
Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348316) -
2018 - CRC - 8/22/17
210 Driving and Operating
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 Limits0163.
In general, trailer tongue weight (1)
should be 10–15% of the total
loaded trailer weight (2). Some
specific trailer types, such as boat
trailers, fall outside of this range.
Refer to the trailer owner ’s manual
for the recommended trailer tongue
weight. In all cases, do not exceed
the maximum loads for the vehicle
series and hitch type.
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
on the Tire and Loading Information
label. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 163. 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

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348316) -
2018 - CRC - 8/22/17
Driving and Operating 211
sealed, dirt, water, and deadly
carbon monoxide (CO) from the
exhaust can get into the vehicle.
SeeEngine Exhaust 0174.
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? State and local regulations
may require the trailer to have its
own braking system if loaded above
a certain threshold. Trailer brake
requirements vary from state to
state. 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) 0118.
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 Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348316) -
2018 - CRC - 8/22/17
230 Vehicle Care
SeeOverheated Engine Protection
Operating Mode 0230 for
information on driving to a safe
place in an emergency.
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 might not be
too 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 displays 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 coolant temperature gauge is
no longer in the overheat zone, 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 proper 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. Also, see Overheated
Engine Protection Operating Mode
0 230.
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, there is significant loss in
power and engine performance.
The engine coolant temperature
gauge indicates if an overheat
condition exists. Driving extended
distances and/or towing a trailer in
the overheat protection mode
should be avoided.
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

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348316) -
2018 - CRC - 8/22/17
280 Vehicle Care
of recreational vehicle towing are
known as dinghy towing and dolly
towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground. Dolly towing is towing the
vehicle with two wheels on the
ground and two wheels up on a
device known as a dolly.
Here are some important things to
consider before recreational vehicle
towing:
.What is the towing capacity of
the towing vehicle? Be sure to
read the tow vehicle
manufacturer's
recommendations.
. How far will the vehicle be
towed? Some vehicles have
restrictions on how far and how
long they can tow.
. Does the vehicle have the
proper towing equipment? See
your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice
and equipment
recommendations. .
Is the vehicle 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
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the
drivetrain components could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Do not tow the vehicle
with all four wheels on the
ground.

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348316) -
2018 - CRC - 8/22/17
292 Service and Maintenance
The Tire Rotation and Required
Services are the responsibility of the
vehicle owner. It is recommended to
have your dealer perform these
services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition, improves fuel economy,
and reduces vehicle emissions.
Because of the way people use
vehicles, maintenance needs vary.
There may need to be more
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
0 163.
. Are driven on reasonable road
surfaces within legal driving
limits.
. Use the recommended fuel. See
Fuel 0202.
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 (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
have a trained technician do the
work. SeeDoing Your Own
Service Work 0215.

Chevrolet Impala Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11348316) -
2018 - CRC - 8/22/17
342 Index
SystemsDriver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 310
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 42 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256, 258
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 259
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 258
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 Tires (cont'd)
Terminology and Definitions . . 254
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 268
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 206
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 206
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 279
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Traction
Control System (TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223 Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
U
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 266
Universal Remote System . . . . . . 135Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 304
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128