
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
250 Vehicle Care
1. High Voltage BatteryCoolant Reservoir
2. Power Electronics Coolant Reservoir
Check to see if coolant is visible in
the power electronics coolant
reservoir (2). If coolant is visible but
the coolant level is below the cold
fill line on the side of the reservoir,
there could be a leak in the cooling
system.
The power electronics cooling
system supports the operation of
sensitive electronics. The power electronics cooling
system should only be serviced by a
qualified technician.
Engine Overheating
The vehicle has an indicator to warn
of engine overheating.
If the decision is made not to lift the
hood when this warning appears,
get service help right away. See
Roadside Assistance Program
0
345.
If the decision is made to lift the
hood, make sure the vehicle is
parked on a level surface.
Then check to see if the engine
cooling fans are running. If the
engine is overheating, the fans
should be running. If they are not,
do not continue to run the vehicle,
and have the vehicle serviced.
Caution
Do not run the engine when there
is a leak in the hybrid cooling
system. This can cause a loss of
all coolant and can damage the
system and the vehicle. Have any
leaks fixed right away.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When adding windshield washer
fluid to the vehicle, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions
before use. If operating the vehicle
in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid
that has sufficient protection against
freezing.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 251
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0239 for
reservoir location.
Caution
. Do not use washer fluid that
contains any type of water
repellent coating. This can
cause the wiper blades to
chatter or skip.
. Do not use engine coolant
(antifreeze) in the
windshield washer. It can
damage the windshield
washer system and paint.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Do not mix water with
ready-to-use washer fluid.
Water can cause the
solution to freeze and
damage the washer fluid
tank and other parts of the
washer system.
. When using concentrated
washer fluid, follow the
manufacturer instructions for
adding water.
. Fill the washer fluid tank
only three-quarters full when
it is very cold. This allows
for fluid expansion if
freezing occurs, which could
damage the tank if it is
completely full.
Brakes
Disc brake pads have built-in wear
indicators that make a high-pitched
warning sound when the brake pads
are worn and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the
vehicle is moving, except when
applying the brake pedal firmly.
{Warning
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
a crash. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Caution
Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly
brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when the
brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 315
Dolly Towing from the Rear
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear,
with the front wheels on the
ground, could damage the drive
unit, and front fascia. Do not tow
the vehicle from the rear with the
front wheels on the ground.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory.
Use a de-icing agent only when
absolutely necessary, and have the
locks greased after using. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants0335.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish,
wash it often and out of direct
sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based,
acidic, or abrasive cleaning
agents as they can damage the
vehicle's paint, metal, or plastic
parts. If damage occurs, it would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning
products can be obtained from
(Continued)
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.
(Continued)

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
Vehicle Care 317
The bright metal moldings on the
vehicle are aluminum, chrome or
stainless steel. To prevent damage
always follow these cleaning
instructions:
.Be sure the molding is cool to
the touch before applying any
cleaning solution.
. Use only approved cleaning
solutions for aluminum, chrome
or stainless steel. Some
cleaners are highly acidic or
contain alkaline substances and
can damage the moldings.
. Always dilute a concentrated
cleaner according to the
manufacturer ’s instructions.
. Do not use cleaners that are not
intended for automotive use.
. Use a nonabrasive wax on the
vehicle after washing to protect
and extend the molding finish.Front Air Deflector
With Tabs Shown, Without Tabs
Similar
1. Outer Air Deflector
2. Inner Air Deflector
3. Tab
4. Slot
The front air deflector directs the
airflow under the vehicle.
If the air deflector has tabs and they
become detached, insert the tab
into the slot. Repeat for the
other side.
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/
Lenses, Emblems, Decals, and
Stripes
Use only lukewarm or cold water, a
soft cloth, and a car washing soap
to clean exterior lamps, lenses
emblems, decals, and stripes.
Follow instructions under "Washing
the Vehicle" previously in this
section.
Lamp covers are made of plastic,
and some have a UV protective
coating. Do not clean or wipe them
while they are dry.
Do not use any of the following on
lamp covers:
.Abrasive or caustic agents.
. Washer fluids and other cleaning
agents in higher concentrations
than suggested by the
manufacturer.
. Solvents, alcohols, fuels,
or other harsh cleaners.
. Ice scrapers or other hard items.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
11349113) - 2018 - crc - 10/12/17
318 Vehicle Care
.Aftermarket appearance caps or
covers while the lamps are
illuminated, due to excessive
heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly
can cause damage to the lamp
cover that would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black
finish stripes can increase the
gloss level and create a
non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and
water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes,
between the hood and windshield,
when washing the vehicle.
Shutter System
If equipped, the aero shutter system
is designed to help increase fuel
economy. Keep the front area of the
vehicle clean and free from ice,
snow, or debris for proper operation.
Wash with warm water to clear any
snow or ice buildup.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using lint-free
cloth or paper towel soaked with
windshield washer fluid or a mild
detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and
a buildup of vehicle wash/wax
treatments may cause wiper
streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are
worn or damaged. Damage can be
caused by extreme dusty
conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun,
snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips at
least once a year. Hot, dry climates
may require more frequent
application. Black marks from
rubber material on painted surfaces
can be removed by rubbing with a
clean cloth. See
Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0335.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 327
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0240.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 279.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0284.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 250.
. Engine, power electronics, and
high voltage battery pack
coolant level checks.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
Engine Oil Change
Every 24 months or when the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON
message displays, change the
engine oil and filter as soon as
possible, within the next 1 000 km/
600 mi. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once
every 24 months. After each oil and
filter change, the oil life system must
be reset. See Engine Oil Life
System 0242. More frequent
changes may be required when the
vehicle is exposed to a corrosive
environment, such as areas of high
humidity, along an ocean coast,
and/or areas that apply road salt
during winter.
Your trained dealer technician can
perform this work. If the engine oil
life system is reset accidentally,
service the vehicle within 5 000 km/
3,000 mi since the last service.
Reset the oil life system when the
oil is changed.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km/
7,500 mi
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See Tire
Rotation 0284.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system.
See Engine Oil 0240 and
Engine Oil Life System 0242.
. Check engine coolant level.
See Cooling System (Engine)
0 245 orCooling System (High
Voltage Battery) 0248 or
Cooling System (Power
Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0250.
. Visually inspect windshield wiper
blades for wear, cracking,
or contamination. See Exterior
Care 0315. Replace worn or

Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 333
.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 0335 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 VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Service and Maintenance 335
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Brake Hydraulic System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19299819).
Electric Drive Unit DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Engine, High Voltage Battery, and
Power Electronics Cooling Systems Use Only Premix DEX-COOL (GM Part No. 12378390, in
Canada 10953456).
See
Cooling System (Engine) 0245 orCooling System (High Voltage
Battery) 0248 orCooling System (Power Electronics and Charger
Modules) 0249.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 is recommended. See Engine Oil0240.
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Hatch Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or equivalent.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.