Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
232 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Proposition65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . . . 234
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your OwnService Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Battery - North America . . . . . . 242
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . 244
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . 244
Windshield Replacement . . . . . 246
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . 247
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
High Intensity Discharge (HID) Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . 249
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
Electrical System Overload . . . 250
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 250
Underhood Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . 259
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260 Tire Terminology and
Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 260
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 263
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 275
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - NorthAmerica . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 233
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . 287
Recreational VehicleTowing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 295
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
General Information
For service and parts needs, visit
your dealer. You will receive
genuine GM parts and GM-trained
and supported service people.
Genuine GM parts have one of
these marks:
California Proposition
65 Warning
{Warning
Most motor vehicles, including
this one, as well as many of its
service parts and fluids, contain
and/or emit chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer and birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Engine
exhaust, many parts and
systems, many fluids, and some
component wear by-products
contain and/or emit these
chemicals. For more information
go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/
passenger-vehicle.
See Battery - North America 0242
and Jump Starting - North America
0 284 and the back cover.
Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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234 Vehicle Care
California Perchlorate
Materials Requirements
Certain types of automotive
applications, such as airbag
initiators, seat belt pretensioners,
and lithium batteries contained in
electronic keys, may contain
perchlorate materials. Perchlorate
Material–special handling may
apply. See www.dtsc.ca.gov/
hazardouswaste/perchlorate.
Accessories and
Modifications
Adding non-dealer accessories or
making modifications to the vehicle
can affect vehicle performance and
safety, including such things as
airbags, braking, stability, ride and
handling, emissions systems,
aerodynamics, durability, and
electronic systems like antilock
brakes, traction control, and stability
control. These accessories or
modifications could even cause
malfunction or damage not covered
by the vehicle warranty. Damage to suspension components
caused by modifying vehicle height
outside of factory settings will not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Damage to vehicle components
resulting from modifications or the
installation or use of non-GM
certified parts, including control
module or software modifications, is
not covered under the terms of the
vehicle warranty and may affect
remaining warranty coverage for
affected parts.
GM Accessories are designed to
complement and function with other
systems on the vehicle. See your
dealer to accessorize the vehicle
using genuine GM Accessories
installed by a dealer technician.
Also, see
Adding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 057.
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own
Service Work
{Warning
Never try to do your own service
on high voltage battery
components. You can be injured
and the vehicle can be damaged
if you try to do your own service
work. Service and repair of these
high voltage battery components
should only be performed by a
trained dealer technician with the
proper knowledge and tools.
Exposure to high voltage can
cause shock, burns, and even
death. The high voltage
components in the vehicle can
only be serviced by technicians
with special training.
(Continued)
Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 235
Warning (Continued)
High voltage components are
identified by labels. Do not
remove, open, take apart,
or modify these components.
High voltage cable or wiring has
orange covering. Do not probe,
tamper with, cut, or modify high
voltage cable or wiring.
{Warning
It can be dangerous to work on
your vehicle if you do not have
the proper knowledge, service
manual, tools, or parts. Always
follow owner’s manual procedures
and consult the service manual
for your vehicle before doing any
service work.
If doing some of your own service
work, use the proper service
manual. It tells you much more
about how to service the vehicle
than this manual can. To order the proper service manual, see
Publication Ordering Information
0
321.
This vehicle has an airbag system.
Before attempting to do your own
service work, see Servicing the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 057.
Keep a record with all parts receipts
and list the mileage and the date of
any service work performed. See
Maintenance Records 0309.
Hood
{Warning
For vehicles with auto engine
stop/start, turn the vehicle off
before opening the hood. If the
vehicle is on, the engine will start
when the hood is opened. You or
others could be injured.
{Warning
Components under the hood can
get hot from running the engine.
To help avoid the risk of burning
unprotected skin, never touch
these components until they have
cooled, and always use a glove or
towel to avoid direct skin contact.
Clear any snow from the hood
before opening.
To open the hood: 1. Pull the hood release lever with the
isymbol. It is on the
lower left side of the instrument
panel.
Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13556250) - 2020 - CRC - 2/11/20
236 Vehicle Care
2. Go to the front of the vehicleand locate the secondary
release lever under the front
center of the hood. Push the
secondary hood release lever
to the right to release.3. Lift the hood and release thehood prop rod from its retainer,
in the front of the engine
compartment. Securely insert
the rod end into the slot
marked with an arrow, on the
underside of the hood.
To close the hood: 1. Before closing the hood, be sure all filler caps are on
properly, and all tools are
removed. 2. Lift the hood and remove the
hood prop rod from the
underside of the hood. Return
the prop rod to its retainer. The
prop rod must click into place
when returning it to the retainer
to prevent hood damage.
3. Lower the hood 20 cm (8 in) above the vehicle and release
it. Check to make sure the
hood is latched completely.
Repeat this process with
additional force if necessary.
{Warning
Do not drive the vehicle if the
hood is not latched completely.
The hood could open fully, block
your vision, and cause a crash.
You or others could be injured.
Always close the hood completely
before driving.
Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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240 Vehicle Care
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.
. 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
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications. See Capacities and
Specifications 0311.
Brake pads should be replaced as
complete 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.
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Vehicle Care 241
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement
parts. If this is not done, the brakes
may not work properly. The braking
performance expected can change
in many other ways if the wrong
replacement brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir
is filled with GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid as indicated on the
reservoir cap. SeeUnderhood
Compartment Overview 0237 for
the location of the reservoir. Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a
level surface, the brake fluid level
should be between the minimum
and maximum marks on the brake
fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the
brake fluid level in the reservoir may
go down:
.
Normal brake lining wear. When
new linings are installed, the
fluid level goes back up.
. A fluid leak in the brake
hydraulic system. Have the
brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well.
Always clean the brake fluid
reservoir cap and the area around
the cap before removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid.
Adding fluid does not correct a leak.
If fluid is added when the linings are
worn, there will be too much fluid
when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system. When the brake fluid falls to a low
level, the brake warning light comes
on. See
Brake System Warning
Light 0102.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time
which degrades the effectiveness of
the brake fluid. Replace brake fluid
at the specified intervals to prevent
increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0301.
What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed
container. See Recommended
Fluids and Lubricants 0307.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake
fluid could result in damage to the
brake system. This could result in
the loss of braking leading to a
possible injury. Always use the
proper GM approved brake fluid.
Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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242 Vehicle Care
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the
vehicle's painted surfaces, the
paint finish can be damaged.
Immediately wash off any painted
surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove
the cap and do not add fluid.
This vehicle has a high voltage
battery and a standard 12-volt
battery.
{Warning
Damage to the high voltage
battery or high voltage system
can create a risk of electric shock,
overheating, or fire.
If the vehicle is damaged from a
moderate to severe crash, flood,
fire, or other event, the vehicle(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
should be inspected as soon as
possible. Until the vehicle has
been inspected, store it outside at
least 15 m (50 ft) from any
structure or anything that can
burn. Ventilate the vehicle by
opening a window or a door.
Contact Customer Assistance as
soon as possible to determine
whether an inspection is needed.
SeeCustomer Assistance Offices
0 314.
If the vehicle is in a crash, the
sensing system may shut down the
high voltage system. When this
occurs, the high voltage battery is
disconnected and the vehicle will
not start. The SERVICE VEHICLE
SOON message in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) will be
displayed. Before the vehicle can be
operated again, it must be serviced
at your dealer. See
“If a Crash Occurs” under
Collision Damage Repair 0319 for
additional information. If an airbag
has inflated, see What Will You See
after an Airbag Inflates? 051.
Only a trained service technician
with the proper knowledge and tools
should inspect, test, or replace the
high voltage battery. See your
dealer if either the 12-volt or high
voltage battery needs service. The
dealer has information on how to
recycle the high voltage battery.
There is also information available
at http://www.recyclemybattery.com.
Keep the vehicle plugged in, even
when fully charged, to keep the high
voltage battery temperature ready
for the next drive. This is important
when outside temperatures are
extremely hot or cold.
Propulsion power may be reduced
in extremely cold temperatures, or if
the high voltage battery is too cold.
BATTERY TOO COLD, PLUG IN
TO WARM will display.