
Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
216 Driving and Operating
Weight of the Trailer
How heavy can a trailer safely be?
It should never weigh more than
454 kg (1,000 lb). But even that can
be too heavy.
It depends on how the rig is used.
For example, speed, altitude, road
grades, outside temperature, and
how much the vehicle is used to pull
a trailer are all important. It can
depend on any special equipment
on the vehicle, and the amount of
tongue weight the vehicle can carry.
See“Weight of the Trailer Tongue”
later in this section.
Maximum trailer weight is calculated
assuming only the driver is in the
tow vehicle and it has all the
required trailering equipment. The
weight of additional optional
equipment, passengers, and cargo
in the tow vehicle must be
subtracted from the maximum trailer
weight.
Ask your dealer for trailering
information or advice.
Weight of the Trailer Tongue
The tongue load (1) of any trailer is
an important weight to measure
because it affects the total gross
weight of the vehicle. The Gross
Vehicle Weight (GVW) includes the
curb weight of the vehicle, any
cargo carried in it, and the people
who will be riding in the vehicle.
If there are a lot of options,
equipment, passengers, or cargo in
the vehicle, it will reduce the tongue
weight the vehicle can carry, which
will also reduce the trailer weight the
vehicle can tow. If towing a trailer,
the tongue load must be added to
the GVW because the vehicle will
be carrying that weight, too. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0177
ii.
The trailer tongue (1) should weigh
10 to 15 percent of the total loaded
trailer weight (2).
After loading the trailer, weigh the
trailer and then the tongue,
separately, to see if the weights are
proper. If they are not, adjustments
might be made by moving some
items around in the trailer.
Total Weight on Your Vehicle's
Tires
Be sure the vehicle's tires are
inflated to the upper limit for cold
tires. These numbers can be found

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Driving and Operating 217
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. SeeVehicle Load Limits
0 177
ii. Make sure not to go over the
GVW limit for the vehicle, including
the weight of the trailer tongue.
Towing Equipment
Hitches
Use the correct hitch equipment.
See your dealer or a hitch dealer for
assistance.
. The rear bumper on the vehicle
is not intended for hitches. Do
not attach rental hitches or other
bumper-type hitches to it. Use
only a frame-mounted hitch that
does not attach to the bumper.
. Will any holes be made in the
body of the vehicle when the
trailer hitch is installed? If so,
seal the holes when the hitch is
removed. If the holes are not
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
See Engine Exhaust 0191
ii.
Safety Chains
Always attach chains between the
vehicle and the trailer. Cross the
safety chains under the tongue of
the trailer to help prevent the tongue
from contacting the road if it
becomes separated from the hitch.
Leave enough slack so the rig can
turn. Never allow safety chains to
drag on the ground.
Trailer Brakes
Does the trailer have its own
brakes? Be sure to read and follow
the instructions for the trailer brakes
so they are installed, adjusted, and
maintained properly.
Because the vehicle has antilock
brakes, do not tap into the vehicle's
brake system. If this is done, both
brake systems will not work well or
at all.
Conversions and
Add-Ons
Add-On Electrical
Equipment
{Warning
The Data Link Connector (DLC)
is used for vehicle service
and Emission Inspection/
Maintenance testing. See
Malfunction Indicator Lamp
(Check Engine Light) 0104
ii.
A device connected to the DLC —
such as an aftermarket fleet or
driver-behavior tracking device —
may interfere with vehicle
systems. This could affect vehicle
operation and cause a crash.
Such devices may also access
information stored in the vehicle’s
systems.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Vehicle Care 237
If Steam Is Coming from the
Engine Compartment
{Warning
Steam from an overheated engine
can burn you badly, even if you
just open the hood. Stay away
from the engine if you see or hear
steam coming from it. Just turn it
off and get everyone away from
the vehicle until it cools down.
Wait until there is no sign of
steam or coolant before you open
the hood.
If you keep driving when the
engine is overheated, the liquids
in it can catch fire. You or others
could be badly burned. Stop the
engine if it overheats, and get out
of the vehicle until the engine
is cool.
If No Steam Is Coming from
the Engine Compartment
If an engine overheat warning is
displayed but no steam can be seen
or heard, the problem may not betoo serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.
Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
. Tows a trailer.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral) and let the
engine idle.
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
and have the cooling system
checked for fill and function.
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. See
“Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode”
following.
Overheated Engine
Protection
Operating Mode
This emergency operating mode
allows the vehicle to be driven to a
safe place in an emergency
situation. If an overheated engine
condition exists, an overheat
protection mode which alternates
firing groups of cylinders helps
prevent engine damage. In this
mode, a significant loss in power
and engine performance will be
noticed. The temperature gauge will

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
238 Vehicle Care
indicate an overheat condition
exists. Driving extended distances
and/or towing a trailer in the
overheat protection mode should be
avoided.
Caution
After driving in the overheated
engine protection operating
mode, the engine oil will be
severely degraded. Any repairs
performed before the engine is
cool may cause engine damage.
Allow the engine to cool before
attempting any repair. Repair the
cause of coolant loss, change the
oil, and reset the oil life system.
SeeEngine Oil 0227
ii.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, 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. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0224
iifor
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
. 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.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. 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.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
294 Vehicle Care
.The towing capacity of the
towing vehicle. Be sure to read
the tow vehicle manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far the vehicle will be
towed. Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
. The proper towing equipment.
See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations.
. If the vehicle is ready to be
towed. Just as preparing the
vehicle for a long trip, make sure
the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front
of the vehicle grille could restrict
airflow and cause damage to the
transmission. The repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing (with Automatic
Transmission)
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.
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"
later in this section.

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Service and Maintenance 307
frequent checks and services. The
Additional Required Services -
Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargo
within recommended limits on
the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 177
ii.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0209
ii.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -
Severe are for vehicles that are:
. Mainly driven in heavy city traffic
in hot weather.
. Mainly driven in hilly or
mountainous terrain.
. Frequently towing a trailer.
. Used for high speed or
competitive driving. .
Used for taxi, police, or delivery
service.
Refer to the information in the
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe chart.
{Warning
Performing maintenance work can
be dangerous and can cause
serious injury. Perform
maintenance work only if the
required information, proper tools,
and equipment are available.
If they are not, see your dealer to
have a trained technician do the
work. See Doing Your Own
Service Work 0221
ii.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0227
ii.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 262
ii.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0267
ii.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 238
ii.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message displays, have
the engine oil and filter changed
within the next 1 000 km/600 mi.
If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once

Chevrolet Cruze Limited Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
9282844) - 2016 - crc - 9/3/15
Index 355
Steering (cont'd)Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
Stoplamps and Back-Up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Storage Areas Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 91
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 335
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 326
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 40 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274 Tires (cont'd)
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 264
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 263
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Sealant and Compressor Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Terminology and Definitions . . 260
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 273
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256 Towing
Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 212
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 293
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Traction Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak
®Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Trademarks and License Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Trailer
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Transportation Program, Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Turn and Lane-Change
Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130