2015 Chevrolet Malibu Owner’s Manual

A elegant and adaptable midsize sedan, the 2015 Chevrolet Malibu attracted attention with its stylish exterior and expertly designed interior. The 2015 Malibu radiated modernity and luxury with great attention to detail, boasting a unique front grille and smooth lines. The sedan’s interior featured upgraded materials and plenty of room, putting an emphasis on both comfort and usability. An effective four-cylinder and a potent turbocharged engine were available as engine options, combining performance and fuel economy. The 2015 Malibu is a compelling option for those looking for a harmonious fusion of style, innovation, and practicality in their midsize sedan choice. Advanced technology features like the MyLink infotainment system, available safety technologies, and enhanced connectivity options increased its appeal.

Driving and Operating

Driving Information
Distracted Driving
Distraction comes in many forms and can take your focus from the task of driving. Exercise good judgment and do not let other activities divert your attention away from the road. Many local governments have enacted laws regarding driver distraction. Become familiar with the local laws in your area. To avoid distracted driving, always keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel, and your mind on the drive.

• Do not use a phone in demanding driving situations. Use a hands-free method to place or receive necessary phone calls.
• Watch the road. Do not read, take notes, or look up information on phones or other electronic devices.
• Designate a front-seat passenger to handle potential distractions.
• Become familiar with vehicle features before driving, such as programming favorite radio stations and adjusting climate control and seat settings. Program all trip information into any navigation device prior to driving.
• Wait until the vehicle is parked to retrieve items that have fallen to the floor.
• Stop or park the vehicle to tend to children.
• Keep pets in an appropriate carrier or restraint.
• Avoid stressful conversations while driving, whether with a passenger or on a cell phone.

Warning: Taking your eyes off the road too long or too often could cause a crash resulting in injury or death. Focus your attention on driving.

Refer to the Infotainment section for more information on using that system, including pairing and using a cell phone.

Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means “always expect the unexpected.” The first step in driving defensively is to wear a safety belt.

• Assume that other road users (pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers) are going to be careless and make mistakes. Anticipate what they might do and be ready.
• Allow enough following distance between you and the driver in front of you.
• Focus on the task of driving.

Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated with drinking and driving is a global tragedy.

Warning

• Drinking and then driving is very dangerous. Your reflexes, perceptions, attentiveness, and judgment can be affected by even a small amount of alcohol. You can have a serious — or even fatal — collision if you drive after drinking.
• Do not drink and drive or ride with a driver who has been drinking. Ride home in a cab; or if you are with a group, designate a driver who will not drink.

Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and accelerating are important factors in helping to control a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perception time and reaction time. Deciding to push the brake pedal is perception time. Actually doing it is reaction time.
The average driver reaction time is about three-quarters of a second. In that time, a vehicle moving at 100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20m (66 ft), which could be a lot of distance in an emergency. Helpful braking tips to keep in mind include:

• Keep enough distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Avoid needless heavy braking.
• Keep pace with traffic.

If the engine ever stops while the vehicle is being driven, brake normally but do not pump the brakes. Doing so could make the pedal harder to push down. If the engine stops, there will be some power brake assist but it will be used when the brake is applied. Once the power assist is used up, it can take longer to stop and the brake pedal will be harder to push.

Steering
Electric Power Steering
The vehicle has electric power steering. It does not have a power steering fluid. Regular maintenance is not required. If a power steering assist is lost due to a system malfunction, the vehicle can be steered but may require increased effort. See your dealer if there is a problem. If the steering wheel is turned until it reaches the end of its travel and is held against that position for an extended period of time, the power steering assist may be reduced. If the steering assist is used for an extended period of time, the power assist may be reduced. Normal use of the power steering assist should return when the system cools down.

Curve Tips

• Take curves at a reasonable speed.
• Reduce speed before entering a curve.
• Maintain a reasonable steady speed through the curve.
• Wait until the vehicle is out of the curve before accelerating gently into the straightaway.

Steering in Emergencies

• There are some situations when steering around a problem may be more effective than braking.
• Holding both sides of the steering wheel allows you to turn 180 degrees without removing a hand.
• The Antilock Brake System (ABS) allows steering while braking.

Off-Road RecoveryThe vehicle’s right wheels can drop off the edge of a road onto the shoulder while driving. Follow these tips:

1. Ease off the accelerator and then, if there is nothing in the way, steer the vehicle so that it straddles the edge of the pavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel about one-eighth of a turn, until the right front tire contacts the pavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to go straight down the roadway.

Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids that correspond to the vehicle’s three control systems:

• Braking Skid — wheels are not rolling.
• Steering or Cornering Skid — too much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and lose cornering force.
• Acceleration Skid — too much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.

Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable care suited to existing conditions, and by not overdriving those conditions. But skids are always possible. If the vehicle starts to slide, follow these suggestions:

• Ease your foot off the accelerator pedal and steer the way you want the vehicle to go. The vehicle may straighten out. Be ready for a second skid if it occurs.
• Slow down and adjust your driving according to weather conditions. Stopping distance can be longer and vehicle control can be affected when traction is reduced by water, snow, ice, gravel, or other material on the road. Learn to
  recognize warning clues — such as enough water, ice, or packed snow on the road to make a mirrored surface — and slow down when you have any doubt.
• Try to avoid sudden steering, acceleration, or braking, including reducing vehicle speed by shifting to a lower gear. Any sudden changes could cause the tires to slide.

Remember: Antilock brakes help avoid only the braking skid.

Track Events and Competitive Driving
Track events or competitive driving may affect the vehicle warranty. See the warranty manual before using the vehicle for track testing or other competitive driving.

Caution: If the vehicle is used for track events and competitive driving, the engine may use more oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can damage the engine. Check the oil level often and maintain the proper level.

For the 2.0L and 2.5L engines: Add and keep the oil level at 1 L (1 qt) above the high mark when driving under these conditions.

Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reduce vehicle traction and affect your ability to stop and accelerate. Always drive slower in these types of driving conditions and avoid driving through large puddles and deep‐standing or flowing water.

Warning

• Wet brakes can cause crashes. They might not work as well in a quick stop and could cause pulling to one side. You could lose control of the vehicle.
• After driving through a large puddle of water or a car/vehicle wash, lightly apply the brake pedal until the brakes work normally.
• Flowing or rushing water creates strong forces. Driving through flowing water could cause the vehicle to be carried away. If this happens, you and other vehicle occupants could drown. Do not ignore police warnings and be very cautious about trying to drive through flowing water.

Hydroplaning
Hydroplaning is dangerous. Water can build up under the vehicle’s tires so they actually ride on the water. This can happen if the road is wet enough and you are going fast enough. When the vehicle is hydroplaning, it has little or no contact with the road. There is no hard and fast rule about hydroplaning. The best advice is to slow down when the road is wet. Other Rainy Weather Tips Besides slowing down, other wet weather driving tips include:

• Allow extra following distance.
• Pass with caution.
• Keep windshield wiping equipment in good shape.
• Keep the windshield washer fluid reservoir filled.
• Have good tires with proper tread depth.
• Turn off cruise control.

Hill and Mountain Roads
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat or rolling terrain. Tips for driving in these conditions include:

• Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape.
• Check all fluid levels and brakes, tires, cooling system, and transmission.
• Shift to lower gear when going down steep or long hills.
  Warning
  • Using the brakes to slow the vehicle on a long downhill slope can cause brake overheating, can reduce brake performance, and could result in a loss of braking. Shift the transmission to a lower gear to let the engine assist the brakes on a steep downhill slope.
  • Coasting downhill in N (Neutral) or with the ignition off is dangerous. This can cause overheating of the brakes and loss of steering.
  • Always have the engine running and the vehicle in gear.
• Stay in your own lane. Do not swing wide or cut across the center of the road. Drive at speeds that let you stay in your own lane.
• Be alert on top of hills; something could be in your lane (stalled car, accident).
• Pay attention to special road signs (falling rocks area, winding roads, long grades, passing or no-passing zones) and take appropriate action.

FAQ’s