Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
214 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 215
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 216
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 224
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 226
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 226
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 231
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234 Battery - North America . . . . . . 235
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 236
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 237
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 239
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 243
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 244
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 253
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 256
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
264 Vehicle Care
Tire Rotation
Tires should be rotated every
12 000 km (7,500 mi). See
Maintenance Schedule0295.
Tires are rotated to achieve a
more uniform wear for all tires.
The first rotation is the most
important.
Anytime unusual wear is
noticed, rotate the tires as soon
as possible, check for proper tire
inflation pressure, and check for
damaged tires or wheels. If the
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel
alignment.
See When It Is Time for New
Tires 0265 andWheel
Replacement 0269.
Use this rotation pattern when
rotating the tires.
Do not include the compact
spare tire in the tire rotation.
Adjust the front and rear tires to
the recommended inflation
pressure on the Tire and
Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated.
See Tire Pressure 0258 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0177.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation 0260. Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See
“Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications 0308.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
make wheel nuts become loose
after time. The wheel could come
off and cause an accident. When
changing a wheel, remove any
rust or dirt from places where the
wheel attaches to the vehicle. In
an emergency, a cloth or a paper
towel can be used; however, use
a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the center of the
wheel hub with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or
tire rotation to prevent corrosion
or rust build-up. Do not get
grease on the flat wheel
mounting surface or on the
wheel nuts or bolts.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-11373973) -
2018 - crc - 10/9/17
Vehicle Care 269
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or the
vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind of
wheel that is needed.
Each new wheel should have the
same load-carrying capacity,
diameter, width, offset, and be
mounted the same way as the one it
replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel
nuts, or Tire Pressure Monitor
System (TPMS) sensors with new
GM original equipment parts.{Warning
Using the wrong replacement
wheels, wheel bolts, or wheel
nuts can be dangerous. It could
affect the braking and handling of
the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake
cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp
aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
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
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