The 2015-2023 Chevy Trax is a compact SUV built for urban life. With its nimble handling and fuel efficiency, it is an ideal choice for city dwellers who navigate stop-and-go traffic daily. However, frequent braking, short trips, and rough city roads put extra strain on critical components. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your Chevy Trax running smoothly and efficiently.
In this guide,we will cover key maintenance for the 2015-2023 Chevy Trax, including spark plug replacement, tire rotation, and other key services. Whether you are an experienced DIYer or new to car maintenance, understanding these tasks can save time and money. By following the maintenance schedule, you'll ensure that your vehicle handles city driving with ease and stays in top condition for the long haul.
Haynes Chevrolet Trax (2015-2023) Repair Manual provides step-by-step instructions on how to change spark plugs in a 2015 Chevy Trax. In our manual, you will find technical specifications and illustrations for a detailed breakdown of these procedures (Maintenance schedule—Chapter 1, Section 1). Rather than searching for individual repair videos or instructions online, our manuals give you everything you need in one comprehensive guide.
Essential Maintenance for the Chevy Trax (2015—2023)
Maintaining a vehicle involves regular inspections and servicing to keep components in good working order. The 2015-2023 Chevrolet Trax maintenance schedule includes several critical tasks such as:
- Oil and Filter Changes: Changing the oil and filter every 7,500 miles keeps the engine clean and running efficiently. Fresh oil reduces friction, prevents wear, and improves fuel economy. This helps the Chevy Trax handle stop-and-go city driving.
- Tire Rotations and Wheel Balancing: Rotating tires every 7,500 miles promotes even wear and extends their lifespan. Wheel balancing prevents vibrations. Well-maintained tires improve traction, handling, and fuel efficiency - necessary for urban driving.
- Brake Service: Stop-and-go traffic wears down brake pads and rotors quickly. Replacing worn brake components improves stopping power and keeps braking performance responsive.
- Air Filter Replacements: A clean air filter improves engine efficiency and fuel economy. Installing a new one maintains proper airflow, keeps the engine running smoothly, and lowers fuel consumption.
- Spark Plug Replacement: Spark plugs affect engine performance and fuel efficiency. Replacing it prevents misfires and rough idling. The Haynes Chevrolet Trax (2015-2023) Repair Manual provides step-by-step guidance to make this task easier.
Following these intervals prevents breakdowns and extends the vehicle’s lifespan. While some repairs require professional tools, many tasks in the routine maintenance of a car are manageable at home. And with the right guidance from Haynes Manuals, you’ll be equipped to perform most of these tasks yourself.
How to Change Spark Plugs for the 2015-2023 Chevy Trax
Spark plugs for 2015-2023 Chevy Trax play a vital role in engine performance by igniting the fuel-air mixture. Over time, deposits build up, and electrodes wear down. This leads to signs of bad spark plugs in a car, such as misfires, rough idling, sluggish acceleration, and reduced fuel efficiency.
Failing spark plugs can also make cold starts more difficult and increase emissions. Regular maintenance keeps the engine running smoothly and prevents costly repairs.
The Chevy Trax requires spark plug replacement every 100,000 miles to maintain optimal performance. With clear illustrations and manufacturer specifications, the Haynes Manual is a perfect companion for this essential task. Detailed instructions for this process can be found in Chapter 1, Section 20 of the manual.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Socket wrench with spark plug socket
- Torque wrench
- Extension bar
- For modern spark plugs, anti-seize compound is usually NOT recommended, especially for plugs with nickel or plated threads (which the Chevy Trax likely has). Using anti-seize can reduce friction, leading to over-tightening and potential damage. Only apply anti-seize if it is specifically specified in the owner's manual.
- Use a feeler gauge to ensure the gap is set to 0.028-0.031 inches for the Chevy Trax.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-tightening or under-tightening spark plugs lead to poor engine performance.
- Using the wrong spark plug type, which can affect combustion.
- Skipping spark plug inspections allows misfires to develop.
Not sure how to do it yourself? A detailed breakdown of this process is available in our Haynes Manual (Chapter 1, Section 20).
Chevy Trax Tire Rotation and Maintenance for City Driving
City driving with frequent stops, sharp turns, and potholes; all of these contribute to uneven tire wear and tear. Furthermore, tire wear city vs. highway driving differs significantly, as city conditions cause faster tread deterioration. City drivers require a different kind of care for their vehicles. With frequent stops, car maintenance becomes a necessity for overall safety and performance.
Part of that maintenance includes tire rotation. Regular 2015-2023 Chevy Trax tire rotation can help extend tire life and maintain proper traction, similar to other model years. The recommended tire rotation frequency for short trip maintenance is approximately every 7,500 miles.
Other Tire Maintenance Tips
- Wheel Alignment: If the car pulls to one side, alignment may be necessary.
- Wheel Balancing: Reduces vibrations and enhances ride comfort.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring: The recommended tire pressure for the Chevy Trax is typically 35 PSI, but it's best to check the sticker on the driver's side door jamb for the exact specification. Always check tire pressure when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading.
Additional Car Maintenance Checklist for Urban Chevy Trax Drivers
- Brake System Maintenance
Stop-and-go driving puts extra strain on the brake system. This causes faster wear on pads and rotors. Checking them every 10,000 miles helps maintain safety and performance. Signs of worn brakes include squealing noises, reduced stopping power, and vibrations while braking.
When replacing brake pads, use OEM-recommended parts and properly torque all components. Brake fluid also plays a critical role in stopping efficiency. Old fluid absorbs moisture and reduces braking power. Make sure to verify any torque settings within your Haynes Chevrolet Trax (2015-2023) Repair Manual.
Replacing it every two years improves responsiveness and safety. Regular inspections and timely replacements keep the braking system reliable for urban driving conditions.
- Battery Care in City Conditions
Frequent short trips drain the battery faster because the alternator doesn’t get enough time to recharge it fully. Signs of a weak battery include slow engine cranking, dim headlights, and electronic malfunctions.
Checking the voltage with a multimeter helps determine battery health— a fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts. Corrosion on battery terminals can disrupt electrical connection. For this reason, cleaning them regularly prevents starting issues.
Most car batteries last three to five years, but extreme temperatures can shorten their lifespan. Replacing the battery before failure prevents unexpected breakdowns in city traffic.
- Engine Oil and Filter Changes
Regular oil and filter changes keep the Chevy Trax running smoothly. This reduces engine wear and improves fuel efficiency. The recommended interval for an oil change is every 7,500 miles. Using manufacturer-recommended synthetic oil helps maintain engine performance.
Checking the oil level between changes prevents damage caused by low lubrication. A DIY oil change is straightforward—drain the old oil, replace the filter, and refill with fresh oil.
Staying on top of oil maintenance reduces engine wear, improves longevity, and prevents costly repairs. Simple, routine upkeep keeps the Trax performing well on city streets.
Why Haynes Manuals is Your Best Maintenance Companion
Using the Haynes Manual for guidance on these tasks will not only help you avoid costly repairs but also give you the confidence to take on more advanced maintenance tasks yourself.
Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guidance
Haynes Manuals provide detailed instructions, technical specifications, and clear illustrations and our guides cater to everyday vehicle owners, just like you.
Cost Savings and DIY Empowerment
Maintaining a vehicle at home significantly reduces repair costs. A single repair using our instructions can save hundreds of dollars compared to dealership fees.
- Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Even beginners can complete basic repairs.
- More Affordable Than Factory Manuals: Covers a wider range of repairs at a lower cost.
- Available in Print and Digital Formats: Access anywhere, anytime.
Trusted by Millions of Car Owners Worldwide
We have over 60 years of experience and have sold more than 20 million manuals globally. With trusted content and real-world experience, our Chevrolet manuals help car owners take control of their vehicle maintenance.
Mastering Chevy Trax Maintenance: DIY Tips for Urban Drivers
Owning a Chevy Trax means navigating city streets, tackling stop-and-go traffic, and managing frequent maintenance needs. Following the Chevy Trax maintenance schedule helps keep the vehicle in top condition with regular spark plug replacement, tire rotations, brake inspections, and oil changes.
While professional service is sometimes necessary, there are plenty of tasks that can be handled at home in a DIY manner. With the right tools and knowledge, you can significantly reduce your Chevy Trax maintenance costs. Our manuals give you access to all the guidance you need to perform regular repairs and maintenance yourself.
With a Haynes Chevrolet Trax (2015-2023) Repair Manual, you’ll get the expert guidance you need to make DIY maintenance accessible and cost-effective. Whether changing spark plugs, troubleshooting an issue, or performing routine servicing, having a trusted vehicle manual to reference makes all the difference.
Take charge of your Chevy Trax’s maintenance and get a Haynes Manual today. Save time, money, and hassle on repairs. Don't wait until the repair is urgent—arm yourself with the information you need to keep your car in the best possible shape.