Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
268 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash.
Use only radial-ply tires with
the wheels on the vehicle.
If the vehicle tires must be
replaced with a tire that does not
have a TPC Spec number, make
sure they are the same size,
load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the
original tires.
Vehicles that have a tire
pressure monitoring system
could give an inaccurate
low-pressure warning if non-TPC
Spec rated tires are installed.
See Tire Pressure Monitor
System 0259.
The Tire and Loading
Information label indicates the
original equipment tires on the
vehicle. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 151.Different Size Tires and
Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that
are a different size than the original
equipment wheels and tires, vehicle
performance, including its braking,
ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover
may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock
brakes, rollover airbags, traction
control, electronic stability control,
or All-Wheel Drive, the performance
of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used,
there may not be an acceptable
level of performance and safety if
tires not recommended for those
wheels are selected. This
increases the chance of a crash
and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
developed for the vehicle, and
have them properly installed by a
GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0266 and
Accessories and Modifications
0 213.
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading
The following information relates
to the system developed by the
United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA), which grades tires by
treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This
applies only to vehicles sold in
the United States. The grades
are molded on the sidewalls of
most passenger car tires. The
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply
to deep tread, winter tires,
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 271
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
If the vehicle has 245/45R18 or
245/40R19 size tires, 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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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.
Caution
If the vehicle is equipped with a
tire size other than 245/45R18 or
245/40R19, use tire chains only
where legal and only when
necessary. Use low profile chains
that add no more than 12 mm
thickness to the tire tread and
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
inner sidewall. Use chains that
are the proper size for the tires.
Install them on the tires of the
front axle. Do not use chains on
the tires of the rear axle. Tighten
them as tightly as possible with
the ends securely fastened. Drive
slowly and follow the chain
manufacturer's instructions. If the
chains contact the vehicle, stop
and retighten them. If the contact
continues, slow down until it
stops. Driving too fast or spinning
the wheels with chains on will
damage the vehicle.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out
while driving, especially if the tires
are maintained properly. See Tires
0 250. If 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:
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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284 Vehicle Care
17. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly ina crisscross sequence, as
shown.
18. Lower the jack all the way and remove the jack from under the
vehicle.
19. Tighten the wheel nuts firmly with the wheel wrench.
When reinstalling the wheel cover or
center cap on the full-size tire,
tighten all five plastic caps hand
snug, then tighten them with the
wheel wrench an additional
one-quarter turn.
Caution
Wheel covers will not fit on the
vehicle's compact spare. If you try
to put a wheel cover on the
compact spare, the cover or the
spare could be damaged.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire
and Tools
{Warning
Storing a jack, a tire, or other
equipment in the passenger
compartment of the vehicle could
cause injury. In a sudden stop or
collision, loose equipment could
strike someone. Store all these in
the proper place.
Storing a Flat or Spare Tire and
Tools with a Screw in Fastener 1. Remove the extension bolt from the foam holder.
2. Screw the extension bolt ontothe end of the spare tire stow
bolt by hand.
3. Replace the foam, jack, and tools in their original storage
location.
4. Remove the insulator pad and place it over the foam holder to
protect the wheel of the flat tire
from the jack.
5. Place the tire facing down over the extension bolt.
6. Turn the retainer nut clockwise to secure the tire.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 285
7. Place the floor cover on thewheel.
The compact spare is for temporary
use only. Replace the compact
spare tire with a full-size tire as
soon as you can.
Compact Spare Tire
{Warning
Driving with more than one
compact spare tire at a time could
result in loss of braking and
handling. This could lead to a
crash and you or others could be
injured. Use only one compact
spare tire at a time.
If this vehicle has a compact spare
tire, it was fully inflated when new;
however, it can lose air over time.
Check the inflation pressure
regularly. It should be 420 kPa
(60 psi).
Stop as soon as possible and check
that the spare tire is correctly
inflated after being installed on the vehicle. The compact spare tire is
designed for temporary use only.
The vehicle will perform differently
with the spare tire installed and it is
recommended that the vehicle
speed be limited to 80 km/h
(50 mph). To conserve the tread of
the spare tire, have the standard tire
repaired or replaced as soon as
convenient and return the spare tire
to the storage area.
When using a compact spare tire,
the AWD (if equipped), ABS, and
Traction Control systems may
engage until the spare tire is
recognized by the vehicle,
especially on slippery roads. Adjust
driving to reduce possible
wheel slip.
Caution
When the compact spare is
installed, do not take the vehicle
through an automatic car wash
with guide rails. The compact
spare can get caught on the rails
which can damage the tire, wheel,
and other parts of the vehicle.
Do not use the compact spare on
other vehicles.
Do not mix the compact spare tire or
wheel with other wheels or tires.
They will not fit. Keep the spare tire
and its wheel together.
Caution
Tire chains will not fit the compact
spare. Using them can damage
the vehicle and the chains. Do not
use tire chains on the compact
spare.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 291
Caution (Continued)
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. If using a shield, only
use one that attaches to the
towing vehicle.
Caution
Do not tow a vehicle with the front
drive wheels on the ground if one
of the front tires is a compact
spare tire. Towing with two
different tire sizes on the front of
the vehicle can cause severe
damage to the transmission.
Dinghy Towing (All Except 2.0L
Engine)
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
vehicle warranty. Do not tow the
vehicle with all four wheels on the
ground.
This vehicle is not designed to be
towed with all four wheels on the
ground.
Dolly Towing
Tow the vehicle with the two rear
wheels on the ground and the front
wheels on a dolly.
To tow the vehicle with two wheels
on the ground and a dolly: 1. Put the front wheels on a dolly.
2. Put the shift lever in P (Park).
3. Secure the vehicle to the dolly.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Index 355
Stoplamps and Back-up LampsBulb Replacement . . . . . . . 239, 240
Storage Areas Center Console . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Convenience Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Umbrella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Storage Compartments . . . . . . . . . . 85
Storing the Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Struts
Gas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Stuck Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Summer Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Sun Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Sunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
System Engine Air Filter Life . . . . . . . . . . 223
Forward CollisionAlert (FCA) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 188
Infotainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133, 334
Systems Driver Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182
T
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Taillamps
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 239, 240
Text Telephone (TTY) Users . . . . 322
Theft-Deterrent Systems . . . . . . . . . 25 Immobilizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250 All-Season . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
Compact Spare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 254
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . 271
Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
Low Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257, 259
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Pressure Monitor Operation . . 260
Pressure Monitor System . . . . . 259
Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Sealant andCompressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Sealant and Compressor
Kit, Storing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . 252
Terminology and Definitions . . 255 Tires (cont'd)
Uniform Tire Quality
Grading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . 270
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Winter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Top Tier Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Towing Driving Characteristics . . . . . . . . 203
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
General Information . . . . . . . . . . 202
Recreational Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . 289
Trailer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Traction
Control System(TCS)/StabiliTrak Light . . . . . . 109
Off Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
Trailer Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Transmission Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
Fluid, Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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356 Index
Transportation Program,Courtesy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Trunk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Turn and Lane-Change Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Turn Signal
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . 239, 240
U
Umbrella Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . 268
Using This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
V
VehicleAlarm System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Canadian Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Identification Number (VIN) . . . 316
Load Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Personalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Remote Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Speed Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Vehicle Ahead Indicator . . . . . . . . 108 Vehicle Care
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . 279
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 257
Vehicle Data Recording and Privacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Ventilation, Air . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Visors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . 241
W
Warning
Brake System Light . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Warnings
Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Wheels Alignment and Tire Balance . . 270
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . 71
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . 235
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92
Wiring, High Voltage Devices . . . 241