Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
284 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding
correct product usage, necessary
safety precautions, and
appropriate disposal of any
vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure
washes closer than 30 cm (12 in)
to the surface of the vehicle. Use
of power washers exceeding
8,274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result
in damage or removal of paint
and decals.
Caution
Do not power wash any
component under the hood that
has this
esymbol.
This could cause damage that
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
If using an automatic car wash,
follow the car wash instructions. The
windshield wiper and rear window
wiper, if equipped, must be off.
Remove any accessories that may
be damaged or interfere with the car
wash equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before
washing and after, to remove all
cleaning agents completely. If they
are allowed to dry on the surface,
they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean
chamois or an all-cotton towel to
avoid surface scratches and water
spotting.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat
sealant/wax materials is not
recommended. If painted surfaces
are damaged, see your dealer to
have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as
calcium chloride and other salts, ice
melting agents, road oil and tar, tree
sap, bird droppings, chemicals from
industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they
remain on painted surfaces. Wash
the vehicle as soon as possible.
If necessary, use non-abrasive
cleaners that are marked safe for
painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild
polishing should be done to remove
residue from the paint finish. See
your dealer for approved cleaning
products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to
uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber,
decals, simulated wood, or flat paint
as damage can occur.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
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288 Vehicle Care
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Finish Damage
Quickly repair minor chips and
scratches with touch-up materials
available from your dealer to avoid
corrosion. Larger areas of finish
damage can be corrected in your
dealer's body and paint shop.
Chemical Paint Spotting
Airborne pollutants can fall upon
and attack painted vehicle surfaces
causing blotchy, ring-shaped
discolorations, and small, irregular
dark spots etched into the paint
surface. See“Finish Care”
previously in this section.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions,
regularly clean the vehicle's interior.
Immediately remove any soils.
Newspapers or dark garments can
transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove
dust from knobs and crevices on the
instrument cluster. Using a mild
soap solution, immediately remove
hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect
repellent from all interior surfaces or
permanent damage may result.
Use cleaners specifically designed
for the surfaces being cleaned to
prevent permanent damage. Apply
all cleaners directly to the cleaning
cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any
switches or controls. Remove
cleaners quickly.
Before using cleaners, read and
follow all safety instructions on the
label. While cleaning the interior,
open the doors and windows to get
proper ventilation. To prevent damage, do not clean
the interior using the following
cleaners or techniques:
.
Never use a razor or any other
sharp object to remove soil from
any interior surface.
. Never use a brush with stiff
bristles.
. Never rub any surface
aggressively or with too much
pressure.
. Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with
degreasers. For liquid cleaners,
use approximately 20 drops per
3.8 L (1 gal) of water.
A concentrated soap solution will
create streaks and attract dirt.
Do not use solutions that contain
strong or caustic soap.
. Do not heavily saturate the
upholstery when cleaning.
. Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Vehicle Care 289
Interior Glass
To clean, use a terry cloth fabric
dampened with water. Wipe droplets
left behind with a clean dry cloth.
If necessary, use a commercial
glass cleaner after cleaning with
plain water.
Caution
To prevent scratching, never use
abrasive cleaners on automotive
glass. Abrasive cleaners or
aggressive cleaning may damage
the rear window defogger.
Cleaning the windshield with water
during the first three to six months
of ownership will reduce tendency
to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover
gently, so that the speaker will not
be damaged. Clean spots with water
and mild soap.
Coated Moldings
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
. When lightly soiled, wipe with a
sponge or soft, lint-free cloth
dampened with water.
. When heavily soiled, use warm
soapy water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface
using a soft brush attachment. If a
rotating vacuum brush attachment is
being used, only use it on the floor
carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as
possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper
towel. Continue blotting until no
more soil can be removed.
. For solid soils, remove as much
as possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean:
1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water.
Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint
transfer to the fabric or carpet. 2. Remove excess moisture by
gently wringing until water does
not drip from the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the
center. Fold the cleaning cloth
to a clean area frequently to
prevent forcing the soil in to the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no
longer any color transfer from
the soil to the cleaning cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap
solution followed only by plain
water.
If the soil is not completely
removed, it may be necessary to
use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small
hidden area for colorfastness before
using a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. If ring
formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to
blot excess moisture.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
290 Vehicle Care
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces
and Vehicle Information and
Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss
surfaces or vehicle displays. First,
use a soft bristle brush to remove
dirt that can scratch the surface.
Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window
cleaners or solvents. Periodically
hand wash the microfiber cloth
separately, using mild soap. Do not
use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before
next use.
Caution
Do not attach a device with a
suction cup to the display. This
may cause damage and would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Instrument Panel, Leather,
Vinyl, Other Plastic Surfaces,
Low Gloss Paint Surfaces, and
Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
Use a soft microfiber cloth
dampened with water to remove
dust and loose dirt. For a more
thorough cleaning, use a soft
microfiber cloth dampened with a
mild soap solution.
Caution
Soaking or saturating leather,
especially perforated leather, as
well as other interior surfaces,
may cause permanent damage.
Wipe excess moisture from these
surfaces after cleaning and allow
them to dry naturally. Never use
heat, steam, or spot removers. Do
not use cleaners that contain
silicone or wax-based products.
Cleaners containing these
solvents can permanently change(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the appearance and feel of
leather or soft trim, and are not
recommended.
Do not use cleaners that increase
gloss, especially on the instrument
panel. Reflected glare can decrease
visibility through the windshield
under certain conditions.
Caution
Use of air fresheners may cause
permanent damage to plastics
and painted surfaces. If an air
freshener comes in contact with
any plastic or painted surface in
the vehicle, blot immediately and
clean with a soft cloth dampened
with a mild soap solution.
Damage caused by air fresheners
would not be covered by the
vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
298 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 228. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) If equipped with an automatic
transmission, replace brake fluid
every five years. See Brake Fluid
0 234.
(7) If equipped with a manual
transmission, replace brake/clutch
fluid every three years. See Brake
Fluid 0234.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
300 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 228. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) If equipped with an automatic
transmission, replace brake fluid
every five years. See Brake Fluid
0 234.
(7) If equipped with a manual
transmission, replace brake/clutch
fluid every three years. See Brake
Fluid 0234.Special Application
Services
.
Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every oil change.
. Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
0 283.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Index 343
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 306
Maintenance and Care Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 295 Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 113
Manual Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 193
Manual Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . 194 Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Manual Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Media
Avoiding Untrusted Devices . . 147
Messages Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Mirrors Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Monitor System, Tire
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Multi-band Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
N
Navigation OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 181
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Off-Road
Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 224
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 79
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 314
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
OnStar Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
OnStar Diagnostics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
OnStar Navigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 327 OnStar System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 152
Operate Pedal Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Operation
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Ordering Service Publications . . . . . . . . . . 320
Outlets
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Owner Manual Indicator . . . . . . . . 115
P
Park Shifting Into . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Shifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Brake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Brake and P (Park)Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 237
Extended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
Over Things That Burn . . . . . . . 189
Ultrasonic Sensor Light . . . . . . . .118
Parking Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Passenger Airbag Status Indicator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Passenger Compartment Air Filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 168
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
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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