Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
272 Vehicle Care
If a front tire fails, the flat tire
creates 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
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(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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
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. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers 0128.
{Warning
Changing a tire can be
dangerous. The vehicle can slip
off the jack and roll over or fall
causing injury or death. Find a
level place to change the tire. To
help prevent the vehicle from
moving:
1. Set the parking brake firmly.
2. Put an automatictransmission in P (Park) or a
manual transmission in
1 (First) or R (Reverse).
3. Turn off the engine and do not restart while the vehicle
is raised.
4. Do not allow passengers to remain in the vehicle.
(Continued)
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
296 Vehicle Care
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 rotorsfor 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, decklid hinges, 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.
Underbody Maintenance
At least twice a year, spring and fall,
use plain water to flush any
corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and
other debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water
can overcome the seals and
contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the
transfer case and/or axles and
should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and
requires sheet metal repair or
replacement, make sure the body
repair shop applies anti-corrosion
material to parts repaired or
replaced to restore corrosion
protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Service and Maintenance 311
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 0297 and
Exterior Care 0292.
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 Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
350 Index
Front Seats (cont'd)Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . 41
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Economy, Driving for Better . . . 144
Filling a Portable Fuel
Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . 111
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . 162
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . 198, 199
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Fuses Engine Compartment FuseBlock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . 242
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
G
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
GaugesEngine CoolantTemperature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100 Gauges (cont'd)
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Warning Lights and
Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . 302
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
GM Mobility Reimbursement Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 323
H
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Hazard Warning Flashers . . . . . . . 128
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Headlamps
Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Automatic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Daytime RunningLamps (DRL) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127 Headlamps (cont'd)
Headlamps, Front Turn
Signal, Sidemarker, and
Parking Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . .112
High/Low Beam Changer . . . . . 127
Lamps On Reminder . . . . . . . . . .112
Heated Rear Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Steering Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Heated and Ventilated Front Seats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Heated Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Heater Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Heating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
High-Beam On Light . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
High-Speed Operation . . . . . . . . . . 259
Hill and Mountain Roads . . . . . . . . 149
Hill Start Assist (HSA) . . . . . . . . . . 169
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Horn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
How to Wear Seat Belts Properly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
HVAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134, 137
Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
354 Index
RoofSunroof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Rotation, Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 265
Routing, Engine Drive Belt . . . . . . 318
Running the Vehicle While Parked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 163
S
Safety Defects ReportingCanadian Government . . . . . . . . 331
General Motors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
U.S. Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Safety Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Safety System Check . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . . . 325
Sealant Kit, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
Seat Belts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Extender . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
How to Wear Seat BeltsProperly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Lap-Shoulder Belt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Reminders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Replacing after a Crash . . . . . . . . 53
Use During Pregnancy . . . . . . . . . . 51
Seats
Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Head Restraints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Seats (cont'd)
Heated and Ventilated Front . . . . 41
Heated, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Lumbar Adjustment, Front . . . . . . 36
Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Power Adjustment, Front . . . . . . . 36
Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Reclining Seatbacks . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Securing Child Restraints . . . . 80, 82
Security
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
OnStar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 337
Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Vehicle Alarm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142 Accessories andModifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213
Climate Control System . . . . . . . 134
Doing Your Own Work . . . . . . . . 214
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . 315
Maintenance, General
Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 302
Parts Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . 316
Scheduling Appointments . . . . . 325
Service Electric Parking Brake Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Services Special Application . . . . . . . . . . . 309 Servicing the Airbag . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Shift Lock Control Function
Check, Automatic
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Shifting Into Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 160
Out of Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Side Blind Zone Alert (SBZA) . . . 193
Signals, Turn and Lane-Change . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Spare Tire
Compact . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Special Application Services . . . . 309
Specifications and Capacities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
StabiliTrak
OFF Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Start Assist, Hill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 169
Start Vehicle, Remote . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Starter Switch Check . . . . . . . . . . . 234
Starting the Engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 157
Steering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146 Heated Wheel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Wheel Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Wheel Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 158