recommended oil CHEVROLET MALIBU 2023 Owners Manual

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
96 Instruments and Controls
Trip/Fuel Menu (TRIP) Items
Useworxto scroll through the menu
items. Not all items are available on every
vehicle. The following is a list of all possible
menu items:
Digital Speed : Displays how fast the vehicle
is moving in either kilometers per hour
(km/h) or miles per hour (mph). The
speedometer cannot be reset.
Trip 1 or Trip 2, Average Fuel Economy :
Displays the current distance traveled, in
either kilometers (km) or miles (mi), from
the last reset for the trip odometer. The trip
odometer can be reset to zero by pressing
and holding
Vwhile the trip odometer
display is showing.
Also displays the approximate average liters
per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number is based on the
number of L/100 km (mpg) recorded since
the last time this menu item was reset. This
number reflects only the approximate
average fuel economy that the vehicle has
right now, and will change as driving
conditions change. Reset the average
consumption by pressing
Vwhen it is
displayed. Fuel Range :
Displays the approximate
distance the vehicle can be driven without
refueling. The fuel range estimate is based
on an average of the vehicle's fuel economy
over recent driving history and the amount
of fuel remaining in the fuel tank. Fuel
range cannot be reset.
Average Vehicle Speed : Displays the
average vehicle speed of the vehicle in
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per
hour (mph). This average is based on the
various vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset. Reset the average speed by
pressing
Vwhen it is displayed.
Timer : To start the timer, press
Vwhile
Timer is displayed. The display will show the
amount of time that has passed since the
timer was last reset, not including time the
ignition is off. Time will continue to be
counted as long as the ignition is on, even if
another display is being shown on the DIC.
The timer will record up to 99 hours,
59 minutes, and 59 seconds (99:59:59) after
which the display will return to zero. To
stop the timer, press
Vbriefly while Timer
is displayed. To reset the timer to zero,
press and hold
V.
Vehicle Information Menu (VEHICLE)
Items
Useworxto scroll through the menu
items. Not all items are available on every
vehicle. The following is a list of all possible
menu items:
Remaining Oil Life : Displays an estimate of
the oil's remaining useful life. If REMAINING
OIL LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99%
of the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 225. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended. See
Maintenance Schedule 0290.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. Do not reset the Oil Life display
accidentally at any time other than when
the oil has just been changed. It cannot be
reset accurately until the next oil change. To
reset the engine oil life system, see Engine
Oil Life System 0227.
Oil Pressure : Oil pressure is displayed in
either kilopascal (kPa) or in pounds per
square inch (psi).

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Instruments and Controls 99
vehicle's fuel economy over recent driving
history and the amount of fuel remaining in
the fuel tank.
Instantaneous Fuel Economy :Displays the
current fuel economy in liters per
100 kilometers (L/100 km) or miles per
gallon (mpg). This number reflects only the
approximate fuel economy that the vehicle
has right now and changes frequently as
driving conditions change. This display
cannot be reset.
Oil Life : Shows an estimate of the oil's
remaining useful life. If REMAINING OIL
LIFE 99% is displayed, that means 99% of
the current oil life remains.
When the remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display. The oil should be
changed as soon as possible. See Engine Oil
0 225. In addition to the engine oil life
system monitoring the oil life, additional
maintenance is recommended in the
Maintenance Schedule. See Maintenance
Schedule 0290.
The Oil Life display must be reset after each
oil change. It will not reset itself. Do not to
reset the Oil Life display at any time other
than when the oil has just been changed. It cannot be reset accurately until the next
oil change. To reset, see
Engine Oil Life
System 0227.
Air Filter Life : Shows an estimate of the
engine air filter’s remaining useful life and
the state of the system. Engine Air Filter Life
95% means 95% of the current air filter life
remains. Messages will display based on the
engine air filter life and the state of the
system. When the REPLACE AT NEXT OIL
CHANGE message displays, the engine air
filter should be replaced at the time of the
next oil change. When the REPLACE NOW
message displays, the engine air filter
should be replaced as soon as possible.
The Air Filter Life display must be reset after
the engine air filter replacement. To reset,
see Engine Air Filter Life System 0228.
Tire Pressure : Shows the approximate
pressures of all four tires. Tire pressure is
displayed in either kilopascal (kPa) or in
pounds per square inch (psi). If the pressure
is low, the value for that tire is shown in
amber. See Tire Pressure Monitor System
0 259 and
Tire Pressure Monitor Operation 0260.
Average Vehicle Speed : Displays the
average vehicle speed of the vehicle in
kilometers per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). This average is based on the
various vehicle speeds recorded since the
last reset. Reset the average speed by
pressing
Vwhen it is displayed.
Fuel Economy : The center displays the
approximate instantaneous fuel economy as
a number and bar graph. Displayed above
the bar graph is a running average of fuel
economy for the most recently traveled
selected distance. Displayed below the bar
graph is the best average fuel economy that
has been achieved for the selected distance.
The selected distance is displayed at the top
of the page as “last xxx mi/km.”
Press
pto select the distance or reset best
value. Use
wandxto choose the
distance and press
V. Presswandxto
select “Reset Best Score.” Press
Vto reset
the best average fuel economy. After reset,
the best value displays “-,-”until the
selected distance has been traveled.
The display provides information on how
current driving behavior affects the running
average and how well recent driving
compares to the best that has been
achieved for the selected distance.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
Driving and Operating 211
driveability. If heavy knocking is heard when
using gasoline rated at 87 or greater, the
engine needs service.
Do not use any fuel labeled E85 or FlexFuel.
Do not use gasoline with ethanol levels
greater than 15% by volume.
Prohibited Fuels
Caution
Do not use fuels with any of the
following conditions; doing so may
damage the vehicle and void its
warranty:
.For vehicles that are not FlexFuel, fuel
labeled greater than 15% ethanol by
volume, such as mid-level ethanol
blends (16–50% ethanol), E85,
or FlexFuel.
.Fuel with any amount of methanol,
methylal, ferrocene, and aniline. These
fuels can corrode metal fuel system
parts or damage plastic and rubber
parts.
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
.Fuel containing metals such as
methylcyclopentadienyl manganese
tricarbonyl (MMT), which can damage
the emissions control system and
spark plugs.
.Fuel with a posted octane rating of
less than the recommended fuel. Using
this fuel will lower fuel economy and
performance, and may decrease the
life of the emissions catalyst.
Fuels in Foreign Countries
The U.S., Canada, and Mexico post fuel
octane ratings in anti-knock index (AKI). For
fuel not to use in a foreign country, see
Prohibited Fuels0211.
Fuel Additives
TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline is highly
recommended for use with your vehicle.
If your country does not have TOP TIER
Detergent Gasoline, add ACDelco Fuel
System Treatment Plus−Gasoline to the
vehicle’s gasoline fuel tank at every oil
change or 15 000 km (9,000 mi), whichever
occurs first. TOP TIER Detergent Gasoline and
ACDelco Fuel System Treatment Plus −Gasoline will help keep your vehicle’s
engine fuel deposit free and performing
optimally.
Filling the Tank
An arrow on the fuel gauge indicates which
side of the vehicle the fuel door is on. See
Fuel Gauge
083.
{Warning
Fuel vapors and fuel fires burn violently
and can cause injury or death.
Follow these guidelines to help avoid
injuries to you and others:
.Read and follow all the instructions on
the fuel pump island.
.Turn off the engine when refueling.
.Keep sparks, flames, and smoking
materials away from fuel.
.Do not leave the fuel pump
unattended.
.Avoid using electronic devices while
refueling.
.Do not re-enter the vehicle while
pumping fuel.
(Continued)

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
226 Vehicle Care
When to Add Engine Oil
If the oil is below the cross-hatched area at
the tip of the dipstick and the engine has
been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L
(1 qt) of the recommended oil and then
recheck the level. See“Selecting the Right
Engine Oil” later in this section for an
explanation of what kind of oil to use. For
engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities
and Specifications 0298.
Caution
Do not add too much oil. Oil levels above
or below the acceptable operating range
shown on the dipstick are harmful to the
engine. If you find that you have an oil
level above the operating range, i.e., the
engine has so much oil that the oil level
gets above the upper mark that shows
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
the proper operating range, the engine
could be damaged. You should drain out
the excess oil or limit driving of the
vehicle and seek a service professional to
remove the excess amount of oil.
See Engine Compartment Overview 0224 for
the location of the engine oil fill cap.
Add enough oil to put the level somewhere
in the proper operating range. Push the
dipstick all the way back in when through.
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on
both the proper oil specification and
viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0294.
Specification
Use full synthetic engine oils that meet the
dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have
been approved by GM as meeting the
dexos1 specification are marked with the
dexos1 approved logo. See
www.gmdexos.com.
Caution
Failure to use the recommended engine
oil or equivalent can result in engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Viscosity Grade
Use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil.
When selecting an oil of the appropriate
viscosity grade, it is recommended to select
an oil of the correct specification. See
“Specification” earlier in this section.
Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes
Do not add anything to the oil. The
recommended oils meeting the dexos1
specification are all that is needed for good
performance and engine protection.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 227
Engine oil system flushes are not
recommended and could cause engine
damage not covered by the vehicle
warranty.
What to Do with Used Oil
Used engine oil contains certain elements
that can be unhealthy for your skin and
could even cause cancer. Do not let used oil
stay on your skin for very long. Clean your
skin and nails with soap and water, or a
good hand cleaner. Wash or properly
dispose of clothing or rags containing used
engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings
about the use and disposal of oil products.
Used oil can be a threat to the environment.
If you change your own oil, be sure to drain
all the oil from the filter before disposal.
Never dispose of oil by putting it in the
trash or pouring it on the ground, into
sewers, or into streams or bodies of water.
Recycle it by taking it to a place that
collects used oil.
Engine Oil Life System
When to Change Engine Oil
This vehicle has a computer system that
indicates when to change the engine oil and
filter. This is based on a combination offactors which include engine revolutions,
engine temperature, and miles driven. Based
on driving conditions, the mileage at which
an oil change is indicated can vary
considerably. For the oil life system to work
properly, the system must be reset every
time the oil is changed.
When the system has calculated that oil life
has been diminished, it indicates that an oil
change is necessary. A CHANGE ENGINE OIL
SOON message displays. Change the oil as
soon as possible within the next 1 000 km
(600 mi). It is possible that, if driving under
the best conditions, the oil life system may
indicate that an oil change is not necessary
for up to a year. The engine oil and filter
must be changed at least once a year and,
at this time, the system must be reset. Your
dealer has trained service people who will
perform this work and reset the system.
It is also important to check the oil regularly
over the course of an oil drain interval and
keep it at the proper level.
If the system is ever reset accidentally, the
oil must be changed at 5 000 km (3,000 mi)
since the last oil change. Remember to reset
the oil life system whenever the oil is
changed.
How to Reset the Engine Oil Life System
1. Using the DIC controls on the right side
of the steering wheel, display
REMAINING OIL LIFE on the DIC. See
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Base
Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98. When remaining oil life is low, the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message will
appear on the display.
2. Press
Von the DIC controls and hold
down for a few seconds to clear the
CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message and
reset the oil life at 100%.
Be careful not to reset the oil life display
accidentally at any time other than after
the oil is changed. It cannot be reset
accurately until the next oil change.
The system is reset when the CHANGE
ENGINE OIL SOON message is off and the
REMAINING OIL LIFE message is displayed.
If the CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON message
comes back on when the vehicle is started,
the engine oil life system has not been
reset. Repeat the procedure.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
228 Vehicle Care
Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is not necessary to check the transmission
fluid level. A transmission fluid leak is the
only reason for fluid loss. If a leak occurs,
take the vehicle to your dealer and have it
repaired as soon as possible.
Caution
Use of the incorrect automatic
transmission fluid may damage the
vehicle, and the damage may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty. Always
use the correct automatic transmission
fluid. SeeRecommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0294.
Change the fluid at the intervals listed in
Maintenance Schedule 0290, and be sure to
use the fluid listed in Recommended Fluids
and Lubricants 0294.
Engine Air Filter Life System
If equipped, this feature provides the engine
air filter’s remaining life and best timing for
a change. The timing to change an engine
air filter depends on driving and
environmental conditions.
When to Change the Engine Air Filter
When the Driver Information Center (DIC)
displays a message to replace the engine air
filter at the next oil change, follow this
timing.
When the DIC displays a message to replace
the engine air filter soon, replace the engine
air filter at the earliest convenience.
The system must be reset after the engine
air filter is changed.
If the DIC displays a message to check the
engine air filter system, see your dealer.
How to Reset the Engine Air Filter Life
System
Reset the system whenever the engine air
filter is replaced so that the system can
calculate the next engine air filter change.
To reset:
1. Place the vehicle in P (Park).
2. Select Engine Air Filter Life on the DIC menu. See Driver Information Center
(DIC) (Base Level) 095 or
Driver Information Center (DIC) (Uplevel)
0 98. 3. Press
Vto move to the Reset/Disable
display area. Select Reset then press
V.
Then press Yes to confirm the reset.
4. 100% Air Filter Life will be displayed when the Engine Air Filter Life System is
successfully reset.
Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
The engine air cleaner/filter is in the engine
compartment on the passenger side of the
vehicle. See Engine Compartment Overview
0 224.
When to Inspect the Engine Air Cleaner/
Filter
.For intervals on changing and inspecting
the engine air filter, see Maintenance
Schedule 0290.
.If equipped with Engine Air Filter Life
System, see Engine Air Filter Life System
0 228.
.If driving in very dusty areas, follow the
engine air filter inspecting and changing
intervals, see Maintenance Schedule
0 290.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
16273584) - 2023 - CRC - 9/28/22
230 Vehicle Care
1.5L L4 Turbo Engine Shown
1. Engine Cooling Fan (Out of View)
2. Coolant Surge Tank and Pressure Cap
{Warning
An underhood electric fan can start up
even when the engine is not running and
can cause injury. Keep hands, clothing,
and tools away from any underhood
electric fan.
{Warning
Do not touch heater or radiator hoses,
or other engine parts. They can be very
hot and can burn you. Do not run the
engine if there is a leak; all coolant could
leak out. That could cause an engine fire
and can burn you. Fix any leak before
driving the vehicle.
Engine Coolant
The cooling system in the vehicle is filled
with DEX-COOL engine coolant mixture. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants0294
and
Maintenance Schedule 0290.
The following explains the cooling system
and how to check and add coolant when it
is low. If there is a problem with engine
overheating, see Engine Overheating 0232.
What to Use
{Warning
Plain water, or other liquids such as
alcohol, can boil before the proper
coolant mixture will. With plain water or
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
the wrong mixture, the engine could get
too hot but there would not be an
overheat warning. The engine could catch
fire and you or others could be burned.
Use a 50/50 mixture of clean, drinkable
water and DEX-COOL coolant. This mixture:
.Gives freezing protection down to −37 °C
(−34 °F), outside temperature.
.Gives boiling protection up to 129 °C
(265 °F), engine temperature.
.Protects against rust and corrosion.
.Will not damage aluminum parts.
.Helps keep the proper engine
temperature.
Caution
Do not use anything other than a mix of
DEX-COOL coolant that meets GM
Standard GMW3420 and clean, drinkable
water. Anything else can cause damage
to the engine cooling system and the
vehicle, which would not be covered by
the vehicle warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Vehicle Care 281
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.
Finish Care
Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/
wax materials is not recommended.
If painted surfaces are damaged, see your
dealer to have the damage assessed and
repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium
chloride and other salts, ice melting agents,
road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings,
chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can
damage the vehicle's finish if they remain
on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as
soon as possible. If necessary, use
non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe
for painted surfaces to remove foreign
matter.
Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing
should be done to remove residue from the
paint finish. See your dealer for approved
cleaning products.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated
plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated
wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are
made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
on the vehicle.
To keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings
Caution
Failure to clean and protect the bright
metal moldings can result in a hazy
white finish or pitting. This damage
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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286 Vehicle Care
.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.
Instrument Panel, Leather, Vinyl, Other
Plastic Surfaces, Low Gloss Paint
Surfaces, and Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. Use a soft microfiber cloth
dampened with water to remove dust and
loose dirt. For a more thorough cleaning,
use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a
mild soap and water solution.
Caution
Soaking or saturating leather, especially
perforated leather, as well as other
interior surfaces, may cause permanent
damage. Wipe excess moisture from
these surfaces after cleaning and allow
them to dry naturally. Never use heat,
steam, or spot removers. Do not use
liquids that contain alcohol or solvents on
leather seats. Do not use cleaners that
contain silicone or wax-based products.
Cleaners containing these solvents can
permanently change the appearance and
feel of leather or soft trim, and are not
recommended.

Chevrolet Malibu Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-
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Service and Maintenance 289
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 289
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 290
Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI)
Multi-Point VehicleInspection (MPVI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 292
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 293
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . 295
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296
General Information
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
the dealer is the place for routine
maintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required Services are
the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is
recommended to have your dealer perform
these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition,
improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle
emissions.