Long Haul Vacation Checklist: 2016-2024 Chevrolet Malibu Checklist

The parts worth carrying and the ones worth replacing first. Applied to a 2016-2024 Malibu, here is what that looks like.

Glass and Wipers

Watch for chattering or streaking that returns within a week of new blades. Blades every six to twelve months. In North Texas, summer heat kills blades faster than winter does.

Ignition and Engine Management

Watch for a misfire code that follows the coil when you swap it to another cylinder. Iridium plugs on most modern GM engines are a 90,000 to 100,000 mile item. Coils are replaced on failure, not on a schedule.

Body and Exterior

Watch for a window that drops into the door or moves crookedly. Not a scheduled item. These are damage and failure replacements.

Drivetrain and Transfer Case

Watch for a clunk on the transition from drive to reverse. Transfer case and differential fluid on a schedule that tightens sharply if you tow or run in dust. Wheel bearings are replaced on noise, not on mileage.

The Short Version

Wiper blades: Driver and passenger blades are frequently different lengths on the same vehicle.
Spark plugs: The same nameplate can have three different engines in one model year. VIN is the only reliable way to get the right plug.
Mirrors: Trim level changes almost every exterior part. Take a photo of the connector on the part you are replacing before you order.
Transfer case encoder motors: Ride height, axle ratio and locking differential content all change these numbers.

Shops and fleets can set up wholesale pricing at gmpartsclub.com/wholesale. Everyone else can start at our Chevrolet OEM parts catalog or search for Malibu parts.