2017 CHEVROLET SONIC maintenance

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
262 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
ascraperorwirebrushlaterto
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors such as maintenance,temperatures, driving speeds,vehicle loading, and road conditionsaffect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way totell when it is time for new tires.Treadwear indicators appear whenthe tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 in)or less of tread remaining.SeeTire Inspection0260andTireRotation0261.
The rubber in tires ages over time.This also applies to the spare tire,if the vehicle has one, even if it isnever used. Multiple factorsincluding temperatures, loadingconditions, and inflation pressuremaintenance affect how fast agingtakes place. GM recommends thattires, including the spare ifequipped, be replaced after sixyears, regardless of tread wear. The
tire manufacture date is the last fourdigits of the DOT Tire IdentificationNumber (TIN) which is molded intoone side of the tire sidewall. Thefirst two digits represent the week(01–52) and the last two digits, theyear. For example, the third week ofthe year 2010 would have afour-digit DOT date of 0310.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normallymounted on a parked vehicle. Parkavehiclethatwillbestoredforatleast a month in a cool, dry, cleanarea away from direct sunlight toslow aging. This area should be freeof grease, gasoline, or othersubstances that can deterioraterubber.
Parking for an extended period cancause flat spots on the tires thatmay result in vibrations whiledriving. When storing a vehicle forat least a month, remove the tires orraise the vehicle to reduce theweight from the tires.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Vehicle Care 263
Buying New Tires
GM has developed and matched
specific tires for the vehicle. The
original equipment tires installed
were designed to meet General
Motors Tire Performance Criteria
Specification (TPC Spec)
system rating. When
replacement tires are needed,
GM strongly recommends
buying tires with the same TPC
Spec rating.
GM's exclusive TPC Spec
system considers over a dozen
critical specifications that impact
the overall performance of the
vehicle, including brake system
performance, ride and handling,
traction control, and tire
pressure monitoring
performance. GM's TPC Spec
number is molded onto the tire's
sidewall near the tire size. If the
tires have an all-season tread
design, the TPC Spec number
will be followed by MS for mud
and snow. SeeTire Sidewall
Labeling0250.
GM recommends replacing worn
tires in complete sets of four.
Uniform tread depth on all tires
will help to maintain the
performance of the vehicle.
Braking and handling
performance may be adversely
affected if all the tires are not
replaced at the same time.
If proper rotation and
maintenance have been done,
all four tires should wear out at
about the same time. SeeTire
Rotation0261.However,ifitis
necessary to replace only one
axle set of worn tires, place the
new tires on the rear axle.
Winter tires with the same speed
rating as the original equipment
tires may not be available for H,
V, W, Y a n d Z R s p e e d r a t e d
tires. Never exceed the winter
tires’maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a
lower speed rating.
{Warning
Tires could explode during
improper service. Attempting
to mount or dismount a tire
could cause injury or death.
Only your dealer or authorized
tire service center should
mount or dismount the tires.
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes,
brands, or types may cause
loss of control of the vehicle,
resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the
correct size, brand, and type
of tires on all wheels.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
268 Vehicle Care
{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
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
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 Flashers0136.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or amanual transmission in1(First) or R(Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and donot restart while the vehicleis raised.
4. Do not allow passengers toremain in the vehicle.
5. Place wheel blocks,if equipped, on both sides ofthe tire at the oppositecorner of the tire beingchanged.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),use the following example as aguide to assist in the placement ofthe wheel blocks (1), if equipped.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
284 Vehicle Care
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, liftgate hinges, and thesteel fuel door hinges, unless thecomponents are plastic. Applyingsilicone grease on weatherstripswith 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 the
underbody. 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.
Original manufacturer replacementparts will provide the corrosionprotection while maintaining thevehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips andscratches with touch-up materialsavailable from your dealer to avoid

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Service and Maintenance 289
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 289
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 290
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300Maintenance ReplacementParts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 302
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 Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
290 Service and Maintenance
frequent checks and services. TheAdditional Required Services -Normal are for vehicles that:
.Carry passengers and cargowithin recommended limits onthe Tire and Loading Informationlabel. SeeVehicle LoadLimits0178.
.Are driven on reasonable roadsurfaces within legal drivinglimits.
.Use the recommended fuel. SeeFuel0207.
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 Work0214.
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. SeeEngine Oil0220.
Once a Month
.Check the tire inflationpressures. SeeTirePressure0256.
.Inspect the tires for wear. SeeTire Inspection0260.
.Check the windshield washerfluid level. SeeWasherFluid0231.
Engine Oil Change
When a:%CHANGE message
displays in the DIC, have the engineoil and filter changed within the next1000km/600mi. If driven under thebest conditions, the engine oil lifesystem may not indicate the needfor vehicle service for up to a year.The engine oil and filter must bechanged at least once a year and

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
Service and Maintenance 291
the oil life system must be reset.Yo u r t r a i n e d d e a l e r t e c h n i c i a n c a nperform this work. If the engine oillife system is reset accidentally,service the vehicle within 5 000 km/3,000 mi since the last service.Reset the oil life system when theoil is changed. SeeEngine Oil LifeSystem0222.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended forthe vehicle, and perform thefollowing services. SeeTireRotation0261.
.Check engine oil level and oillife percentage. If needed,change engine oil and filter, andreset oil life system. SeeEngineOil0220andEngine Oil LifeSystem0222.
.Check engine coolant level. SeeEngine Coolant0227.
.Check windshield washer fluidlevel. SeeWasher Fluid0231.
.Visually inspect windshield wiperblades for wear, cracking,or contamination. SeeExteriorCare0280.Replacewornordamaged wiper blades. SeeWiper BladeReplacement0236.
.Check tire inflation pressures.SeeTire Pressure0256.
.Inspect tire wear. SeeTireInspection0260.
.Visually check for fluid leaks.
.Inspect engine air cleaner filter.SeeEngine Air Cleaner/Filter0224.
.Inspect brake system. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Visually inspect steering,suspension, and chassiscomponents for damaged, loose,or missing parts or signs ofwear. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Check restraint systemcomponents. SeeSafety SystemCheck064.
.Visually inspect fuel system fordamage or leaks.
.Visually inspect exhaust systemand nearby heat shields forloose or damaged parts.
.Lubricate body components. SeeExterior Care0280.
.Check starter switch. SeeStarterSwitch Check0234.
.Check automatic transmissionshift lock control function. SeeAutomatic Transmission ShiftLock Control FunctionCheck0235.
.Check ignition transmission lock.SeeIgnition Transmission LockCheck0235.
.Check parking brake andautomatic transmission parkmechanism. SeePark Brake andP(Park)MechanismCheck0236.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-10122660) -2017 - crc - 5/13/16
292 Service and Maintenance
.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. SeeSunroof050.