tow CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2021 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
194 Driving and Operating
Lock Feature
A lock can be added to the vehicle plug for
additional security.
FCC Information
SeeRadio Frequency Statement 0271.
Utility Interruption of Charging
This vehicle will respond to requests through
the utility company to limit or completely
block electrical power grid usage. This
feature is inactive during DC charging.
A utility interruption of charging will
lengthen the vehicle charge time.
When electrical grid power is completely
blocked, the vehicle will delay charging until
the utility interruption has expired. The
vehicle should be left plugged in so that the
vehicle can automatically begin charging. Changing the charge mode to Immediate or
performing a delayed charging override will
not disable a utility interruption. Unplugging
and plugging the car back in will also not
disable a utility interruption.
A pop-up will appear in the infotainment
display while starting the vehicle following
any utility interruption. See
“Charging
Interrupted or Overridden Pop-Up” under
Programmable Charging 090.
A message will display on the instrument
cluster indicating that a utility interruption
has occurred.
Electrical Requirements for
Battery Charging
This vehicle is capable of being charged with
most standard vehicle charging equipment
complying with one or more of the
following:
.SAE J1772
.SAE J2847-2
.IEC 61851-1
.IEC 61851-22
.IEC 61851-23
.IEC 61851-24
.IEC 62196-1
.IEC 62196-2
.IEC 62196-3
The portable charge cord requires a
minimum circuit capacity of 120 volts and
15 amps.
Charging equipment with a rating of at least
220 volts/40 amps will provide the fastest
charging time and best charging efficiency
to recharge the high voltage battery. Always
follow the charging equipment instructions.
Contact your dealer for more information.
Caution
Do not use portable or stationary backup
generating equipment to charge the
vehicle. This may cause damage to the
vehicle's charging system. Only charge
the vehicle from utility supplied power.
Trailer Towing
General Towing Information
{Warning
Never tow a trailer with your vehicle.
It was not designed or intended to tow a
trailer.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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196 Vehicle Care
Vehicle Care
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . 197
California Perchlorate MaterialsRequirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
Accessories and Modifications . . . . . . . . . 197
Vehicle Checks
Doing Your Own Service Work . . . . . . . . 198
Hood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
Underhood Compartment Overview . . . 200
Cooling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
Brake Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
Park Brake and P (Park) Mechanism Check . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 205
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
Windshield Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
Headlamp Aiming
Front Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Bulb Replacement
Bulb Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209 High Intensity Discharge (HID)
Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
LED Lighting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-Up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
License Plate Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
Electrical System
High Voltage Devices and Wiring . . . . . . 210
Electrical System Overload . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211
Underhood Compartment Fuse Block . . . 211
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . . . . . . 214
Wheels and Tires
Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
All-Season Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Self-Sealing Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire Sidewall Labeling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
Tire Designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
Tire Terminology and Definitions . . . . . . 219
Tire Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Tire Pressure Monitor System . . . . . . . . . 222
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation . . . . . . . 223
Tire Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Tire Rotation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . 227
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
Different Size Tires and Wheels . . . . . . . 229
Uniform Tire Quality Grading . . . . . . . . . 229 Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . 231
Wheel Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Tire Chains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
If a Tire Goes Flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit . . . . . . . 232
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Jump Starting
Jump Starting - North America . . . . . . . . 238
Towing the Vehicle
Towing the Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Recreational Vehicle Towing . . . . . . . . . . . 242
Appearance Care
Exterior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 244
Interior Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 250

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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198 Vehicle Care
Also, seeAdding Equipment to the
Airbag-Equipped Vehicle 047.
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.
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 0270.
This vehicle has an airbag system. Before
attempting to do your own service work,
see Servicing the Airbag-Equipped Vehicle
0 47.
Keep a record with all parts receipts and list
the mileage and the date of any service
work performed. See Maintenance Records
0 260.
Hood
{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-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
Vehicle Care 207
To remove the cover:
1. Slide a plastic tool under the cover andpush upward to unsnap.
2. Slide the cover toward the wiper blade tip to unhook it from the blade
assembly.
3. Remove the cover.
4. After wiper blade replacement, ensure that the cover hook slides into the slot
in the blade assembly.
5. Snap the cover down to secure.
To replace the wiper blade: 1. Lift the wiper arm away from the windshield.
2. Push the release lever (2) to disengagethe hook and push the wiper arm (1) out
of the blade assembly (3).
3. Push the new blade assembly securely on the wiper arm until the release lever
clicks into place.
4. Replace the wiper cover.
Windshield Replacement
Driver Assistance Systems
If the windshield needs to be replaced and
the vehicle is equipped with a front camera
sensor for the Driver Assistance Systems, a
GM replacement windshield is
recommended. The replacement windshield
must be installed according to GM
specifications for proper alignment. If it is
not, these systems may not work properly, they may display messages, or they may
not work at all. See your dealer for proper
windshield replacement.
Gas Strut(s)
This vehicle is equipped with gas strut(s) to
provide assistance in lifting and holding
open the hood/trunk/liftgate system in full
open position.
{Warning
If the gas struts that hold open the hood,
trunk, and/or liftgate fail, you or others
could be seriously injured. Take the
vehicle to your dealer for service
immediately. Visually inspect the gas
struts for signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage periodically. Check to make sure
the hood/trunk/liftgate is held open with
enough force. If struts are failing to hold
the hood/trunk/liftgate, do not operate.
Have the vehicle serviced.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 227
Use this rotation pattern when rotating
the tires.
Adjust the front and rear tires to the
recommended inflation pressure on the
Tire and Loading Information label after
the tires have been rotated. SeeTire
Pressure 0221 and
Vehicle Load Limits 0153.
Reset the Tire Pressure Monitor System.
See Tire Pressure Monitor Operation
0 223.
Check that all wheel nuts are properly
tightened. See “Wheel Nut Torque”
under Capacities and Specifications
0 262.
{Warning
Rust or dirt on a wheel, or on the
parts to which it is fastened, can
cause wheel nuts to become loose
over time. The wheel could come off
and cause a crash. When changing a
wheel, remove any rust or dirt from
places where the wheel attaches to
the vehicle. In an emergency, a cloth
or paper towel can be used; however,
use a scraper or wire brush later to
remove all rust or dirt.
Lightly coat the inner diameter of the
wheel hub opening with wheel bearing
grease after a wheel change or tire
rotation to prevent corrosion or rust
buildup.
{Warning
Do not apply grease to the wheel
mounting surface, wheel conical
seats, or the wheel nuts or bolts.
Grease applied to these areas could
cause a wheel to become loose or
come off, resulting in a crash.
When It Is Time for New Tires
Factors, such as maintenance, temperatures,
driving speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions affect the wear rate of the tires.
Treadwear indicators are one way to tell
when it is time for new tires. Treadwear
indicators appear when the tires have only
1.6 mm (1/16 in) or less of tread remaining.
See Tire Inspection 0226 and
Tire Rotation 0226 for additional
information.
The rubber in tires ages over time. This also
applies to the spare tire, if the vehicle has
one, even if it is never used. Multiple factors
including temperatures, loading conditions,
and inflation pressure maintenance affect

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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232 Vehicle Care
Warning (Continued)
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
The vehicle has no spare tire, no tire
changing equipment, and no place to store
a tire.
If the vehicle has self-sealing tires, see
Self-Sealing Tires0217. Tread punctures
typically will not cause tires to lose air.
However, if the vehicle does get a flat tire,
there is no spare tire, tire changing
equipment, or place to store a tire. Contact
Roadside Assistance for help.
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. See Tires0216. 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.
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 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.
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 0110. This vehicle may come with a tire sealant
and compressor kit. To use the tire sealant
and compressor kit, see
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0232.
Tire Sealant and Compressor Kit
{Warning
Overinflating a tire could cause the tire
to rupture and you or others could be
injured. Be sure to read and follow the
tire sealant and compressor kit
instructions and inflate the tire to its
recommended pressure. Do not exceed
the recommended pressure.
{Warning
Storing the tire sealant and compressor
kit 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
the tire sealant and compressor kit in its
original location.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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240 Vehicle Care
{Warning
An electric fan can start up even when
the propulsion system is not operating
and can injure you. Keep hands, clothing
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Using a match near a battery can cause
battery gas to explode. People have been
hurt doing this, and some have been
blinded. Use a flashlight if you need
more light.
Battery fluid contains acid that can burn
you. Do not get it on you. If you
accidentally get it in your eyes or on
your skin, flush the place with water and
get medical help immediately.
{Warning
Fans or other moving propulsion system
parts can injure you badly. Keep your
hands away from moving parts once the
propulsion system is operating.5. Connect one end of the red positive (+)
cable to the positive (+) terminal on the
discharged battery.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the good battery.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–) terminal of
the good battery.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the negative (–)
grounding point for the discharged
battery.
9. Start the vehicle with the good battery.
10. Try to start the vehicle with the dead battery. If it will not start after a few
tries, it probably needs service.
Caution
If the jumper cables are connected or
removed in the wrong order, electrical
shorting may occur and damage the
vehicle. The repairs would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty. Always connect
and remove the jumper cables in the
correct order, making sure that the cables
do not touch each other or other metal. Jumper Cable Removal
Reverse the sequence exactly when
removing the jumper cables.
Towing the Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly towing a disabled vehicle may
cause damage. The damage would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Do not
lash or hook to suspension components.
Use the proper straps around the tires to
secure the vehicle. Do not drag a locked
wheel/tire. Use tire skates or dollies
under any locked wheel/tire while
loading the vehicle. Do not use a sling
type lift to tow the vehicle. This could
damage the vehicle.
GM recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
A towed vehicle should have its drive wheels
off the ground. Contact Roadside Assistance
or a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be towed.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 241
Caution
Improper use of the tow eye can damage
the vehicle. If equipped, use the tow eye
to load a disabled vehicle onto a flatbed
tow truck from a flat road surface, or to
move the vehicle a short distance. Use
caution and low speeds. The electric drive
unit must be in (N) Neutral when moving
the vehicle.
If the vehicle is equipped with a tow eye,
only use the tow eye to pull the vehicle
onto a flatbed car carrier from a flat road
surface. Do not use the tow eye to pull the
vehicle from snow, mud, or sand.
The tow eye is located underneath the load
floor, near the spare tire or the compressor
kit, if equipped.
Front Tow Eye Attachment Point
Carefully open the cover in the fascia by
using the small notch that conceals the tow
eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and turn
it until it is fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the cover with the
notch in the original position.

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
14637856) - 2021 - CRC - 10/2/20
242 Vehicle Care
Rear Tow Eye Attachment Point
Carefully open the cover in the fascia by
using the small notch that conceals the tow
eye socket.
Install the tow eye into the socket and turn
it until it is fully tightened. When the tow
eye is removed, reinstall the cover with the
notch in the original position.
Recreational Vehicle Towing
Recreational vehicle towing means towing
the vehicle behind another vehicle, such as
behind a motor home. The two most
common types of recreational vehicle
towing are known as dinghy towing and
dolly towing. Dinghy towing is towing the
vehicle with all four wheels on the ground.
Dolly towing is towing the vehicle with two
wheels on the ground and two wheels up
on a device known as a dolly.Here are some important things to consider
before recreational vehicle towing:
.Before towing the vehicle, become
familiar with the local laws that apply to
recreational vehicle towing. These laws
may vary by region..
.What is the towing capacity of the
towing vehicle? Be sure to read the tow
vehicle manufacturer's recommendations.
.How far will the vehicle be towed? Some
vehicles have restrictions on how far and
how long they can tow.
.Does the vehicle have the proper towing
equipment? See your dealer or trailering
professional for additional advice and
equipment recommendations.
.Is the vehicle ready to be towed? Just as
preparing the vehicle for a long trip,
make sure the vehicle is prepared to be
towed.
Caution
Use of a shield mounted in front of the
vehicle grille could restrict airflow and
cause damage to the electric drive unit.
The repairs would not be covered by the
(Continued)

Chevrolet Bolt EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 243
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 drivetrain
components could be damaged. The
repairs would not be covered by the
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
“Dolly Towing” following.
Dolly Towing
Tow the vehicle with the two rear wheels
on the ground and the front wheels on a
dolly.
To tow the vehicle from the front with the
rear wheels on the ground:
1. Put the front wheels on the dolly.
2. Shift the transmission to P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0158.
3. Set the parking brake.
4. Secure the vehicle to the dolly. 5. Follow the dolly manufacturer's
instructions for preparing the vehicle and
dolly for towing.
6. Release the parking brake.
7. Turn the vehicle off.
8. Open the hood.
9. Wait two minutes.
10. Disconnect the negative (-) terminal connector from the 12-volt battery.
11. Close and latch the hood.