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Vehicle Care 291
Caution
Improperly tightened wheel nuts
can lead to brake pulsation and
rotor damage. To avoid expensive
brake repairs, evenly tighten the
wheel nuts in the proper
sequence and to the proper
torque specification.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used
one is dangerous. How it has
been used or how far it has been
driven may be unknown. It could
fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a
new GM original equipment
wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
Do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains
used on a vehicle without the
proper amount of clearance can
cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle
parts. The area damaged by the
tire chains could cause loss of
control and a crash.
Use another type of traction
device only if its manufacturer
recommends it for the vehicle's
tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that
manufacturer's instructions. To
avoid vehicle damage, drive slow
and readjust or remove the
traction device if it contacts the
vehicle. Do not spin the wheels.
If traction devices are used, install
them on the front tires.
If a Tire Goes Flat
This vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit. See Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit 0292. There is
no spare tire, no tire changing
equipment, and no place to store
a tire.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out,
especially if the tires are maintained
properly. See Tires0272. air goes
out of a tire, it is much more likely to
leak out slowly. But if there is ever a
blowout, here are a few tips about
what to expect and what to do.
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will
create a drag that pulls the vehicle
toward that side. Take your foot off
the accelerator pedal and grip the
steering wheel firmly. Steer to
maintain lane position, and then
gently brake to a stop, well off the
road, if possible.
A rear blowout, particularly on a
curve, acts much like a skid and
may require the same correction as
used in a skid. Stop pressing the
accelerator pedal and steer to
straighten the vehicle. It may be
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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292 Vehicle Care
very bumpy and noisy. Gently brake
to a stop, well off the road,
if possible.
{Warning
Driving on a flat tire will cause
permanent damage to the tire.
Re-inflating a tire after it has been
driven on while severely
underinflated or flat may cause a
blowout and a serious crash.
Never attempt to re-inflate a tire
that has been driven on while
severely underinflated or flat.
Have your dealer or an authorized
tire service center repair or
replace the flat tire as soon as
possible.
{Warning
Lifting a vehicle and getting under
it to do maintenance or repairs is
dangerous without the
appropriate safety equipment and(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
training. If a jack is provided with
the vehicle, it is designed only for
changing a flat tire. If it is used for
anything else, you or others could
be badly injured or killed if the
vehicle slips off the jack. If a jack
is provided with the vehicle, only
use it for changing a flat tire.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place, well off the road,
if possible. 1. Turn on the hazard warning flashers. See Hazard Warning
Flashers 0145.
2. Park the vehicle. Set the parking brake firmly and put
the shift lever in P (Park). See
Shifting Into Park 0171.
3. Turn off the engine.
4. Inspect the flat tire. If the tire has been separated from
the wheel, has damaged sidewalls,
or has a puncture larger than a
6 mm (0.25 in), the tire is too
severely damaged for the tire
sealant and compressor kit to be
effective.
If the tire has a puncture less than a
6 mm (0.25 in) in the tread area of
the tire, see
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0292.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
(Continued)
Chevrolet VOLT Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 301
1. Remote Positive (+)Terminal
2. Remote Negative (−) Terminal
1. The other vehicle used to jump start the Volt must have a
12-volt battery with a negative
ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Park both vehicles close enough so that the jumper
cables can reach both vehicles'
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminals. The vehicles must
not touch each other. It could
cause an unwanted ground
connection that could damage
both vehicles' electrical
systems.
Put both vehicles in P (Park)
for an automatic transmission
or electric drive unit. For a
manual transmission, place the
vehicle in Neutral and set the
parking brake.
Caution
If any accessories are left on or
plugged in during the jump
starting procedure, they could be
damaged. The repairs would not
be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Whenever possible, turn
off or unplug all accessories on
either vehicle when jump starting.
3. Turn the ignition off on the other vehicle. Turn off the
radio, all lamps, and
accessories that are not
needed in both vehicles.
Unplug accessories from the
cigarette lighter or the
accessory power outlets. This
avoids sparks and helps save
both batteries and accessories.
4. Locate the positive (+) and negative (−) terminals on the
other vehicle.
5. Open the hood to locate the positive (+) and negative (−)
terminals on your Volt. Open
the access cover for the
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Vehicle Care 303
2. Disconnect the blacknegative (−) jumper cable from
the other vehicle with the good
battery.
3. Disconnect the red positive (+) jumper cable from the other
vehicle. Do not let the other
end of the cable touch anything
until after the next step.
4. Disconnect the red positive (+) jumper cable from the Volt.
5. Return the positive (+) and negative (−) terminal covers to
their original positions.
After starting the disabled vehicle
and removing the jumper cables,
allow it to idle for several minutes.
Jump Starting Another Vehicle
When using the Volt to jump start
another vehicle with a run-down
battery, jumper cables are
connected directly to the positive (+)
and negative (−) terminals on the
12-volt battery in the rear cargo
area. Do not use the remote terminals under the hood. This
could cause a fuse to overload in
the Volt.
1. Positive (+) Terminal
2. Negative (−) Terminal
1. Check the other vehicle.
It must have a 12-volt battery
with a negative ground system.
Caution
If the other vehicle does not have
a 12-volt system with a negative
ground, both vehicles can be
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
damaged. Only use a vehicle that
has a 12-volt system with a
negative ground for jump starting.
2. Park both vehicles close enough so that the jumper
cables can reach both vehicles'
positive (+) and negative (−)
terminals. The vehicles must
not touch each other. It could
cause an unwanted ground
connection that could damage
both vehicles' electrical
systems.
Put both vehicles in P (Park)
for an automatic transmission
or electric drive unit. For a
manual transmission, place the
vehicle in Neutral and set the
parking brake.
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308 Vehicle Care
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. If using a shield,
only use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Dinghy Towing
Caution
If the vehicle is towed with all four
wheels on the ground, the drive
unit could be damaged. Repairs
would not be covered by the(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground.
The vehicle was not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground. If the vehicle must be
towed, a dolly should be used. See
the information on dolly towing
following.
Dolly Towing from the Front
The vehicle can be towed from the
front using a dolly. To tow the
vehicle using a dolly: 1. Attach the dolly to the tow vehicle following the dolly
manufacturer's instructions.
2. Drive the front wheels onto the dolly.
3. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
4. Set the parking brake and turn the vehicle off.
5. Clamp the steering wheel in a straight-ahead position with a
clamping device designed for
towing.
6. Secure the vehicle to the dolly
with a lash over the tire. Do not
lash though the wheel.
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Vehicle Care 309
7. Release the parking brake.
8. Check for adequate rear fasciato ground clearance.
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
Lubricants 0329.
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-
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Vehicle Care 313
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire
dressing products on the vehicle
may damage the paint finish and/
or tires. When applying a tire
dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted
surfaces on the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild
soap and water to clean the wheels.
After rinsing thoroughly with clean
water, dry with a soft, clean towel.
A wax may then be applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome
wheel trim may be damaged if the
vehicle is not washed after driving
on roads that have been sprayed
with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used
on roads for conditions such as(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
dust and ice. Always wash the
chrome with soap and water after
exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on
wheels and wheel trim, do not
use strong soaps, chemicals,
abrasive polishes, cleaners,
or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive
the vehicle through an automatic
car wash that uses silicon carbide
tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the
repairs would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect
disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect drum
brake linings/shoes for wear or
cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at
least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders,
hood hinges, hatch/liftgate hinges,
and the steel fuel door hinge unless
the components are plastic.
Applying silicone grease on
weatherstrips with a clean cloth will
make them last longer, seal better,
and not stick or squeak.
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Service and Maintenance 319
Service and
Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 319
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . 321
Special Application Services
Special ApplicationServices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Additional Maintenanceand Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Recommended Fluids,
Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 331
General Information
Your vehicle is an important
investment. This section describes
the required maintenance for the
vehicle. Follow this schedule to help
protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may
also help to maintain the value of
the vehicle if it is sold. It is the
responsibility of the owner to have
all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians
who can perform required
maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have
up-to-date tools and equipment for
fast and accurate diagnostics. Many
dealers have extended evening and
Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online
scheduling to assist with service
needs.
Your dealer recognizes the
importance of providing
competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained
technicians, the dealer is the place for routine maintenance such as oil
changes and tire rotations and
additional maintenance items like
tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper
blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper
maintenance can lead to costly
repairs and may not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids,
and lubricants are important to
keep the vehicle in good working
condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that
are not approved by GM
performed on the vehicle. The
use of flushes, solvents, cleaners,
or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage
the vehicle, requiring expensive
repairs that are not covered by
the vehicle warranty.