tow CHEVROLET BOLT EV 2023 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 245
{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 0244 and
Tire Rotation 0244.
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
how fast aging takes place. GM recommends that tires, including the spare if equipped,
be replaced after six years, regardless of
tread wear. To identify the age of a tire, use
the tire manufacture date, which is the last
four digits of the DOT Tire Identification
Number (TIN) molded into one side of the
tire sidewall. The last four digits of the TIN
indicate the tire manufactured date. The
first two digits represent the week and the
last two digits, the year. For example, the
third week of the year 2020 would have a
4-digit DOT date of 0320. Week 01 is the
first full week (Sunday through Saturday) of
each year.
Vehicle Storage
Tires age when stored normally mounted on
a parked vehicle. Park a vehicle that will be
stored for at least a month in a cool, dry,
clean area away from direct sunlight to slow
aging. This area should be free of grease,
gasoline, or other substances that can
deteriorate rubber.
Parking for an extended period can cause
flat spots on the tires that may result in
vibrations while driving. When storing a
vehicle for at least a month, remove the
tires or raise the vehicle to reduce the
weight from the tires.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 249
Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air
and cause loss of control, resulting in a
crash. Always use the correct wheel,
wheel bolts, and wheel nuts for
replacement.
{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.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Tire Chains
{Warning
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 cause loss of control and a crash.(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
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 slowly 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 tires
of the drive axle only.
If a Tire Goes Flat
It is unusual for a tire to blow out while
driving, especially if the tires are maintained
properly. SeeTires0234. 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.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
258 Vehicle Care
5. Connect one end of the red positive (+)cable to the discharged battery
positive (+) terminal.
6. Connect the other end of the red positive (+) cable to the good battery
positive (+) terminal.
7. Connect one end of the black negative (–) cable to the good battery negative
(–) terminal.
8. Connect the other end of the black negative (–) cable to the discharged
battery negative (–) grounding point.
9. Start the vehicle with the good battery.
10. Try to start the vehicle with the discharged 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.
Reinstall the bracket to protect the
discharged battery positive (+) terminal after
jump starting.
Caution
If the bracket is not reinstalled, the
discharged battery positive (+) terminal
can be damaged in a crash and the
electrical systems may not work properly.
Towing the Vehicle
Transporting a Disabled Vehicle
Caution
Incorrectly transporting a disabled vehicle
may cause damage to the vehicle. Use
proper tire straps to secure the vehicle to
the flatbed tow truck. Do not strap or
hook to any frame, underbody,
or suspension component not specified
below. Do not move vehicles with drive
axle tires on the ground. Damage is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with an
electric parking brake and/or an
electronic shifter. In the event of a loss of
12-volt battery power, the electric parking
brake cannot be released, and the vehicle
cannot be shifted to N (Neutral). Tire
skates or dollies must be used under the
non-rolling tires to prevent damage while
loading/unloading the vehicle. Dragging
the vehicle will cause damage not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
The vehicle may be equipped with a tow
eye. Improper use of the tow eye may
cause damage to the vehicle and is not
covered by the vehicle warranty.
If equipped, use the tow eye to load the
vehicle onto a flatbed tow truck from a
flat road surface, or to move the vehicle
a very short distance at a walking pace.
The tow eye is not designed for off-road
recovery. The vehicle must be in
N (Neutral) with the electric parking
brake released when using the tow eye.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 259
Contact a professional towing service if the
disabled vehicle must be transported. GM
recommends a flatbed tow truck to
transport a disabled vehicle. Use ramps to
help reduce approach angles, if necessary.
If equipped, a tow eye may be located near
the spare tire or emergency jack. Do not use
the tow eye to pull the vehicle from the
snow, mud, sand, or ditch. Tow eye threads
may have right or left-hand threads. Use
caution when installing or removing the
tow eye.
The vehicle must be in N (Neutral) and the
electric parking brake must be released
when loading the vehicle onto a flatbed tow
truck.
.If the vehicle is equipped with car wash
mode and has 12-volt battery power, refer
to“Car Wash Mode” underElectric Drive
Unit 0165 to place the vehicle in
N (Neutral).
.If the 12-volt battery is dead and/or the
engine will not start, the vehicle will not
move. Try to jump start the vehicle. Refer
to Jump Starting - North America 0256
and if the jump start is successful, retry
the “Car Wash Mode” procedure.
.If jump starting is unsuccessful, the
vehicle will not move. Tire skates or
dollies must be used under the non-rolling
tires to prevent vehicle damage.
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-
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260 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-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
Vehicle Care 261
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 vehicle into P (Park). See Shifting Into Park 0163.
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.
Towing the Vehicle from the Rear

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
262 Vehicle Care
Caution
Towing the vehicle from the rear could
damage it. Also, repairs would not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Never
have the vehicle towed from the rear.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Locks
Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a
de-icing agent only when absolutely
necessary, and have the locks greased after
using.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Caution
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
damage or removal of paint and decals.
If using an automatic car wash, follow the
car wash instructions. The windshield wiper
and rear window wiper, if equipped, must
be off. Remove any accessories that may be
damaged or interfere with the car wash
equipment.
Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and
after, to remove all cleaning agents
completely. If they are allowed to dry on
the surface, they could stain.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting. Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this
e
symbol.
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Recommend water only.
A pressure washer may be used, but care
must be utilized. The following criteria must
be followed:
.Water pressure must be kept below
14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).
.Water temperature must be below 80 °C
(180 °F).
.Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle
spray pattern or wider must be used.
.Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16404388) - 2023 - CRC - 3/7/22
264 Vehicle Care
.Ice scrapers or other hard items.
.Aftermarket appearance caps or covers
while the lamps are illuminated, due to
excessive heat generated.
Caution
Failure to clean lamps properly can cause
damage to the lamp cover that would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level and
create a non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and water only.
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes, between
the hood and windshield, when washing the
vehicle.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.
Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or
paper towel soaked with windshield washer
fluid or a mild detergent. Wash thewindshield thoroughly when cleaning the
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or
damaged. Damage can be caused by
extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat,
sun, snow, and ice.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least once a year. Hot, dry
climates may require more frequent
application. Black marks from rubber
material on painted surfaces can be removed
by rubbing with a clean cloth.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and
water to clean the wheels. After rinsing
thoroughly with clean water, dry with a
soft, clean towel. A wax may then be
applied.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as 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,
(Continued)

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 267
Vinyl/Rubber
If equipped with vinyl floor and rubber floor
mats, use a soft cloth and/or brush
dampened with water to remove dust and
loose dirt. For more thorough cleaning, use
a mild soap and water solution.
{Warning
Do not use cleaners that contain silicone,
wax-based products, or cleaners that
increase gloss on vinyl/rubber floor and
mats. These cleaners can permanently
change the appearance and feel of the
vinyl/rubber and can make the floor
slippery. Your foot could slip while
operating the vehicle, and you could lose
control, resulting in a crash. You or
others could be injured.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft
brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum
brush attachment is being used, only use it
on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently
remove as much of the soil as possible:
.Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
.For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
To clean: 1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth.
3. Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Fold the
cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently
to prevent forcing the soil into the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth.
5. If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
If the soil is not completely removed, it may
be necessary to use a commercial upholstery
cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden
area for colorfastness before using a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter.
If ring formation occurs, clean the entire
fabric or carpet.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces
or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle
brush to remove dirt that can scratch the
surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a
microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners
or solvents. Periodically hand wash the
microfiber cloth separately, using mild soap.
Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse
thoroughly and air dry before next use.
Caution
Do not attach a device with a suction cup
to the display. This may cause damage
and would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

Chevrolet BOLT EV Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Customer Information 281
adaptive equipment required for the vehicle,
such as hand controls or a wheelchair/
scooter lift for the vehicle.
To learn about the GM Mobility program,
see www.gmmobility.com or call the GM
Mobility Assistance Center at 1-800-323-9935.
Text Telephone (TTY) users, call
1-800-833-9935.
General Motors of Canada also has a
Mobility program. See www.gm.ca, or call
1-800-GM-DRIVE (800-463-7483) for details.
TTY users call 1-800-263-3830.
Roadside Assistance Program
From the U.S., call 1-888-811-1926; Text
Telephone (TTY): 1-888-889-2438.
From Canada, call 1-800-268-6800.
Service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days
a year.
Calling for Assistance
When calling Roadside Assistance, have the
following information ready:
.Your name, home address, and home
telephone number.
.Telephone number of your location.
.Location of the vehicle.
.Model, year, color, and license plate
number of the vehicle.
.Odometer reading, Vehicle Identification
Number (VIN), and delivery date of the
vehicle.
.Description of the problem.
Coverage
Tow services are covered under the EV
Component Coverage warranty. For details
on additional Roadside coverage, contact
Chevrolet Roadside Assistance.
In the U.S., anyone driving the vehicle is
covered. In Canada, a person driving the
vehicle without permission from the owner
is not covered.
Roadside Assistance is not a part of the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty. General Motors
North America and Chevrolet reserve the
right to make any changes or discontinue
the Roadside Assistance program at any
time without notification.
General Motors North America and Chevrolet
reserve the right to limit services or
payment to an owner or driver if they
decide the claims are made too often, or the
same type of claim is made many times.
Services Provided
.Lock-Out Service:Service to unlock the
vehicle if you are locked out. A remote
unlock may be available if you have
OnStar. For security reasons, the driver
must present identification before this
service is given.
.Tow from a Public Road or Highway: Tow
to the nearest certified Chevrolet EV
dealer for warranty service, or if the
vehicle was in a crash and cannot be
driven. Assistance is not given when the
vehicle is stuck in the sand, mud,
or snow.
If the vehicle is out of charge, Roadside
will tow the vehicle to the nearest
charging station or to the customer’s
home, whichever is closest.
.Flat Tire Change: If the tire has been
separated from the wheel, has damaged
sidewalls, or has a large puncture, the tire
is too severely damaged for the self
sealing tire to be effective and the vehicle
will have to be towed. It is the owner's
responsibility for the repair or
replacement of the tire if it is not covered
by the warranty.
.Battery Jump Start: Service to jump start
a dead battery.