Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Vehicle Care 329
Warning (Continued)
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels. If
traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a
tire size other than 245/45R18 or
245/40R19, use tire chains only
where legal and only when
necessary. Use low profile chains
that add no more than 12 mm
thickness to the tire tread and
inner sidewall. Use chains that
are the proper size for the tires.(Continued)
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 out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. See Tires
0 308. If air goes out of a tire, it is
much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if there is ever a blowout, here
are a few tips about what to expect
and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to 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)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Vehicle Care 353
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Trim—Aluminum
or Chrome
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and other chrome
trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium, calcium,
or sodium chloride. These
chlorides are used on roads for
conditions such as ice and dust.
Always wash the chrome with
soap and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage, do not
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 and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, decklid hinges, steel
fuel door hinge, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Service and Maintenance 367
.To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0369 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed. Lamps
Properly working headlamps,
taillamps, and brake lamps are
important to see and be seen on
the road.
.
Signs that the headlamps need
attention include dimming, failure
to light, cracking, or damage.
The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
. With a multi-point inspection,
your dealer can check the lamps
and note any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control
for a smoother ride.
. Signs of wear may include
steering wheel vibration, bounce/
sway while braking, longer
stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
. As part of the multi-point
inspection, trained dealer
technicians can visually inspect
the shocks and struts for signs
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
404 Index
Front Pedestrian Braking(FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 61
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257 Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Economy Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Low Fuel Warning
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128, 129
Requirements, California . . . . . 258
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 301
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . 150Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295 Gauges
Engine Coolant
Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Power Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 359
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 379
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Hands-Free Phone . . . . . . . . . . . . . 192
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 157
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
HeadlampsAiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 296 Headlamps (cont'd)
Daytime Running
Lamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . 129
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 156
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . 130
Heated Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196, 199
High Voltage Devices and
Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 317
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 210
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 230
Home Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 166
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Index 409
Signals, Turn andLane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Software Updates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Spare Tire Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Special Application Services . . . . 366
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 373
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
StabiliTrak OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105
Stoplamps and Back-up Lamps Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 298, 299
Storage Areas Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . 102 Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Struts Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward Collision
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162, 388
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . 298, 299
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 378
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 47
Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337 Tires (cont'd)
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 316, 317
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 319
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 318
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Sealant and Compressor Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . .311
Terminology and Definitions . . 314
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 328
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 262