CHEVROLET MALIBU 2020 Owner's Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
270 Vehicle Care
performance which all
passenger car tires must meet
under the Federal Motor Safety
Standard No. 109. Grades B and
A represent higher levels of
performance on the laboratory
test wheel than the minimum
required by law. Warning: The
temperature grade for this tire is
established for a tire that is
properly inflated and not
overloaded. Excessive speed,
underinflation, or excessive
loading, either separately or in
combination, can cause heat
buildup and possible tire failure.
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned
and balanced at the factory to
provide the longest tire life and best
overall performance. Adjustments to
wheel alignment and tire balancing
are not necessary on a regular
basis. Consider an alignment check
if there is unusual tire wear or thevehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to
the left or right, depending on the
crown of the road and/or other road
surface variations such as troughs
or ruts, is normal. If the vehicle is
vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, the tires and wheels may need
to be rebalanced. See your dealer
for proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent,
cracked, or badly rusted or
corroded. If wheel nuts keep coming
loose, the wheel, wheel bolts, and
wheel nuts should be replaced.
If the wheel leaks air, replace it.
Some aluminum wheels can be
repaired. See your dealer if any of
these conditions exist.
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, causing
a crash. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts, and wheel
nuts for replacement.
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.

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-
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-
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Vehicle Care 273
Warning (Continued)
5. Place wheel blocks,if equipped, on both sides of
the tire at the opposite
corner of the tire being
changed.
This vehicle may come with a jack
and spare tire or a tire sealant and
compressor kit. To use the jacking
equipment to change a spare tire
safely, follow the instructions below.
Then see Tire Changing 0280. To
use the tire sealant and compressor
kit, see Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0273.
When the vehicle has a flat tire (2),
use the following example as a
guide to assist you in the placement
of wheel blocks (1), if equipped.
1. Wheel Block (If Equipped)
2. Flat Tire
The following information explains
how to repair or change a tire.
Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit
{Warning
Idling a vehicle in an enclosed
area with poor ventilation is
dangerous. Engine exhaust may
enter the vehicle. Engine exhaust
contains carbon monoxide (CO)
which cannot be seen or smelled.
It can cause unconsciousness (Continued)
Warning (Continued)
and even death. Never run the
engine in an enclosed area that
has no fresh air ventilation. For
more information, seeEngine
Exhaust 0163.
{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.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/21/19
274 Vehicle Care
{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.
If this vehicle has a tire sealant and
compressor kit, there may not be a
spare tire or tire changing
equipment, and on some vehicles
there may not be a place to store
a tire.
The tire sealant and compressor
can be used to temporarily seal
punctures up to 6 mm (0.25 in) in
the tread area of the tire. It can also
be used to inflate an
underinflated tire.
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 tire sealant and compressor kit to be
effective. See
Roadside Assistance
Program 0323.
Read and follow all of the tire
sealant and compressor kit
instructions.
The kit includes:
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
2. Sealant/Air Hose
3. Base of Sealant Canister
4. Tire Sealant Canister
5. On/Off Button
6. Slot on Top of Compressor
7. Pressure Deflation Button
8. Pressure Gauge
9. Power Plug
10. Air Only Hose
Tire Sealant
Read and follow the safe handling
instructions on the label adhered to
the tire sealant canister (4).
Check the tire sealant expiration
date on the tire sealant canister.
The tire sealant canister (4) should
be replaced before its expiration
date. Replacement tire sealant
canisters are available at your local
dealer.
There is only enough sealant to seal
one tire. After usage, the tire sealant
canister must be replaced.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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Vehicle Care 275
Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit to Temporarily
Seal and Inflate a
Punctured Tire
When using the tire sealant and
compressor kit during cold
temperatures, warm the kit in a
heated environment for five minutes.
This will help to inflate the tire
faster.
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. SeeHazard
Warning Flashers 0128.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0271 for
other important safety warnings.
Do not remove any objects that
have penetrated the tire.
1. Remove the tire sealant canister (4) and compressor
from its storage location. See
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0279.
2. Remove the air only hose (10) and the power plug (9) from the
bottom of the compressor. 3. Place the compressor on the
ground near the flat tire.
4. Attach the air only hose (10) tothe sealant canister inlet
valve (1) by turning it clockwise
until tight.
5. Slide the base of the tire
sealant canister (3) into the slot
on the top of the compressor
(6) to hold it upright.
Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.
6. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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276 Vehicle Care
7. Attach the sealant/air hose (2)to the tire valve stem by turning
it clockwise until tight.
8. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 091.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.
If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window. 9. Start the vehicle. The vehicle
must be running while using
the air compressor.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inject
sealant and air into the tire.
The pressure gauge (8) will
initially show a high pressure
while the compressor pushes
the sealant into the tire. Once
the sealant is completely
dispersed into the tire, the
pressure will quickly drop and
start to rise again as the tire
inflates with air only.
11. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0257.
The pressure gauge (8) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure
reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See
Roadside
Assistance Program 0323.
12. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
The tire is not sealed and will
continue to leak air until the
vehicle is driven and the
sealant is distributed in the tire.

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Vehicle Care 277
Therefore, Steps 13–21 must
be done immediately after
Step 12.
Be careful while handling the
tire sealant and compressor kit
as it could be warm after
usage.
13. Unplug the power plug (9) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle.
14. Turn the sealant/air hose (2) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
15. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
16. Remove the tire sealant canister (4) from the slot on top
of the compressor (6).
17. Turn the air only hose (10) counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire sealant canister
inlet valve (1).
18. Turn the sealant/air hose (2) clockwise onto the sealant
canister inlet valve (1) to
prevent sealant leakage. 19. Return the air only hose (10)
and power plug (9) back to
their original storage location.
20. If the flat tire was able to inflate
to the recommended inflation
pressure, remove the
maximum speed label from the
sealant canister and place it in
a highly visible location.
Do not exceed the speed on
this label until the damaged tire
is repaired or replaced.
21. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
22. Immediately drive the vehicle 8 km (5 mi) to distribute the
sealant in the tire.
23. Stop at a safe location and check the tire pressure. Refer
to Steps 1–10 under “Using theTire Sealant and Compressor
Kit without Sealant to Inflate a
Tire (Not Punctured).”
If the tire pressure has fallen
more than 68 kPa (10 psi)
below the recommended
inflation pressure, stop driving
the vehicle. The tire is too
severely damaged and the tire
sealant cannot seal the tire.
See
Roadside Assistance
Program 0323.
If the tire pressure has not
dropped more than 68 kPa
(10 psi) from the recommended
inflation pressure, inflate the
tire to the recommended
inflation pressure.
24. Wipe off any sealant from the wheel, tire, or vehicle.
25. Dispose of the used tire sealant canister (4) at a local
dealer or in accordance with
local state codes and practices.
26. Replace it with a new canister available from your dealer.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
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278 Vehicle Care
27. After temporarily sealing a tireusing the tire sealant and
compressor kit, take the
vehicle to an authorized dealer
within 161 km (100 mi) of
driving to have the tire repaired
or replaced.
Using the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit without
Sealant to Inflate a Tire (Not
Punctured)
The kit includes:
1. Sealant Canister Inlet Valve
2. Sealant/Air Hose
3. Base of Sealant Canister 4. Tire Sealant Canister
5. On/Off Button
6. Slot on Top of Compressor
7. Pressure Deflation Button
8. Pressure Gauge
9. Power Plug
10. Air Only Hose
If a tire goes flat, avoid further tire
and wheel damage by driving slowly
to a level place. Turn on the hazard
warning flashers. See
Hazard
Warning Flashers 0128.
See If a Tire Goes Flat 0271 for
other important safety warnings. 1. Remove the compressor from
its storage location. See
Storing the Tire Sealant and
Compressor Kit 0279.
2. Remove the air only hose (10) and the power plug (9) from the
bottom of the compressor.
3. Place the compressor on the ground near the flat tire.
Make sure the tire valve stem
is positioned close to the
ground so the hose will
reach it.
4. Remove the valve stem cap from the flat tire by turning it
counterclockwise.
5. Attach the air only hose (10) to the tire valve stem by turning it
clockwise until tight.
6. Plug the power plug (9) into the accessory power outlet in the
vehicle. Unplug all items from
other accessory power outlets.
See Power Outlets 091.
If the vehicle has an accessory
power outlet, do not use the
cigarette lighter.

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Vehicle Care 279
If the vehicle only has a
cigarette lighter, use the
cigarette lighter.
Do not pinch the power plug
cord in the door or window.
7. Start the vehicle. The vehicle must be running while using
the air compressor.
8. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit on.
The compressor will inflate the
tire with air only.
9. Inflate the tire to the recommended inflation
pressure using the pressure
gauge (8). The recommended
inflation pressure can be found
on the Tire and Loading
Information label. See Tire
Pressure 0257.
The pressure gauge (8) may
read higher than the actual tire
pressure while the compressor
is on. Turn the compressor off
to get an accurate pressure reading. The compressor may
be turned on/off until the
correct pressure is reached.
Caution
If the recommended pressure
cannot be reached after
approximately 25 minutes, the
vehicle should not be driven
farther. The tire is too severely
damaged and the tire sealant and
compressor kit cannot inflate the
tire. Remove the power plug from
the accessory power outlet and
unscrew the inflating hose from
the tire valve. See
Roadside
Assistance Program 0323.
10. Press the on/off button (5) to turn the tire sealant and
compressor kit off.
Be careful while handling the
compressor as it could be
warm after usage.
11. Unplug the power plug (9) from the accessory power outlet in
the vehicle. 12. Turn the air only hose (10)
counterclockwise to remove it
from the tire valve stem.
13. Replace the tire valve stem cap.
14. Return the air only hose (10) and power plug (9) back to
their original storage location.
15. Return the equipment to its original storage location in the
vehicle.
The tire sealant and compressor kit
has accessory adapters located in a
compartment on the bottom of its
housing that can be used to inflate
air mattresses, balls, etc.
Storing the Tire Sealant
and Compressor Kit
To access the tire sealant and
compressor kit: 1. Open the trunk. See Trunk
0 22.
2. Lift the cover.