2018 CHEVROLET MALIBU run flat

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
210 Driving and Operating
Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water
can build up under the vehicle's
tires so they actually ride on the
water. This can happen if the road is
wet enough and you are going fast
enough. When the vehicle is
hydroplaning, it has little or no
contact with the road.
There is no hard and fast rule about
hydroplaning. The best advice is to
slow down when the road is wet.
Other Rainy Weather Tips
Besides slowing down, other wet
weather driving tips include:
.Allow extra following distance.
. Pass with caution.
. Keep windshield wiping
equipment in good shape.
. Keep the windshield washer fluid
reservoir filled.
. Have good tires with proper
tread depth. See Tires0308.
. Turn off cruise control.
Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through
mountains is different than driving
on flat or rolling terrain. Tips include:
.Keep the vehicle serviced and in
good shape.
. Check all fluid levels and brakes,
tires, cooling system, and
transmission.
. Shift to a lower gear when going
down steep or long hills.
{Warning
Using the brakes to slow the
vehicle on a long downhill slope
can cause brake overheating, can
reduce brake performance, and
could result in a loss of braking.
Shift the transmission to a lower
gear to let the engine assist the
brakes on a steep downhill slope.
{Warning
Coasting downhill in N (Neutral)
or with the ignition off is
dangerous. This can cause
overheating of the brakes and
loss of steering. Always have the
engine running and the vehicle
in gear.
. Drive at speeds that keep the
vehicle in its own lane. Do not
swing wide or cross the
center line.
. Be alert on top of hills;
something could be in your lane
(e.g., stalled car, accident).
. Pay attention to special road
signs (e.g., falling rocks area,
winding roads, long grades,
passing or no-passing zones)
and take appropriate action.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
264 Driving and Operating
brakes might have to be used so
much that they would get hot and no
longer work well.
The vehicle can tow in D (Drive).
Use a lower gear if the transmission
shifts too often.
When towing at high altitude on
steep uphill grades, engine coolant
boils at a lower temperature than at
normal altitudes. If the engine is
turned off immediately after towing
at high altitude on steep uphill
grades, the vehicle could show
signs similar to engine overheating.
To avoid this, let the engine run
while parked, preferably on level
ground, with the transmission in
P (Park) for a few minutes before
turning the engine off. If the
overheat warning comes on, see
Engine Overheating0288.Parking on Hills
{Warning
Parking the vehicle on a hill with
the trailer attached can be
dangerous. If something goes
wrong, the rig could start to move.
People can be injured, and both
the vehicle and the trailer can be
damaged. When possible, always
park the rig on a flat surface.
If parking the rig on a hill: 1. Press the brake pedal, but do not shift into P (Park) yet. Turn
the wheels into the curb if
facing downhill or into traffic if
facing uphill.
2. Have someone place chocks under the trailer wheels.
3. When the wheel chocks are in place, release the brake pedal
until the chocks absorb
the load.
4. Reapply the brake pedal. Then apply the parking brake and
shift into P (Park). 5. Release the brake pedal.
Leaving After Parking on a Hill
1. Apply and hold the brake pedal
while you:
1.1. Start the engine.
1.2. Shift into a gear.
1.3. Release the parking brake.
2. Let up on the brake pedal.
3. Drive slowly until the trailer is clear of the chocks.
4. Stop and have someone pick up and store the chocks.
Maintenance When Trailer
Towing
The vehicle needs service more
often when pulling a trailer. See the
Maintenance Schedule 0360.
Things that are especially important
in trailer operation are automatic
transmission fluid, engine oil, axle
lubricant, belts, cooling system, and
brake system. Inspect these before
and during the trip.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Vehicle Care 331
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust 0223.
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause
the tire to rupture and you or
others could be injured. Be sure
to read and follow the tire sealant
and compressor kit instructions
and inflate the tire to its
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
recommended pressure. Do not
exceed the recommended
pressure.
{Warning
Storing the tire sealant and
compressor kit or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store the tire
sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire or tire changing
equipment, and on some vehicles
there may not be a place to store
a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor
can be used to temporarily seal
punctures up to 6 mm (0.25 in) in the tread area of the tire. It can also
be used to inflate an
underinflated tire.
If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a large puncture, the tire is
too severely damaged for the tire
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. See
Roadside Assistance
Program 0379.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.
The kit includes:
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Vehicle Care 333
5. Slide the base of the tiresealant canister (3) into the slot
on the top of the compressor
(6) to hold it upright.
Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.
6. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.7. Attach the sealant/air hose (2)
to the tire valve stem by turning
it clockwise until tight.
8. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 0109.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window. 9. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
must be running while using
the air compressor.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gauge (8) will
initially show a high pressure
while the compressor pushes
the sealant into the tire. Once
the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the
pressure will quickly drop and
start to rise again as the tire
inflates with air only.
11. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0316.
The pressure gauge (8) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
336 Vehicle Care
SeeIf a Tire Goes Flat 0329 for
other important safety warnings.
1. Remove the compressor from its storage location. See
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0337.
2. Remove the air only hose (10) and the power plug (9) from the
bottom of the compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.
Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (10) to the tire valve stem by turning it
clockwise until tight.
6. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 0109. If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using
the air compressor.
8. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only.
9. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0316.
The pressure gauge (8) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off to get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See
Roadside
Assistance Program 0379.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the
compressor as it could be
warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (9) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Vehicle Care 337
12. Turn the air only hose (10)counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
14. Return the air only hose (10) and power plug (9) back to
their original storage location.
15. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
The tire sealant and compressor kit
has accessory adapters located in a
compartment on the bottom of its
housing that can be used to inflate
air mattresses, balls, etc.
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit
To access the tire sealant and
compressor kit: 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 44.
2. Lift the cover.
3. Turn the wing nut counterclockwise to remove the
tire sealant and compressor
kit bag.
4. Remove the tire sealant and compressor kit from the bag.
To store the tire sealant and
compressor kit, reverse the steps.
Tire Changing
Removing the Spare Tire and
Tools
1. Jack
2. Wrench
3. Tow Hook (If Equipped)
4. Extension Bolt
5. Insulator Pad
To access the spare tire and tools: 1. Open the trunk.
2. Remove the spare tire cover.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
346 Vehicle Care
In cold temperatures, the engine will
not run with the hood open. Close
the hood.
Caution
For hybrid vehicles, repeatedly
trying to start the vehicle can
drain and damage the high
voltage battery, requiring
replacement. This would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
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,
making sure that the cables do
not touch each other or other
metal.Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and 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 wheel
lift tow truck or flatbed car carrier.
If a wheel lift tow truck is used, the
drive wheels cannot contact the
road while the vehicle is being
towed. A wheel dolly must be used
to lift all drive wheels off the ground.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11348460) - 2018 - crc - 5/3/17
Index 403
Drive Belt Routing, Engine . . . . . . 374
Driver Assistance Systems . . . . . 242
Driver InformationCenter (DIC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131, 134
Driving Assistance Systems . . . . . . . . . . 247
Characteristics andTowing Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Defensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Drunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
For Better Fuel Economy . . . . . . . 29
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . 210
If the Vehicle is Stuck . . . . . . . . . 212
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Vehicle Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Wet Roads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .211
Dual Automatic Climate Control System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
E
Electric Parking Brake . . . . . . . . . . 228
Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . 124
Electrical Equipment,Add-On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Electrical System Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302 Electrical System (cont'd)
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 301
Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Emergency OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 390
Energy Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Check Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Compartment Overview . . . . . . . 273
Coolant Temperature Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . 283, 287
Drive Belt Routing . . . . . . . . . . . . 374
Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Heater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Oil Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
Oil Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Overheating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Power Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Running While Parked . . . . . . . . 223
Starting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Entry Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Equipment, Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Event Data Recorders . . . . . . . . . . 387 Exit Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Extended Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Extender, Seat Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Exterior Lamp Controls . . . . . . . . . 154
Exterior Lamps Off Reminder . . . 156
Exterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
F
Features
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Filter,
Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 156
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . 157
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . 282
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Forward Automatic Braking . . . . . 249
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385