maintenance CHEVROLET MALIBU 2020 Owner's Guide

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
304 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance
Schedule
Owner Checks and Services
Check the engine oil level. See
Engine Oil0219.
Once a Month
. Check the tire inflation
pressures. See Tire Pressure
0 257.
. Inspect the tires for wear. See
Tire Inspection 0264.
. Check the windshield washer
fluid level. See Washer Fluid
0 229.
Engine Oil Change
When the CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays, have the
engine oil and filter changed within
the next 1 000 km (600 mi). If driven
under the best conditions, the
engine oil life system may not
indicate the need for vehicle service
for up to a year. The engine oil and
filter must be changed at least once
a year and the oil life system must be reset. Your trained dealer
technician can perform this work.
If the engine oil life system is reset
accidentally, service the vehicle
within 5 000 km (3,000 mi) since the
last service. Reset the oil life
system when the oil is changed.
See
Engine Oil Life System 0221.
Engine Air Filter Change
When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the next engine oil change. When
the REPLACE ENGINE AIR FILTER
SOON message displays, the
engine air filter should be replaced
at the earliest convenience. Reset
the engine air filter life system after
the engine air filter is replaced. See
Engine Air Filter Life System 0223.
Air Conditioning Desiccant
(Replace Every Seven Years)
The air conditioning system requires
maintenance every seven years.
This service requires replacement of
the desiccant to help the longevity and efficient operation of the air
conditioning system. This service
can be complex. See your dealer.
Tire Rotation and Required
Services Every 12 000 km
(7,500 mi)
Rotate the tires, if recommended for
the vehicle, and perform the
following services. See
Tire
Rotation 0265.
. Check engine oil level and oil
life percentage. If needed,
change engine oil and filter, and
reset oil life system. See Engine
Oil 0219 and
Engine Oil Life System 0221.
. If equipped with the engine air
filter life system, check the air
filter life percentage.
If necessary, replace the engine
air filter and reset the engine air
filter life system. See Engine Air
Filter Life System 0223. If the
vehicle is not equipped with the
engine air filter life system,
inspect the engine air cleaner
filter. See Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter 0223.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Service and Maintenance 305
.Check engine coolant level. See
Cooling System 0225.
. Check windshield washer fluid
level. See Washer Fluid 0229.
. Check tire inflation pressures.
See Tire Pressure 0257.
. Inspect tire wear. See Tire
Inspection 0264.
. Visually check for fluid leaks.
. Inspect brake system. See
Exterior Care 0292.
. Visually inspect steering,
suspension, and chassis
components for damage,
including cracks or tears in the
rubber boots, loose or missing
parts, or signs of wear at least
once a year. See Exterior Care
0 292.
. Inspect power steering for
proper attachment, connections,
binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc.
. Visually inspect halfshafts and
drive shafts for excessive wear,
lubricant leaks, and/or damage
including: tube dents or cracks, constant velocity joint or
universal joint looseness,
cracked or missing boots, loose
or missing boot clamps, center
bearing excessive looseness,
loose or missing fasteners, and
axle seal leaks.
. Check restraint system
components. See Safety System
Check 052.
. Visually inspect fuel system for
damage or leaks.
. Visually inspect exhaust system
and nearby heat shields for
loose or damaged parts.
. Lubricate body components. See
Exterior Care 0292.
. Check starter switch. See Starter
Switch Check 0234.
. Check automatic transmission
shift lock control function. See
Automatic Transmission Shift
Lock Control Function Check
0234. .
Check parking brake and
automatic transmission park
mechanism. See Park Brake and
P (Park) Mechanism Check
0 235.
. Check accelerator pedal for
damage, high effort, or binding.
Replace if needed.
. Visually inspect gas strut for
signs of wear, cracks, or other
damage. Check the hold open
ability of the strut. If the hold
open ability is low, service the
gas strut. See Gas Strut(s)
0 236.
. Check tire sealant expiration
date, if equipped. See Tire
Sealant and Compressor Kit
0 273.
. Inspect sunroof track and seal,
if equipped. See Sunroof030.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
306 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed. Check
engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air
filter life system, replace engine air cleaner
filter. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires
and/or boots.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system and Power
Electronics cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Service and Maintenance 307
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0223.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 225. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0231.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0235.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0236.
(9) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
308 Service and Maintenance
Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required
Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi
60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi
84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi
120 000 km/75,000 mi
132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi
156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi
204 000 km/127,500 mi
216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services.
Check engine oil level and oil life percentage.
Change engine oil and filter, if needed. Check
engine air filter life percentage and status.
Change engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
If the vehicle is not equipped with the engine air
filter life system, replace engine air cleaner
filter. (3)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid. (Except
1.5L engine.)@@@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.
(1.5L engine only.)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires
and/or boots.@ @
Drain and fill engine cooling system and Power
Electronics cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace windshield wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas
struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Service and Maintenance 309
Footnotes—Maintenance
Schedule Additional Required
Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever
comes first. More frequent
passenger compartment air filter
replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic,
poor air quality, high dust levels,
or environmental allergens.
Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if
there is reduced airflow, window
fogging, or odors. Your GM dealer
can help determine when to replace
the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor
lines and hoses for proper
attachment, connection, routing, and
condition.
(3) Or every four years, whichever
comes first. If driving in dusty
conditions, inspect the filter at each
oil change or more often as needed.
See Engine Air Cleaner/Filter 0223.
(4) Or every five years, whichever
comes first. See Cooling System
0 225. (5)
Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. Inspect for fraying,
excessive cracking, or damage;
replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five
years. See Brake Fluid 0231.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever
comes first. See Wiper Blade
Replacement 0235.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever
comes first. See Gas Strut(s)0236.
(9) Replace air conditioning
desiccant every seven years.Special Application
Services
. Severe Commercial Use
Vehicles Only: Lubricate chassis
components every oil change.
. Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody
Maintenance" in Exterior Care
0 292.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
310 Service and Maintenance
Additional
Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important
investment and caring for it properly
may help to avoid future costly
repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional
maintenance services may be
required.
It is recommended that your dealer
perform these services—their
trained dealer technicians know
your vehicle best. Your dealer can
also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point
inspection to recommend when your
vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to
explain the services and conditions
to look for that may indicate
services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power
to start the engine and operate any
additional electrical accessories. .
To avoid break-down or failure to
start the vehicle, maintain a
battery with full cranking power.
. Trained dealer technicians have
the diagnostic equipment to test
the battery and ensure that the
connections and cables are
corrosion-free.
Belts
. Belts may need replacing if they
squeak or show signs of
cracking or splitting.
. Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the belts and
recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are
crucial to safe driving.
. Signs of brake wear may include
chirping, grinding, or squealing
noises, or difficulty stopping. .
Trained dealer technicians have
access to tools and equipment
to inspect the brakes and
recommend quality parts
engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved
fluids protect the vehicle’s systems
and components. See
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0313 for GM approved
fluids.
. Engine oil and windshield
washer fluid levels should be
checked at every fuel fill.
. Instrument cluster lights may
come on to indicate that fluids
may be low and need to be
filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should
be regularly inspected to ensure
that there are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your
dealer can inspect the hoses and
advise if replacement is needed.

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
312 Service and Maintenance
.Trained dealer technicians can
inspect the windshield and
recommend proper replacement
if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned
and kept in good condition to
provide a clear view.
. Signs of wear include streaking,
skipping across the windshield,
and worn or split rubber.
. Trained dealer technicians can
check the wiper blades and
replace them when needed.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-
13555849) - 2020 - CRC - 8/16/19
Service and Maintenance 313
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and Parts
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
UsageFluid/Lubricant
Automatic Transmission (2.0L Engine) DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid.
Automatic Transmission (1.5L Engine) Continuously Variable Ratio Transmission (CVT) Fluid. (GM Part No. 19355873, in Canada 19355874).
Engine Coolant 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable water and use only DEX-COOL Coolant.
Engine Oil Engine oil meeting the dexos1 specification of the proper SAE viscosity
grade. ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic is recommended. See Engine Oil
0 219.
Hood Latch Assembly, Secondary Latch, Pivots, Spring Anchor, and Release Pawl Lubriplate Lubricant Aerosol (GM Part No. 89021668, in
Canada 89021674) or lubricant meeting requirements of NLGI #2 Category
LB or GC-LB.
Hydraulic Brake System DOT 3 Hydraulic Brake Fluid (GM Part No. 19353126, in Canada 19353127).
Key Lock Cylinders, Hood and Door Hinges Multi-Purpose Lubricant, Superlube (GM Part No. 12346241, in
Canada 10953474).
Weatherstrip Conditioning Weatherstrip Lubricant (GM Part No. 3634770, in Canada 10953518) or equivalent.
Windshield Washer Automotive windshield washer fluid that meets regional freeze protection requirements.