Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
Vehicle Care 299
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid isneeded, be sure to read themanufacturer's instructions beforeuse. If operating the vehicle in anarea where the temperature may fallbelow freezing, use a fluid that hassufficient protection againstfreezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washersymbol on it. Add washer fluid untilthe tank is full. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0283forreservoir location.
Caution
.Do not use washer fluid thatcontains any type of waterrepellent coating. This cancause the wiper blades tochatter or skip.
.Do not use engine coolant(antifreeze) in thewindshield washer. It candamage the windshieldwasher system and paint.
.Do not mix water withready-to-use washer fluid.Water can cause thesolution to freeze anddamage the washer fluidtank and other parts of thewasher system.
.When using concentratedwasher fluid, follow themanufacturer instructions foradding water.
.Fill the washer fluid tankonly three-quarters full whenit is very cold. This allowsfor fluid expansion if
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
freezing occurs, which coulddamage the tank if it iscompletely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wearindicators that make a high-pitchedwarning sound when the brake padsare worn and new pads are needed.The sound can come and go or canbe heard all the time when thevehicle is moving, except whenapplying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
acrash.Whenthebrakewear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
300 Vehicle Care
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climatescan cause a brake squeal when thebrakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not meansomething is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts arenecessary to help prevent brakepulsation. When tires are rotated,inspect brake pads for wear andevenly tighten wheel nuts in theproper sequence to torquespecifications. SeeCapacities andSpecifications0381.
Brake pads should be replaced ascomplete sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedaldoes not return to normal height,or if there is a rapid increase inpedal travel. This could be a signthat brake service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system partswith new, approved replacementparts. If this is not done, the brakesmay not work properly. The brakingperformance expected can changein many other ways if the wrongreplacement brake parts areinstalled or if parts are improperlyinstalled.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoiris filled with GM approved DOT 3brake fluid as indicated on thereservoir cap. SeeEngineCompartment Overview0283forthe location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on alevel surface, the brake fluid levelshould be between the minimumand maximum marks on the brakefluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why thebrake fluid level in the reservoir maygo down:
.Normal brake lining wear. Whennew linings are installed, thefluid level goes back up.
.Afluidleakinthebrakehydraulic system. Have thebrake hydraulic system fixed.With a leak, the brakes will notwork well.
Always clean the brake fluidreservoir cap and the area aroundthe cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.Adding fluid does not correct a leak.If fluid is added when the linings areworn, there will be too much fluidwhen new brake linings areinstalled. Add or remove fluid, asnecessary, only when work is doneon the brake hydraulic system.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-10122664) - 2017 - crc - 5/23/16
362 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To a v o i d s u r f a c e d a m a g e , d o n o t
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.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines andhoses for proper hook-up, binding,leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspectdisc brake pads for wear and rotorsfor surface condition. Inspect drumbrake linings/shoes for wear orcracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs of wear atleast once a year.
Inspect power steering for properattachment, connections, binding,leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity jointboots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,hood hinges, decklid hinges, steelfuel door hinge, unless thecomponents are plastic. Applyingsilicone grease on weatherstrips
with a clean cloth will make themlast longer, seal better, and not stickor squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,use plain water to flush anycorrosive materials from theunderbody. Take care to thoroughlyclean any areas where mud andother debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash thetransfer case and/or front/rear axleoutput seals. High pressure watercan overcome the seals andcontaminate the fluid. Contaminatedfluid will decrease the life of thetransfer case and/or axles andshould be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged andrequires sheet metal repair orreplacement, make sure the bodyrepair shop applies anti-corrosionmaterial to parts repaired orreplaced to restore corrosionprotection.
