2018 Chevrolet Malibu Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu typically holds between 7.4 to 7.9 quarts (7.0 to 7.5 liters) of coolant, depending on the engine. Properly maintaining your Malibu's cooling system is crucial for its longevity and performance. This guide will walk you through the essential information regarding your vehicle's coolant capacity, type, maintenance, and common issues.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 7.4 - 7.9 quarts (7.0 - 7.5 liters)
• OEM Coolant Spec: DEX-COOL (Orange/Red, OAT, GM Standard GM6277M or GMW3420)
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 Pre-mix (or 50/50 concentrate with distilled water)

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu was offered with several engine options, and the coolant capacity can vary slightly by engine:

Flush Interval

Regular coolant flushes are vital for preventing corrosion and maintaining optimal cooling system performance. The recommended intervals are:

• Normal Duty: Every 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: If you frequently drive in extreme conditions (heavy towing, very hot climates, mountainous terrain), consider flushing your coolant every 3 years or 45,000 miles.

Always refer to your owner's manual for the most accurate and up-to-date maintenance schedule for your specific vehicle.

How to Refill & Bleed

Refilling and bleeding your Malibu's cooling system ensures that no air pockets remain, which can cause overheating. For best results, allow the engine to cool completely before starting.

1. Drain: Open the drain petcock on the bottom of the radiator (if equipped) and remove the radiator cap to allow the coolant to drain. Flush with distilled water until clear, if performing a flush. Close the petcock.
2. Refill: Slowly add the correct DEX-COOL 50/50 coolant mixture to the coolant reservoir (degas bottle) until it reaches the FULL COLD line. Refer to the capacity chart above.
3. Bleed: Start the engine with the heater set to full hot (fan on low). Allow the engine to reach operating temperature, periodically squeezing the upper and lower radiator hoses to help dislodge air bubbles. Watch the coolant level in the reservoir and add more as needed. Some vehicles may have a bleed screw on a coolant hose or the thermostat housing; if so, open it until a steady stream of coolant emerges. The 2018 Malibu typically self-bleeds well but it's good practice to keep an eye on the reservoir.
4. Check: After the engine has cooled, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir and top off if necessary. Monitor the level over the next few drive cycles.

Note: A vacuum fill tool can significantly simplify and improve the bleeding process by extracting air before filling, eliminating the need for extensive bleeding runs.

Common Cooling System Issues for this Generation

The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, and the 9th generation (2016-2022) in general, can experience some common cooling system issues, including:

• Thermostat Housing Leaks: Often made of plastic, these can degrade and crack over time, leading to coolant leaks. Symptoms include a low coolant light, visible coolant around the engine, or engine overheating.
• Water Pump Failures: The water pump can develop leaks or internal bearing failures. Watch for puddles of coolant under the car, a grinding noise from the front of the engine, or an overheating engine.
• Coolant Reservoir Leaks: The plastic coolant reservoir can crack, especially around hose connections, leading to slow but persistent coolant loss.
• Heater Core Issues: While less common, a clogged or leaking heater core can lead to a lack of cabin heat or a sweet smell inside the vehicle, often accompanied by fogging windows.
• Radiator Leaks: Road debris or age can cause damage to the radiator, leading to leaks. Visually inspect the radiator fins and tanks for signs of coolant seepage.

Addressing these issues promptly will help prevent more severe engine damage. Regular inspections and adherence to maintenance schedules are key.

Find a trusted shop on Repairius.