
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Service and Maintenance 299
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed.@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Replace engine air cleaner filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid.@@@
Change manual transmission fluid.@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(1.8L Engine)@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires.
(1.4L Engine)@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
1.8L Engine Only: Replace timing belt, idler
pulley, and timing belt tensioner. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. If equipped with an automatic
transmission. (6)
Replace brake/clutch fluid. If equipped with
manual transmission. (7)

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
302 Service and Maintenance
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
of leaking, blown seals,
or damage, and can advise
when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated,
rotated, and balanced. Maintaining
the tires can save money and fuel,
and can reduce the risk of tire
failure.
. Signs that the tires need to be
replaced include three or more
visible treadwear indicators; cord
or fabric showing through the
rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or
split in the tire.
. Trained dealer technicians can
inspect and recommend the right
tires. Your dealer can also
provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth
vehicle operation at all speeds.
Your dealer sells and services
name brand tires. Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like
new, vehicle care products are
available from your dealer. For
information on how to clean and
protect the vehicle’s interior and
exterior, see
Interior Care 0288 and
Exterior Care 0283.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for
ensuring that the tires deliver
optimal wear and performance.
. Signs that the alignment may
need to be adjusted include
pulling, improper vehicle
handling, or unusual tire wear.
. Your dealer has the required
equipment to ensure proper
wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the
best viewing, keep the windshield
clean and clear.
. Signs of damage include
scratches, cracks, and chips.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
316 Customer Information
driver if they decide the claims are
made too often, or the same type of
claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Emergency Fuel Delivery:
Delivery of enough fuel for the
vehicle to get to the nearest
service station.
. Lock-Out Service: Service to
unlock the vehicle if you are
locked out. A remote unlock may
be available if you have OnStar.
For security reasons, the driver
must present identification
before this service is given.
. Emergency Tow from a Public
Road or Highway: Tow to the
nearest Chevrolet dealer for
warranty service, or if the vehicle
was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given
when the vehicle is stuck in the
sand, mud, or snow.
. Flat Tire Change: Service to
change a flat tire with the spare
tire. The spare tire, if equipped,
must be in good condition and
properly inflated. It is the owner's responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not
covered by the warranty.
. Battery Jump Start: Service to
jump start a dead battery.
. Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: If your trip is
interrupted due to a warranty
event, incidental expenses may
be reimbursed within the
Powertrain warranty period.
Items considered are reasonable
and customary hotel, meals,
rental car, or a vehicle being
delivered back to the customer,
up to 500 miles.
Services Not Included in
Roadside Assistance
. Impound towing caused by
violation of any laws
. Legal fines
. Mounting, dismounting,
or changing of snow tires,
chains, or other traction devices
Service is not provided if a vehicle
is in an area that is not accessible
to the service vehicle or is not a regularly traveled or maintained
public road, which includes ice and
winter roads. Off-road use is not
covered.
Services Specific to
Canadian-Purchased Vehicles
.
Fuel Delivery: Reimbursement
is up to 7 liters. If available,
diesel fuel delivery may be
restricted. Propane and other
fuels are not provided through
this service.
. Lock-Out Service: Vehicle
registration is required.
. Trip Interruption Benefits and
Assistance: Must be over
150 km from where your trip was
started to qualify.
Pre-authorization, original
detailed receipts, and a copy of
the repair orders are required.
Once authorization has been
received, the Roadside
Assistance advisor will help to
make arrangements and explain
how to receive payment.

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 337
IndexA
Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Accessory Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Add-On Electrical Equipment . . . 213
Additional Information OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Adjustments
Lumbar, Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Agreements Trademarks and License . . . . . 163
Air Cleaner/Filter, Engine . . . . . . . 226
Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Air Filter, Passenger
Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Air Intake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Air Vents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Airbag System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
How Does an AirbagRestrain? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Passenger Sensing System . . . . 73
What Makes an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
What Will You See after an Airbag Inflates? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Airbag System (cont'd)
When Should an Airbag
Inflate? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Where Are the Airbags? . . . . . . . . 69
Airbags Adding Equipment to theVehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Passenger Status Indicator . . . .112
Readiness Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Servicing Airbag-Equipped Vehicles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Alarm Vehicle Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
AM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Antenna Backglass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Multi-band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Antilock Brake System (ABS) . . . 196 Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .116
Appearance Care Exterior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Armrest Front Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
338 Index
Assistance Program,Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Automatic Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Shift Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
B
Backglass Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
BatteryExterior Lighting Battery
Saver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Battery - North America . . . . 235, 277
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . 237
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153, 154 Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Brake
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . .115
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 181
Bulb Replacement Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps and Front TurnSignal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . 243
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
California Fuel Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . 209 California (cont'd)
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
California
Proposition
65 Warning . . . . . . . . . .215, 235, 277, Back Cover
Camera Rear Vision (RVC) . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . 2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 308
Carbon Monoxide Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 190
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Cargo
Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . 3
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . 113
Check Engine Light (MalfunctionIndicator) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .113
Ignition Transmission Lock . . . 237
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . 81

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
344 Index
Passenger Sensing System . . . . . 73
Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements, California . . . . . . 216
Personalization Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Phone Apple CarPlay and
Android Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158
Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 153, 154
Port USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Power Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Outlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Protection, Battery . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Reduced Engine Light . . . . . . . . 121
Retained Accessory (RAP) . . . 187
Seat Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power Steering Warning Lights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Pregnancy, Using Seat Belts . . . . 65
Privacy Vehicle Data Recording . . . . . . . 323
Program
Courtesy Transportation . . . . . . 317 Proposition
65 Warning,
California . . . . . . . . . . . .215, 235, 277,
Back Cover
R
Radio Frequency Statement . . . . 321
Radio Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
RadiosAM-FM Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Satellite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Reading Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Rear Vision Camera (RVC) . . . . . 203
Rear Window Washer/Wiper . . . . 105
Rearview Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Records Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . 280
Reduced Engine Power Light . . . 121
Reimbursement Program, GM Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Remote Keyless Entry
(RKE) System . . . . . . . . . . 28, 29, 31
Remote Vehicle Start . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Replacement Parts
Airbags . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 305
Replacing Airbag System . . . . . . . . 79
Replacing LATCH System Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
Replacing Seat Belt System
Parts after a Crash . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Reporting Safety Defects Canadian Government . . . . . . . . 322
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 322
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Restraints Where to Put . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Retained Accessory Power (RAP) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 187
Roads Driving, Wet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174
Roadside Assistance Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Roof
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 310
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
346 Index
StrutsGas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 314
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 46 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 270 Tires (cont'd)
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 260
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 259
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Terminology and Definitions . . 256
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 269
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Towing
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 212
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Traction Control System (TCS)/
StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198 Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 191
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
U
Ultrasonic Parking SensorLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 267
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 172

Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 347
Vehicle (cont'd)Identification Number (VIN) . . . 307
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 177
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Service Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 118
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . .115
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 207
Warning Light
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .117
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107 Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 269
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 85
Wi-Fi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 237
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105