Tips for Keeping Your Chevy Malibu Running Great

The Chevy Malibu is one of the longest-running sedans currently available to Albany drivers. Since 1964, drivers have been able to get behind the wheel of a Malibu, giving them a sporty vehicle to get around the Capital District. In fact, except for a break in the 80s, Chevy has been offering the Malibu to drivers who want a sedan for 60 years now. For drivers in Albany, the front-wheel drive Malibu is a great choice since it has an exceptional fuel economy and a very affordable price. The 2024 Malibu gets an impressive 28 MPG in city driving, making it perfect for a night out or a day of shopping.

If you are looking for a Chevy Malibu for sale in Albany, DePaula Chevrolet is the place for you. We are an authorized Chevy dealer with a full lineup of new and used Chevy cars, trucks, and SUVs to choose from. We are also a full-service dealership, providing our customers with a state-of-the-art service center that can help you get many great years of driving out of your Malibu, a model known for longevity both on the road. Here are some tips for you to keep your Malibu running smoothly for many years and miles to come.

#1 – Get Your Oil Changed Regularly

Probably the most important thing to help keep your Malibu properly maintained is to get your oil changed on a routine basis. The oil in your car helps keep the moving parts in the Malibu’s 1.5-liter turbocharged I-4 gas engine well-lubricated. It also assists in controlling the engine temperature while moving minute bits of debris into the filter. Over time, the heat breaks down the oil’s viscosity, making it more difficult to do its job. Also, the oil filter will become clogged with debris. When you come in for an oil change, our technicians will replace the oil filter as well as the engine oil, helping your Malibu run smoothly.

#2 – Check Your Tires

The road conditions here in Albany can be challenging, especially during summer and winter. In the summer, we experience a great deal of heat, as well as fierce thunderstorms. While the weather may be conducive to going to Albany Pine Bush Preserve, it can also present a challenge for driving. You have to know your Malibu’s tires have enough tread to get you safely through your drive. Similarly, our snowy winters can present a challenge as well. Over time, the treads on your Malibu’s tires can get worn. To avoid this, you should get them rotated at least once every six months. This will help the tires last longer. In addition, you should have the tires routinely checked for proper air pressure. Driving on overinflated or underinflated tires will shorten their life and create hazardous conditions.

#3 – Avoid Extreme Driving Styles and Habits

How you drive your Malibu can significantly impact how long your car will last. If you make frequent hard stops, you will put a great deal of wear on your brake pads. The same is true if you ride your brakes, constantly tapping them while driving on local roads here in Albany. If you make sharp turns or accelerate fast, you can also put excess wear on your Malibu’s tires. Albany is a hilly city, which presents its own challenges. Driving at the speed limit and keeping a steady pace will give you more years of great driving in your Malibu.

#4 – Change the Cabin Air Filter

The cabin air filter helps keep the air quality inside of your Malibu smelling good. While most folks think of it only concerning the Malibu’s air conditioning, this filter works all year round. During the spring, it helps capture pollen in the air, while in the fall and winter, it helps reduce other pollutants that may make the inside of your vehicle smell bad. Over time, this can become clogged. By replacing it every year, you can ensure that you always have a fresh interior inside your Malibu. Your passengers will thank you.

#5 – Get Routine Car Washes

Keeping your car looking nice isn’t the only reason to get a car wash. Dirt and grime buildup can damage the paint finish on your Malibu. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also damage the body underneath the paint. Over time, this can lead to rust and corrosion, damaging the vehicle itself. In addition, oils and other contaminants can reduce the effectiveness of your vehicle, reducing fuel economy while increasing braking distance. 

Here in Albany, we can get more than our fair share of snow. To improve traction, the Department of Transportation puts a large amount of salt on our roads. This can get built up on the exterior of your Malibu. While the salt is great for traction, it is not so good for your car’s paint job. Getting frequent car washes during the winter months will reduce the risk of road salt damaging your Malibu.

#6 – Replace Wiper Blades

Albany also gets a great deal of rain. This is wonderful for all the great parks and wildlife in our area, which is why our surrounding countryside is so green. It is also why you should make sure the blades on your Malibu’s windshield wipers are always in optimal condition.

The windshield wipers not only help give you visibility during inclement weather but also help you remove dirt and debris that may build up on the windshield over time. Frayed wiper blades will start to create streaks on the windshield. They will also reduce your visibility since they will not be effective, especially in heavy downpours. If you notice them streaking during usage, you should have your Malibu’s wiper blades replaced.

#7 – Check Battery and Fluid Levels

Your Malibu’s battery is vital for starting your car. This produces the charge necessary for the starter motor. Just like other parts of your car, the effectiveness of your Malibu’s battery can decline with time. This is why you should get it checked and tested each time you come in for service.

There are also other fluids that your Malibu relies on beyond just engine oil. Things like transmission fluid, coolant, antifreeze, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid are important for the operation of your car. The transmission fluid lubricates this part of the powertrain, ensuring the continuously variable transmission operates properly. Similarly, the brake fluid provides the hydraulic force necessary for the brakes to bring your Malibu to a safe stop while the coolant maintains proper engine temperature. As for the windshield washer fluid, this will help your wipers keep your windshield clean. Our technician will be happy to check the fluid levels and top any off when you come in for service. In addition, low fluid levels can be an indicator of a leak. We will check this out as well.

#8 – Use Your Parking Brake

Here in Albany, most drivers use their parking brake only when parked on an incline. However, you can actually help extend the lifespan of your Malibu by routinely using this feature. When you put your Malibu in park, this locks the transmission. This is why you can’t turn off the car until you have shifted into park. However, this locking mechanism puts stress on the transmission. When you use the parking brake on the Malibu, this relieves the pressure on the transmission, using the parking brake as the key mechanism to keep your Malibu in place. While this seems like a minor matter, it can actually help you extend the life of the powertrain, one of the most expensive parts to get repaired or replaced on your vehicle.

We Can Help With All Your Malibu Maintenance Needs

The Malibu is built to last, which is why Chevy has been offering this model for 60 years now. If you follow the eight steps outlined above, you can extend the life of your Malibu, giving you many great years of driving. Not only can you find a great Malibu model here at DePaula Chevrolet, but we invite you to return for all your service and repair needs. Our expertly-trained technicians can help with everything from tire rotations to engine and transmission repair. Come in today to see how we can get you behind the wheel of a great Chevy Malibu and help keep it running great for the journeys ahead.