Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 335
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
compact spare tires, tires with
nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm),
or to some limited-production
tires.
While the tires available on
General Motors passenger cars
and light trucks may vary with
respect to these grades, they
must also conform to federal
safety requirements and
additional General Motors Tire
Performance Criteria (TPC)
standards.
Quality grades can be found
where applicable on the tire
sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For
example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AATemperature A
All Passenger Car Tires Must
Conform to Federal Safety
Requirements In Addition To
These Grades.
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1Ω) times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions on
specified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
338 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
Install them on the tires of the
front axle. Don't use chains on the
tires of the rear axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If the
chains contact the vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning
the wheels with chains on will
damage the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow outwhile driving, especially if the tiresare maintained properly. SeeTires0317.Ifairgoesoutofatire,itismuch more likely to leak out slowly.But if there is ever a blowout, hereare a few tips about what to expectand what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tirecreates a drag that pulls the vehicletoward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip thesteering wheel firmly. Steer tomaintain lane position, and thengently brake to a stop, well off theroad, if possible.
Arearblowout,particularlyonacurve, acts much like a skid andmay require the same correction asused in a skid. Stop pressing theaccelerator pedal and steer tostraighten the vehicle. It may bevery bumpy and noisy. Gently braketo a stop, well off the road,if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tireand wheel damage by driving slowlyto a level place, well off the road,if possible. Turn on the hazardwarning flashers. SeeHazardWarning Flashers0166.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 355
10. Start the vehicle with the goodbattery and run the engine atidle speed for at leastfour minutes.
11 . Tr y t o s t a r t t h e v e h i c l e t h a t h a dthe dead battery. If it will notstart after a few tries, itprobably needs service.
For hybrid vehicles, the engine willonly start if needed after pressingON/RUN/START. The vehicle readylight will come on when thepropulsion system is on and ready.In cold temperatures, the engine willnot run with the hood open. Closethe hood.
Caution
If the jumper cables are
connected or removed in the
wrong order, electrical shorting
may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Always connect and remove the
jumper cables in the correct order,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.
Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly whenremoving the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicleand removing the jumper cables,allow it to idle for several minutes.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled
vehicle may cause damage. The
damage would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Do not lash or hook to
suspension components. Use the
proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle.
Have the vehicle towed on a wheellift tow truck. A flatbed car carriercould damage the vehicle. Thewheel lift tow truck must raise therear of the vehicle and wheel dolliesmust be used to lift the front wheelsoff the ground.
Consult your dealer or aprofessional towing service if thedisabled vehicle must be towed.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
368 Service and Maintenance
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 368
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 369
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 377Maintenance ReplacementParts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 378
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 379
General Information
Yo u r v e h i c l e i s a n i m p o r t a n tinvestment. This section describesthe required maintenance for thevehicle. Follow this schedule to helpprotect against major repairexpenses resulting from neglect orinadequate maintenance. It mayalso help to maintain the value ofthe vehicle if it is sold. It is theresponsibility of the owner to haveall required maintenance performed.
Yo u r d e a l e r h a s t r a i n e d t e c h n i c i a n swho can perform requiredmaintenance using genuinereplacement parts. They haveup-to-date tools and equipment forfast and accurate diagnostics. Manydealers have extended evening andSaturday hours, courtesytransportation, and onlinescheduling to assist with serviceneeds.
Yo u r d e a l e r r e c o g n i z e s t h eimportance of providingcompetitively priced maintenanceand repair services. With trainedtechnicians, the dealer is the placefor routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations andadditional maintenance items liketires, brakes, batteries, and wiperblades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
The Tire Rotation and RequiredServices are the responsibility of thevehicle owner. It is recommended tohave your dealer perform theseservices every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.Proper vehicle maintenance helps tokeep the vehicle in good workingcondition, improves fuel economy,and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people usevehicles, maintenance needs vary.There may need to be more
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Service and Maintenance 369
frequent checks and services. TheAdditional Required Services -Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargowithin recommended limits onthe Tire and Loading Informationlabel. SeeVehicle LoadLimits0222.
.Are driven on reasonable roadsurfaces within legal drivinglimits.
.Use the recommended fuel. SeeFuel0268.
Refer to the information in theMaintenance Schedule AdditionalRequired Services - Normal chart.
The Additional Required Services -Severe are for vehicles that are:
.Mainly driven in heavy city trafficin hot weather.
.Mainly driven in hilly ormountainous terrain.
.Frequently towing a trailer.
.Used for high speed orcompetitive driving.
.Used for taxi, police, or deliveryservice.
Refer to the information in theMaintenance Schedule AdditionalRequired 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. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work0280.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. SeeEngine Oil0288.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflationpressures. SeeTirePressure0325.
.Inspect the tires for wear. SeeTire Inspection0331.
.Check the windshield washerfluid level. SeeWasherFluid0299.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OILSOON message displays, have theengine oil and filter changed withinthe next 1 000 km/600 mi. If drivenunder the best conditions, theengine oil life system may notindicate the need for vehicle servicefor up to a year. The engine oil andfilter must be changed at least once
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
370 Service and Maintenance
ayearandtheoillifesystemmustbe reset. Your trained dealertechnician can perform this work.If the engine oil life system is resetaccidentally, service the vehiclewithin 5 000 km/3,000 mi since thelast service. Reset the oil lifesystem when the oil is changed.SeeEngine Oil Life System0291.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended forthe vehicle, and perform thefollowing services. SeeTireRotation0331.
.Check engine oil level and oillife percentage. If needed,change engine oil and filter, andreset oil life system. SeeEngineOil0288andEngine Oil LifeSystem0291.
.Check engine coolant level. SeeEngine Coolant0295.
.Check windshield washer fluidlevel. SeeWasher Fluid0299.
.Visually inspect windshield wiperblades for wear, cracking,or contamination. SeeExteriorCare0358.Replacewornordamaged wiper blades. SeeWiper BladeReplacement0304.
.Check tire inflation pressures.SeeTire Pressure0325.
.Inspect tire wear. SeeTireInspection0331.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter0292.
.Inspect brake system. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs ofwear. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Check restraint systemcomponents. SeeSafety SystemCheck069.
.Visually inspect fuel system fordamage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust systemand nearby heat shields forloose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. SeeExterior Care0358.
.Check starter switch. SeeStarterSwitch Check0303.
.Check automatic transmissionshift lock control function. SeeAutomatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck0303.
.Check parking brake andautomatic transmission parkmechanism. SeePark Brake andP(Park)MechanismCheck0303.
.Check accelerator pedal fordamage, high effort, or binding.Replace if needed.
.Visually inspect gas strut forsigns of wear, cracks, or otherdamage. Check the hold openability of the strut. See yourdealer if service is required.
.Inspect sunroof track and seal,if equipped. SeeSunroof052.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Service and Maintenance 371
Maintenance ScheduleAdditional RequiredServices - Normal
12 000 km/7,500 mi24 000 km/15,000 mi36 000 km/22,500 mi48 000 km/30,000 mi60 000 km/37,500 mi72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi96 000 km/60,000 mi108 000 km/67,500 mi120 000 km/75,000 mi132 000 km/82,500 mi144 000 km/90,000 mi156 000 km/97,500 mi168 000 km/105,000 mi180 000 km/112,500 mi192 000 km/120,000 mi204 000 km/127,500 mi216 000 km/135,000 mi228 000 km/142,500 mi240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@@@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@@@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid. (1.8LHybrid only.)@
Replace spark plugs. (1.8L Hybrid only.) Inspectspark plug wires.@
Replace spark plugs. (Except 1.8L Hybrid.)Inspect spark plug wires.@@
Drain and fill engine cooling system and PowerElectronics cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Footnotes—MaintenanceSchedule Additional RequiredServices - Normal
(1)Or every two years, whichevercomes first. More frequentpassenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed ifdriving in areas with heavy traffic,poor air quality, high dust levels,or environmental allergens.Passenger compartment air filterreplacement may also be needed ifthere is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealercan help determine when to replacethe filter.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
372 Service and Maintenance
(2)Visually check all fuel and vaporlines and hoses for properattachment, connection, routing, andcondition.
(3)Or every four years, whichevercomes first. If driving in dustyconditions, inspect the filter at eachoil change or more often as needed.
(4)Or every five years, whichevercomes first. SeeCooling System(Engine)0293orCooling System(Power Electronics)0294.
(5)Or every 10 years, whichevercomes first. Inspect for fraying,excessive cracking, or damage;replace, if needed.
(6)Replace brake fluid every fiveyears. SeeBrake Fluid0300.