Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0241.
2. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil 0236.
3. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0236.
4. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 242.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0249.
6. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0242.
7. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid 0247.
8. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0263.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
12146336) - 2019 - crc - 10/22/18
236 Vehicle Care
1.Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
0241.
2. Engine Oil Dipstick. See “Checking Engine Oil” under
Engine Oil 0236.
3. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View). See Cooling System
0 242.
4. Engine Oil Fill Cap. See “When to Add Engine Oil”
under Engine Oil 0236.
5. Brake Fluid Reservoir. See Brake Fluid 0249.
6. Engine Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap. See
Cooling System 0242.
7. Windshield Washer Fluid Reservoir. See “Adding
Washer Fluid” under
Washer Fluid 0247.
8. Engine Compartment Fuse
Block 0263.
Engine Oil
To ensure proper engine
performance and long life, careful
attention must be paid to engine oil. Following these simple, but
important steps will help protect
your investment:
.
Use engine oil approved to the
proper specification and of the
proper viscosity grade. See
“Selecting the Right Engine Oil”
in this section.
. Check the engine oil level
regularly and maintain the
proper oil level. See “Checking
Engine Oil” and“When to Add
Engine Oil” in this section.
. Change the engine oil at the
appropriate time. See Engine Oil
Life System 0239.
. Always dispose of engine oil
properly. See “What to Do with
Used Oil” in this section.
Checking Engine Oil
Check the engine oil level regularly,
every 650 km (400 mi), especially
prior to a long trip. The engine oil
dipstick handle is a loop. See
Engine Compartment Overview
0233 for the location.
{Warning
The engine oil dipstick handle
may be hot; it could burn you.
Use a towel or glove to touch the
dipstick handle.
If a low oil Driver Information Center
(DIC) message displays, check the
oil level.
Follow these guidelines:
. To get an accurate reading, park
the vehicle on level ground.
Check the engine oil level after
the engine has been off for at
least two hours. Checking the
engine oil level on steep grades
or too soon after engine shutoff
can result in incorrect readings.
Accuracy improves when
checking a cold engine prior to
starting. Remove the dipstick
and check the level.
. If unable to wait two hours, the
engine must be off for at least
15 minutes if the engine is
warm, or at least 30 minutes if
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 247
too serious. Sometimes the engine
can get a little too hot when the
vehicle:
.Climbs a long hill on a hot day.
. Stops after high-speed driving.
. Idles for long periods in traffic.
If the overheat warning is displayed
with no sign of steam: 1. Turn the air conditioning off.
2. Turn the heater on to the highest temperature and to the
highest fan speed. Open the
windows as necessary.
3. When it is safe to do so, pull off the road, shift to P (Park) or
N (Neutral), and let the
engine idle.
If the engine coolant temperature
gauge is no longer in the overheat
zone, the vehicle can be driven.
Continue to drive the vehicle slowly
for about 10 minutes. Keep a safe
distance from the vehicle in front.
If the warning does not come back
on, continue to drive normally and
have the cooling system checked
for proper fill and function. If the warning continues, pull over,
stop, and park the vehicle
right away.
If there is no sign of steam, idle the
engine for three minutes while
parked. If the warning is still
displayed, turn off the engine until it
cools down.
Washer Fluid
What to Use
When windshield washer fluid is
needed, 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.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap with the washer
symbol on it. Add washer fluid until
the tank is full. See
Engine
Compartment Overview 0233 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.
. 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.
(Continued)
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248 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
.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 be
heard all the time 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,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Specifications 0338.
If the vehicle has rear drum brakes,
they do not have wear indicators,
but if a rear brake rubbing noise is
heard, have the rear brake linings
inspected immediately. Rear brake
drums should be removed and
inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing.
Drum brakes have an inspection
hole to inspect lining wear during
scheduled maintenance. When the
front brake pads are replaced, have
the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal
does not return to normal height,
or if there is a rapid increase in
pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service may be required.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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314 Vehicle Care
Caution
Machine compounding or
aggressive polishing on a
basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes
that are made for a basecoat/
clearcoat paint finish on the
vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new,
keep the vehicle garaged or
covered whenever possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal
Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the
bright metal moldings can result
in a hazy white finish or pitting.
This damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. 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.
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.
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Vehicle Care 315
.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
The vehicle may have a shutter
system designed to help increase
fuel economy. Keep the shutter
system clean for proper operation.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield
with glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a 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 0333.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to
clean the tires.
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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324 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
At Each Fuel Stop
.Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil 0236.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 277.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0284.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 247.
Once a Year (Minimum)
. On vehicles with diesel engines,
it is recommended to drain the
diesel fuel filter of water when
the WATER IN FUEL -
CONTACT SERVICE message
displays or a minimum of once
a year.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON DIC message displays, have
the engine oil and filter changed
within the next 1 000 km/600 mi.
If driven under the best conditions,
the engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must
be reset. 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.
See Engine Oil Life System 0239.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity
and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
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 0236 and
Engine Oil Life System 0239.
. Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0242.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0247.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0277.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0284.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect engine air cleaner filter.
If driving in dusty conditions,
inspect the filter at each oil
Chevrolet Cruze Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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330 Service and Maintenance
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
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.
. A message may indicate when
scheduled maintenance on the
timing belt and other
components is required.
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 0333 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.