
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Driving and Operating 203
Driving Characteristics
and Towing Tips
{Warning
You can lose control when towing
a trailer if the correct equipment is
not used or the vehicle is not
driven properly. For example,
if the trailer is too heavy or the
trailer brakes are inadequate for
the load, the vehicle may not stop
as expected. You and others
could be seriously injured. The
vehicle may also be damaged,
and the repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Pull a trailer only if all the steps in
this section have been followed.
Ask your dealer for advice and
information about towing a trailer
with the vehicle.
Driving with a Trailer
Trailering is different than just
driving the vehicle by itself.
Trailering means changes inhandling, acceleration, braking,
durability, and fuel economy.
Successful, safe trailering takes
correct equipment, and it has to be
used properly.
The following information has many
time-tested, important trailering tips
and safety rules. Many of these are
important for your safety and that of
your passengers. Read this section
carefully before pulling a trailer.
When towing a trailer:
.
Become familiar with and follow
all state and local laws that
apply to trailer towing. These
requirements vary from state to
state.
. State laws may require the use
of extended side view mirrors.
Even if not required, you should
install extended side view
mirrors if your visibility is limited
or restricted while towing.
. Do not tow a trailer during the
first 800 km (500 mi) of vehicle
use to prevent damage to the
engine, axle, or other parts. .
It is recommended to perform
the first oil change before heavy
towing.
. During the first 800 km (500 mi)
of trailer towing, do not drive
over 80 km/h (50 mph) and do
not make starts at full throttle.
. Vehicles can tow in D (Drive).
If the transmission downshifts
too often, a lower gear may be
selected using Manual Mode
See Manual Mode 0165.
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned off when towing a trailer:
. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
. Super Cruise Control
. Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
. Park Assist
. Automatic Parking Assist (APA)
. Reverse Automatic
Braking (RAB)
If equipped, the following driver
assistance features should be
turned to alert or off when towing a
trailer:

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
256 Vehicle Care
Department of Transportation
(DOT) Motor Vehicle Safety
Standards. The DOT code
includes the Tire Identification
Number (TIN), an alphanumeric
designator which can also
identify the tire manufacturer,
production plant, brand, and
date of production.
GVWR
:Gross Vehicle Weight
Rating. See Vehicle Load Limits
0 151.
GAWR FRT
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the front axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0151.
GAWR RR
:Gross Axle Weight
Rating for the rear axle. See
Vehicle Load Limits 0151.
Intended Outboard Sidewall
:
The side of an asymmetrical tire
that must always face outward
when mounted on a vehicle.
Kilopascal (kPa)
:The metric
unit for air pressure. Light Truck (LT-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on light duty trucks and
some multipurpose passenger
vehicles.
Load Index
:An assigned
number ranging from 1 to 279
that corresponds to the load
carrying capacity of a tire.
Maximum Inflation Pressure
:
The maximum air pressure to
which a cold tire can be inflated.
The maximum air pressure is
molded onto the sidewall.
Maximum Load Rating
:The
load rating for a tire at the
maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
Maximum Loaded Vehicle
Weight
:The sum of curb
weight, accessory weight,
vehicle capacity weight, and
production options weight. Normal Occupant Weight
:The
number of occupants a vehicle
is designed to seat multiplied by
68 kg (150 lb). See Vehicle Load
Limits 0151.
Occupant Distribution
:
Designated seating positions.
Outward Facing Sidewall
:The
side of an asymmetrical tire that
has a particular side that faces
outward when mounted on a
vehicle. The side of the tire that
contains a whitewall, bears
white lettering, or bears
manufacturer, brand, and/or
model name molding that is
higher or deeper than the same
moldings on the other sidewall
of the tire.
Passenger (P-Metric) Tire
:A
tire used on passenger cars and
some light duty trucks and
multipurpose vehicles.
Recommended Inflation
Pressure
:Vehicle
manufacturer's recommended

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
Vehicle Care 263
To release and correct the pressure,
while the turn signal lamp is still
flashing, briefly press the center of
the valve stem. When the
recommended pressure is reached,
the horn sounds once.
If the turn signal lamp does not flash
within 15 seconds after starting to
inflate the tire, the tire fill alert has
not been activated or is not working.
If the hazard warning flashers are
on, the tire fill alert visual feedback
will not work properly.
The TPMS will not activate the tire
fill alert properly under the following
conditions:
.There is interference from an
external device or transmitter.
. The air pressure from the
inflation device is not sufficient
to inflate the tire.
. There is a malfunction in
the TPMS.
. There is a malfunction in the
horn or turn signal lamps. .
The identification code of the
TPMS sensor is not registered to
the system.
. The battery of the TPMS sensor
is low.
If the tire fill alert does not operate
due to TPMS interference, move the
vehicle about 1 m (3 ft) back or
forward and try again. If the tire fill
alert feature is not working, use a
tire pressure gauge.
TPMS Sensor Matching
Process
Each TPMS sensor has a unique
identification code. The identification
code needs to be matched to a new
tire/wheel position after rotating the
vehicle’s tires or replacing one or
more of the TPMS sensors. The
TPMS sensor matching process
should also be performed after
replacing a spare tire with a road
tire containing the TPMS sensor.
The malfunction light and the DIC
message should go off at the next
ignition cycle. The sensors are
matched to the tire/wheel positions,
using a TPMS relearn tool, in the following order: driver side front tire,
passenger side front tire, passenger
side rear tire, and driver side rear
tire. See your dealer for service or
to purchase a relearn tool. A TPMS
relearn tool can also be purchased.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Sensor
Activation Tool at
www.gmtoolsandequipment.com or
call 1-800-GM TOOLS
(1-800-468-6657).
There are two minutes to match the
first tire/wheel position, and
five minutes overall to match all four
tire/wheel positions. If it takes
longer, the matching process stops
and must be restarted.
The TPMS sensor matching
process is:
1. Set the parking brake.
2. Place the vehicle in Service Mode. See Ignition Positions
0 155.
3. If equipped, make sure the Tire Pressure info page option is
turned on. The info pages on
the DIC can be turned on and
off through the Options menu.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
264 Vehicle Care
SeeDriver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 0113 or
Driver Information Center (DIC)
(Uplevel) 0116.
4. Use the DIC controls on the right side of the steering wheel
to scroll to the Tire Pressure
screen under the DIC
info page.
5. Press and hold
Vin the center
of the DIC controls.
A message requesting
acceptance of the process may
display.
The horn sounds twice to
signal the receiver is in relearn
mode and the TIRE
LEARNING ACTIVE message
displays on the DIC display.
6. Start with the driver side front tire.
7. Place the relearn tool against the tire sidewall, near the valve
stem. Then press the button to
activate the TPMS sensor.
A horn chirp confirms that the sensor identification code has
been matched to this tire and
wheel position.
8. Proceed to the passenger side front tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 7.
9. Proceed to the passenger side rear tire, and repeat the
procedure in Step 7.
10. Proceed to the driver side rear tire, and repeat the procedure
in Step 7. The horn sounds two
times to indicate the sensor
identification code has been
matched to the driver side rear
tire, and the TPMS sensor
matching process is no longer
active. The TIRE LEARNING
ACTIVE message on the DIC
display goes off.
11. Turn the vehicle off.
12. Set all four tires to the recommended air pressure
level as indicated on the Tire
and Loading Information label.
Tire Inspection
We recommend that the tires,
including the spare tire, if the
vehicle has one, be inspected
for signs of wear or damage at
least once a month.
Replace the tire if:
.The indicators at three or
more places around the tire
can be seen.
.There is cord or fabric
showing through the tire's
rubber.
.The tread or sidewall is
cracked, cut, or snagged
deep enough to show cord or
fabric.
.The tire has a bump, bulge,
or split.
.The tire has a puncture, cut,
or other damage that cannot
be repaired well because of
the size or location of the
damage.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
328 Customer Information
aftermarket collision parts. Some
insurance companies will not
specify aftermarket collision parts.
When purchasing insurance, we
recommend that you ensure that the
vehicle will be repaired with GM
original equipment collision parts.
If such insurance coverage is not
available from your current
insurance carrier, consider switching
to another insurance carrier.
If the vehicle is leased, the leasing
company may require you to have
insurance that ensures repairs with
Genuine GM Original Equipment
Manufacturer (OEM) parts or
Genuine Manufacturer replacement
parts. Read the lease carefully, as
you may be charged at the end of
the lease for poor quality repairs.
If a Crash Occurs
If there has been an injury, call
emergency services for help. Do not
leave the scene of a crash until all
matters have been taken care of.
Move the vehicle only if its positionputs you in danger, or you are
instructed to move it by a police
officer.
Give only the necessary information
to police and other parties involved
in the crash.
For emergency towing see
Roadside Assistance Program
0
323.
Gather the following information:
. Driver name, address, and
telephone number
. Driver license number
. Owner name, address, and
telephone number
. Vehicle license plate number
. Vehicle make, model, and
model year
. Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN)
. Insurance company and policy
number
. General description of the
damage to the other vehicle Choose a reputable repair facility
that uses quality replacement parts.
See
“Collision Parts” earlier in this
section.
If the airbag has inflated, see What
Will You See after an Airbag
Inflates? 058.
Managing the Vehicle Damage
Repair Process
In the event that the vehicle requires
damage repairs, GM recommends
that you take an active role in its
repair. If you have a pre-determined
repair facility of choice, take the
vehicle there, or have it towed there.
Specify to the facility that any
required replacement collision parts
be original equipment parts, either
new Genuine GM parts or recycled
original GM parts. Remember,
recycled parts will not be covered by
the GM vehicle warranty.
Insurance pays the bill for the repair,
but you must live with the repair.
Depending on your policy limits,
your insurance company may
initially value the repair using
aftermarket parts. Discuss this with

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
352 Index
Lights (cont'd)Traction Control System
(TCS)/StabiliTrak . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Traction Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108
Locks Automatic Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Delayed Locking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Lockout Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Power Door . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Loss of Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . 111
Low-Profile Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH
System) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Lumbar Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
M
MaintenanceRecords . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 315
Maintenance and Care
Additional . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 310
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . 304 Maintenance Schedule (cont'd)
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 313
Malfunction Indicator Lamp . . . . . 104
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
Memory Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Messages
Engine Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .119
Vehicle Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Mirrors Automatic DimmingRearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Convex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Folding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Manual Rearview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Tilt in Reverse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Mirrors, Interior Rearview . . . . . . . . 28
Monitor System, Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
N
NavigationConnected Services . . . . . . . . . . 343
Net, Convenience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
New Vehicle Break-In . . . . . . . . . . . 155
O
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99 Trip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Off-Road Recovery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Oil Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
Engine Oil Life System . . . . . . . 221
Pressure Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Older Children, Restraints . . . . . . . 66
Online Owner Center . . . . . . . . . . . 322
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
OnStar Additional Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
OnStar Emergency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
OnStar Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335
OnStar Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Outlets Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Overheating, Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Overview Instrument Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
P
ParkShifting Out of . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Park Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183