Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Vehicle Care 221
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 222
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 223
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Engine Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Engine Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 227
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 229
Automatic Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Manual Transmission Fluid . . . 231
Hydraulic Clutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter . . . . . . 231
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Engine Overheating . . . . . . . . . . 236
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238 Battery - North America . . . . . . 239
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . 240
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function
Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Ignition Transmission Lock Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 241
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 242
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 243
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243Headlamp Aiming
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Headlamps and Front Turn Signal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 247
Electrical System
Electrical System Overload . . . 248
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 248
Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249 Instrument Panel Fuse
Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 255
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Terminology andDefinitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 261
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 271
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
266 Vehicle Care
unusual wear continues after the
rotation, check the wheel
alignment.
SeeWhen It Is Time for New
Tires 0266 andWheel
Replacement 0271.
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 0260 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0181.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor
System. See Tire Pressure
Monitor Operation 0262.
Check that all wheel nuts are
properly tightened. See “Wheel
Nut Torque” underCapacities
and Specifications 0310.
{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 a crash. 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.
When It Is Time for New
Tires
Factors such as maintenance,
temperatures, driving speeds,
vehicle loading, and road conditions
affect the wear rate of the tires.
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
270 Vehicle Care
Treadwear
The treadwear grade is a
comparative rating based on the
wear rate of the tire when tested
under controlled conditions on a
specified government test
course. For example, a tire
graded 150 would wear one and
one-half (1½) times as well on
the government course as a tire
graded 100. The relative
performance of tires depends
upon the actual conditions of
their use, however, and may
depart significantly from the
norm due to variations in driving
habits, service practices and
differences in road
characteristics and climate.
Traction
The traction grades, from
highest to lowest, are AA, A, B,
and C. Those grades represent
the tire's ability to stop on wet
pavement as measured under
controlled conditions onspecified government test
surfaces of asphalt and
concrete. A tire marked C may
have poor traction performance.
Warning: The traction grade
assigned to this tire is based on
straight-ahead braking traction
tests, and does not include
acceleration, cornering,
hydroplaning, or peak traction
characteristics.
Temperature
The temperature grades are A
(the highest), B, and C,
representing the tire's resistance
to the generation of heat and its
ability to dissipate heat when
tested under controlled
conditions on a specified indoor
laboratory test wheel. Sustained
high temperature can cause the
material of the tire to degenerate
and reduce tire life, and
excessive temperature can lead
to sudden tire failure. The grade
C corresponds to a level of
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
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
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
304 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 0290 and
Exterior Care 0286.
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-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
348 Index
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
SystemForward Collision
Alert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
TaillampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 316
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 47 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 267
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 272 Tires (cont'd)
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 262
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 261
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Terminology and Definitions . . 257
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 271
When It Is Time for New
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Towing
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 219
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 283
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Traction
Control System(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . 122
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203 Trademarks and License
Agreements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 230
Fluid, Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Transportation Program,
Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 319
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Turn Signal Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
U
Ultrasonic Parking SensorLight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 269
Up-Shift Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
USB Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Using the System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
Vehicle Alarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 176
Chevrolet Sonic Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-12461769) -
2019 - crc - 5/21/18
Index 349
Vehicle (cont'd)Identification Number (VIN) . . . 309
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Service Soon Light . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 121
Vehicle Care Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Vehicle Data Recording and
Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 171
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
W
Warning Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . .118
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Lane Departure (LDW) . . . . . . . 214
Warning Light
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110 Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 270
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 88
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 242
Wipers Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108