water in the mixture
can freeze and crack the engine,
radiator, heater core, and other
parts.
If coolant has to be added more
than four times a year, have the
dealer check the vehicle cooling
system. Notice: If extra inhibitors and/or
additives are used in the vehicle's
cooling system, the vehicle could
be damaged. Use only the proper
mixture of the engine coolant
listed in this manual for the
cooling system. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants on page 11 ‑ 12 for
more information.
Never dispose of engine coolant by
putting it in the trash, pouring it on
the ground, or into sewers, streams,
or bodies of water. Have the coolant
changed by an authorized service
center, familiar with legal
requirements regarding used
coolant disposal. This will help
protect the environment and your
health.
Checking Coolant
The coolant surge tank is located on
the driver side of the engine
compartment. See Engine
Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for more information on
location.

Black plate (19,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-19.
Idles for long periods in traffic. .
Tows a trailer.
If there is an overheat warning with
no sign of steam, try this for a
minute or so:
1. If there is an a/c and it is on, turn
it off.
2. Turn on the heater to full hot at
the highest fan speed and open
the windows as necessary.
3. Try to minimize engine load. If in
a traffic jam, shift to N (Neutral);
otherwise, shift to the highest
gear possible while driving.
If the overheat warning is no longer
on, the vehicle can be driven. Just
to be safe, drive slowly for about
10 minutes. If the warning does not
come back on, drive normally.
If the warning continues and the
vehicle is not stopped, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away. If there is still no sign of steam, idle
the engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning continues,
turn off the engine and get everyone
out of the vehicle until it cools down.
The decision may be made to not lift
the hood but to get service help
right away.
Power Steering Fluid
See Engine Compartment Overview
on page 10 ‑ 4 for reservoir location.
When to Check Power Steering
Fluid
It is not necessary to regularly
check power steering fluid unless a
leak in the system is suspected 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 To check the power steering fluid:
1. Turn the ignition off and let the
engine compartment cool down.
2. Remove the engine cover,
if required. See Engine Cover on
page 10 ‑ 7 .
3. Wipe the cap and the top of the
reservoir clean.
4. Unscrew the cap and wipe the
dipstick with a clean rag.
5. Replace the cap and completely
tighten it.
6. Remove the cap again and look
at the fluid level on the dipstick.
The fluid level should be within the
area indicated on the dipstick when
the engine is cold. If necessary, add
only enough fluid to bring the level
within the area indicated.

Black plate (21,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-21
{ WARNINGThe 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.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in Capacities and
Specifications on page 12 ‑ 2 . Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be
required.
Brake Adjustment Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a vehicle is
complex. Its many parts have to be
of top quality and work well together
if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts. If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front and
rear brakes — for the worse. The
braking performance expected can
change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with DOT 3 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. See
Engine Compartment Overview on
page 10 ‑ 4 for the location of the
reservoir.

Black plate (24,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-24 Vehicle Care 3. Try to start the engine in each
gear. The vehicle should start
only in P (Park) or N (Neutral).
If the vehicle starts in any other
position, contact your dealer for
service.
Automatic Transmission
Shift Lock Control
Function Check
{ WARNINGWhen you are doing this
inspection, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If the vehicle
moves, you or others could be
injured.
1. Before starting this check, be
sure there is enough room
around the vehicle. It should be
parked on a level surface. 2. Firmly apply the parking brake.
See Parking Brake on
page 9 ‑ 25 .
Be ready to apply the regular
brake immediately if the vehicle
begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the
ignition on, but do not start the
engine. Without applying the
regular brake, try to move the
shift lever out of P (Park) with
normal effort. If the shift lever
moves out of P (Park), contact
your dealer for service.
Ignition Transmission
Lock Check While parked, and with the parking
brake set, try to turn the ignition to
LOCK/OFF in each shift lever
position. .
The ignition should turn to
LOCK/OFF only when the shift
lever is in P (Park). .
The ignition key should come
out only in LOCK/OFF. Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Park Brake and P (Park)
Mechanism Check
{ WARNINGWhen you are doing this check,
the vehicle could begin to move.
You or others could be injured
and property could be damaged.
Make sure there is room in front
of the vehicle in case it begins to
roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle
begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the
vehicle facing downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set
the parking brake. .
To check the parking brake's
holding ability: With the engine
running and the transmission in
N (Neutral), slowly remove foot

Black plate (25,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
Vehicle Care 10-25pressure from the regular brake
pedal. Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake only. .
To check the P (Park)
mechanism's holding ability:
With the engine running, shift to
P (Park). Then release the
parking brake followed by the
regular brake.
Contact your dealer if service is
required.
Wiper Blade Replacement Windshield wiper blades should be
inspected for wear and cracking.
See Maintenance Schedule on
page 11 ‑ 3 .
Replacement blades come in
different types and are removed in
different ways. For proper type and
length, see Maintenance
Replacement Parts on page 11 ‑ 14 .
Notice: Allowing the wiper arm to
touch the windshield when no
wiper blade is installed could
damage the windshield. Any damage that occurs would not be
covered by your warranty. Do not
allow the wiper arm to touch the
windshield.
Front Wiper Blade
Replacement To replace the windshield wiper
blade:
1. Lift the wiper arm away from the
windshield.
2. Push the release lever (2) to
disengage the hook and push
the wiper arm (1) out of the
blade assembly (3). 3. Push the new blade assembly
securely on the wiper arm until
the release lever clicks into
place.
4. Lower the wiper arm.
Rear Wiper Blade Replacement To replace the rear wiper blade:
1. Lift the rear wiper arm (1) from
the window.

Black plate (36,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-36 Vehicle Care
Wheels and Tires Tires Every new GM vehicle has
high-quality tires made by a
leading tire manufacturer. See
the warranty manual for
information regarding the tire
warranty and where to get
service. For additional
information refer to the tire
manufacturer.
{ WARNING .
Poorly maintained and
improperly used tires are
dangerous. .
Overloading the tires can
cause overheating as a
result of too much flexing.
There could be a blowout
(Continued) WARNING (Continued)
and a serious crash. See
Vehicle Load Limits on
page 9 ‑ 10 . .
Underinflated tires pose
the same danger as
overloaded tires. The
resulting crash could
cause serious injury.
Check all tires frequently
to maintain the
recommended pressure.
Tire pressure should be
checked when the tires
are cold. .
Overinflated tires are more
likely to be cut, punctured,
or broken by a sudden
impact — such as when
hitting a pothole. Keep
tires at the recommended
pressure.
(Continued) WARNING (Continued) .
Worn or old tires can
cause a crash. If the tread
is badly worn,
replace them. .
Replace any tires that
have been damaged by
impacts with potholes,
curbs, etc. .
Improperly repaired tires
can cause a crash. Only
the dealer or an
authorized tire service
center should repair,
replace, dismount, and
mount the tires. .
Do not spin the tires in
excess of 56 km/h
(35 mph) on slippery
surfaces such as snow,
mud, ice, etc. Excessive
spinning may cause the
tires to explode.

Black plate (38,1)Chevrolet Captiva Sport Owner Manual - 2013 - crc - 11/12/12
10-38 Vehicle Care
Tire Sidewall Labeling Useful information about a tire is
molded into its sidewall. The
examples show a typical
passenger vehicle tire and a
compact spare tire sidewall.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire Example
(1) Tire Size :
The tire size is a
combination of letters and
numbers used to define a
particular tire's width, height,
aspect ratio, construction type, and service description. See the
“ Tire Size ” illustration later in this
section.
(2) TPC Spec (Tire
Performance Criteria
Specification) :
Original
equipment tires designed to
GM's specific tire performance
criteria have a TPC specification
code molded onto the sidewall.
GM's TPC specifications meet or
exceed all federal safety
guidelines.
(3) DOT (Department of
Transportation) :
The
Department of Transportation
(DOT) code indicates that the
tire is in compliance with the
U.S. Department of
Transportation Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards.
DOT Tire Date of
Manufacture :
The last four
digits of the TIN indicate the tire
manufactured date. The first two digits represent the week
(01 – 52) and the last two digits,
the year. For example, the third
week of the year 2010 would
have a four-digit DOT date
of 0310.
(4) Tire Identification Number
(TIN) :
The letters and numbers
following the DOT (Department
of Transportation) code are the
Tire Identification Number
(TIN). The TIN shows the
manufacturer and plant code,
tire size, and date the tire was
manufactured. The TIN is
molded onto both sides of the
tire, although only one side may
have the date of manufacture.
(5) Tire Ply Material :
The type
of cord and number of plies in
the sidewall and under the tread.
(6) Uniform Tire Quality
Grading (UTQG) :
Tire
manufacturers are required to
grade tires based on three