EV Ramblings - Top Ten Chevy Bolt Owner Tips

I've owned my 2017 Bolt for 2.5 years now and have created a list of things I have discovered over that time. Hoping that these tips help you with owning the Chevrolet Bolt!
Chapters:
0:39 Introduction
0:40 Battery Pack Identification
1:41 Satan's Tip
2:40 Cargo Cover Hooks
3:41 Dash Glare
4:55 Rear Camera Wash
5:53 Reboot Infotainment
7:06 Creaky Center Console
9:33 Windshield Wiper Position
10:25 Starting car with dead key fob
11:2 Level 1 Amp Settings

[@jeffmann2494]

Nice video. I found with the factory tires, the car was scary in the snow. I bought 4 Blizzak snow tires and now because of the weight of the battery, it's the best car I ever had in the snow.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Yes winter tires make a huge difference on the Bolt! I have X-Ice by Michelin and love how the car drives in the snow!

[@Taser3141]

Just purchased a used 2017 Bolt with a new battery and subsequent warranty. These tips are great. Thank you for sharing.

[@oceanNmotoWoman]

Just bought a '22 Bolt and there's none of these useful videos that I can find. Many of your tips are still applicable. Thanks for doing this mate!

[@Rocky-gw4jf]

Love my 2020 Bolt, thanks for the tips. Better way to get 12 amp home charging: Use Location Based Charging in the manual. "The Charge Mode and Portable Cord Limit Preference are saved and set back to the customer’s preference every time the vehicle is returned to the saved home location." System shows 8 amps away from home. But pull into the driveway, and it goes back to 12 amps. Must reset every 90 days, after notification. Works great for me.

[@dimasalves7079]

You sir have taught me several tricks about my Bolt that I plan to implement immediately. The center counsel trick - Genius!

[@DustinBatchelor]

Haha, enjoy!

[@santanumaitra3962]

Concise, upfront, clear, and smart tips - really liked it! Just watched the video to learn more about Bolt despite the fact that we just got our 2023 Bolt EV 1LT.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comments! I've been dry on content for a bit now so I'm about to lose my KZbin partner things. Enjoy your new Bolt!

[@galleri]

I just bought this car (Ampera-E) in Norway. Thanks for all the good tips :)

[@garyssimo]

I watched a U tube here on Norways EV system. Wow, you folks are a shining example to the world in EVs. and more....

[@chrismaki8396]

I appreciate the tips. I only wish I had watched it earlier as I just forked out $60CDN for replacement Privacy Screen hook part! We love our 2019 Bolt Premier in "Shock" yellow and can't believe how much fun it is to drive, particularly, when passing a gas station. A Level 2 home charger is essential for worry-free usage and more affordable charging and the very low maintenance costs are fantastic.

[@garyssimo]

I drove mostly free till the free dc chargers broke 4 ever with NO plans to replace them thx Chargepoint and the office park ! May the forces that be. close your fav gas stations you Barney Rubbles!

[@ClayFarrisNaff]

Excellent tips! Many thanks.

[@dennisalexanderreilly8624]

Dude you made my day, super helpful info as I am buying a used 2021 Bolt this weekend. Thanks for these really useful tips.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comments! Enjoy the new car!

[@Cheryl444b]

What a great video! Love the trick with the dead key fob. Wow, great to know! Just bought a 2021 Bolt and you've just helped me get to know the car so much better. Thank you!

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for taking the time leave such great comments! Enjoy the car :)

[@deanzulli5091]

Excellent information and production

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comments!

[@richh650]

Well done. Thank you Dustin.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comment!

[@neilmayo6868]

Love that last tip about the amp setting. One tip I might give is I rarely use park, when I'm were I need to be I just hit the power button.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Good tip!

[@Jcewazhere]

I got some matte black nail polish and dechromed the interior to fix that glare. I'm thinking of getting some dark fabric to put up on the front dash to prevent that glare, but haven't yet. Not sure how well it'd work. Polarized glasses help, but don't fix. I also de-badged the outside and put on racing stripes and Tron inspired pinstriping. Now my little hatchback/minivan demon spawn really stands out in the parking lot >:) I thought I'd like the rear view camera more than I do. Aside from the flashing LED problems it's just not that neat. Except when the back is full of stuff, then it's awesome. I got mine about 3 used about years ago and, knock on wood, never had the infotainment lock up. It's also a 2017 premier, got it for $15k from a private seller.

[@RobertPrince]

Super helpful! Thank you!

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks Robert!

[@barney2001]

My favourite tip is that I only use the Park setting when I want to drop someone off and need to unlock the doors. All the other times I just press the car start/stop button. The Bolt will put itself into park then shut down.

[@deanhatescoffee]

Thanks for the tips, I learned a few things. I have a 2023 Bolt EV in preproduction currently but with the way manufacturing is right now, I'll be lucky if it gets here *before* 2023. :D

[@DustinBatchelor]

Yeah the market is so difficult right now to find almost any vehicle. Good luck!

[@lesliejames9404]

I ordered a 2022 Bolt EUV launch edition in May 2022. Paid a deposit too. In August 2022 the dealer, after I called to get an update told me it will be a 2023 bolt EUV. Still waiting, and here in Canada the 2023 is more expensive, been nearly a year.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Ouch that's a long wait! I know of a few people who ordered their new EUV and got it within three months recently. Might want to check with other dealerships as they might have more vehicles allocated to them.

[@Stebanoid]

very good! Thank you.

[@khc8800]

Awesome tips! I wish I knew some of those before returning my leased 2017 Bolt.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comments!

[@KenColangelo]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@mullen25]

informative video! thanks for this.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for commenting!

[@mullen25]

@@DustinBatchelor appreciate learning about the vehicle

[@cassiomiranda6607]

I will be honest. I would pause the video and run to our bolt to test your great suggestions, especially the arm rest creaking.....lol. THANK YOU !

[@DustinBatchelor]

Lol thanks for the comment! Glad you were able to find it useful :)

[@cgttc0441]

Love this thank you

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comment!

[@chicagomike2111]

Great video Dustin. I learned a couple new tricks for sure. Sadly, a little too late. I went thru the repurchase process with GM on my 2018 Bolt EV. The process was very upsetting and stressful however I stuck with it to the bitter end. I am not the owner of a 2022 Launch Edition Bolt EUV for the total sum of $345. The difference between the two is really night and day. That said my 2018 Bolt was a fantastic car for the segment it is in.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comments! I'm sorry you had to go through with that, but the EUV definitely seems like a big upgrade.

[@chicagomike2111]

@@DustinBatchelor Thx Dustin.. wouldn't have said so during the ordeal but now that it's over it was totally worth it. The Bolt EV was a great car. had some minor flaws (fires not withstanding) But the EUV is amazingly better on every level. And to get it for $345 I feel like I won the lottery.

[@gabrielleperson4794]

Thanks for the tips. I bought my 2020 Chevy Bolt Premier about a month ago. I'm still learning all its secrets. My console doesn't make noise but it also doesn't seem to slide back and forth. My back window washing doesnt work. No liquid comes out. Definitely need to get that looked at. Due to the sniw we got today, my back window was dirty. I found that rear view camera very handy. My infotainment screen has never froze but thanks for the reset tip if it does. The privacy screen thing is annoying. I'd like to know more about how you used the silicone.

[@DustinBatchelor]

For the plastic privacy screen screws, I just put a pea sized bit of silicone on the plastic that the screw goes in to. Screw the piece back in and then leave it for 24 hours without the screen on. Should be dry by then

[@lbergan2]

Great tips! I was glad to find out the battery on my newly brought 2017 Bolt has been replaced. I just wanted to say that on the trunk cargo flap segment I can't get over how much you look like Pink Floyd's great guitarist David Gilmour.

[@DustinBatchelor]

That's quite the compliment! Thanks :)

[@garyssimo]

Im trying to. play. like. David but my old Strats frets have been worn to nubs by my fingers. He DOES resemble David a bit. or am I unconfortably brain numb from Satans edge strikes?

[@obession3able]

Thanks!!!!👍👍👍😃

[@kevinandre7064]

In regards to dash glare just get a dash cover. Will work wonders

[@bowrepublik]

Thanks :)

[@hobbes1069]

Already figured out most of these but nice video.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jhanpgarcia2725]

Thanks you...

[@garyssimo]

I have the same exact car. Thanks GM for the new battery snd higher 66 kw range. YEP I HIT THAT SAME POINT!! Ive only used polarized glassez for 40 years or so. i one had 8 trapped ferals in mine simult. The Bose speakers in this car are amazing!! I shoved microfiber rags between seats and console cause stuff always falls in there.Bilstein shocks in the back will improve ride a !ot. How do we stop the 3 chirps every time we start it up? off to the huge owners manual. its a thick book I LOVE my car I bought used in 2019.

[@garyssimo]

what if we put a dab of clear silicone on Satans tip? maybe build it up to a larger glob?

[@jessemcmullen-crummey9356]

Thanks.for.the video, I learned something! Also, I thought you put roof cross bars on your car - is there a reason you took them off?

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comment! The roof bars are very easy to take on and off so I have been taking them off when not in use. I'm towing my SylvanSport Go trailer a bunch and figured might as well try to reduce drag as much as possible.

[@amenhotepavoskin1307]

Excellent tips, thank you! The only thing that is kind of annoying is my seat squeaking a little when I accelerate. Have you had anything like it? If so, how do you get rid of that sound? (Of course - and it really goes without saying - the Chevrolet Bolt EV is a masterpiece. I've had my 2019 Premier for almost 4 years now, including 4 Canadian winters, and have never been happier with my car).

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for comment! Does it sound like the back of the seat that is squeaking? If so there's lots of people with that issue. There are a few root causes, but some people have had GM replace/install part# 84496283 which is an updated support for the top part of the seat. Others have tried to take the seat apart and install felt or tighten bolts. Mine makes the sound but I've just learned to live with it!

[@amenhotepavoskin1307]

@@DustinBatchelor Thank you for the quick response Dustin! Yes, the sound seems to be coming from the back of the seat. Honestly, I don't go to the dealership unless I absolutely have to. (They call it "stealership" for a reason, you know). So, I will probably have to learn to live with the squeak, too. Not a very big price to pay for driving a silent fighter jet. 😊

[@jimbrisco1277]

Great video. I managed to lose one of the privacy screen clips on the first day. Afraid to ask what a replacement costs.

[@DustinBatchelor]

I paid about $30 for a replacement when I lost one. Couldn't believe it.

[@MrCoolguy80]

Haha! Satan's tip. The first few months I hit my head so many times. Eventually I learned to avoid it. I have a 2022 EUV now and it seems to be corrected.

[@macbook802]

I'm pretty sure I have CTE from mine, we should do a class action lawsuit

[@barryhayes7164]

Does the Bolt not have location based charging settings? I have it on my 2018 Volt...it remembers to default to 12 amp L1 charging when I'm at my home location.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Good question, it does have location based charging options but you have to redo it after a few months. Yes it's a bit weird :)

[@markstipulkoski1389]

I have a 2017 Bolt EV and got the recall battery replacement. After watching your video, I decided to check the decal on my "new" battery and to my surprise, it didn't look like yours. It said "Renewed for General Motors" at the top of the sticker and there was no mention of 64kwh. I called the GM EV hotline and they tried to assure me I received a new battery with another 8% in capacity and a new 8 year/100,000 mile warranty. I have not noticed any range increase on my "guess-o-meter". But I should be ok since I got a new warranty, right? Wrong! I babied my original battery. I expect to keep the car forever, long past the warranty. I have no idea to what conditions this "renewed" battery has been subjected. I told the customer care lady that I was not convinced and supposedly someone up the GM food chain will be contacting me within 2 days. I will update when I hear from the GM rep.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comment! So here is my understanding of the situation. Some people got net new battery packs (battery modules, casing, electronics, etc.), while others got net new battery modules. GM was sending already replaced battery packs back to their factory, opening them open, replacing the battery modules, repacking them, and then sending those to dealerships to get installed. The packs themselves on the outside are renewed, but the battery modules inside are new. In regards to range, if your dealership didn't keep the car for 2 days (mine only kept it for 1), then they didn't do the proper battery relearn process. So the car technically doesn't know it has a bigger battery pack. It will naturally learn it has the larger size over many month. I've been tracking the battery capacity in my Bolt since it was replaced in February of 2022, and it has gone from only recognizing 56 kWh to now recognizing 61 kWh. Eventually it will get close to the 66, but it will take time. Hope that helps

[@markstipulkoski1389]

@@DustinBatchelor The customer service person is not knowledgeable. Reads off a script, I'm sure. You are probably right, new cells in a refurbished housing. But now your tip #1 is not a reliable indicator anymore. I wish it had the 64kwh indication on the sticker. I do have the service receipt, though. I've been keeping the car plugged in, not charging, so as to give it time to balance the cells. But so far, the energy display shows no battery conditioning watts used. I will charge it overnight to 100% and see what my guess-o-meter is in the morning. I think GM is intentionally making it hard for owners to determine their battery degredation. IMO, they should have updated the software for the new battery capacity and also reset the driving statistics so that a fully charged battery shows 257 miles range rather than the original 238. Do you know how to do a factory reset of the long term driving habit statistics?

[@DustinBatchelor]

@@markstipulkoski1389 I know there was a method posted on a Chevy Bolt forum on how to get the car to relearn, it involved several days of work basically and charging to specific points. I also believe the dealership has an update they can do to force it to relearn.

[@gabrielleperson4794]

I was told when I bought my 2020 Bolt Premier that it would charge to 80% for 6200 miles, then release to charge to 100%. I'm an Uber driver so I've just about driven 3000 miles so far. Still charging to 80%

[@geophat75]

hey Dustin or anyone else, what about storing the bolt for longer time periods (6-8 months). I plan on using it as a vacation car out of state that I only visit twice a year. What would you recommend?

[@DustinBatchelor]

Honestly I don't have an answer for that one. The manual doesn't cover that, but from my understanding you want the battery around 50% and if possible a battery tender on the 12 volt accessory battery.

[@bresina63]

I just got a Bolt. Had my Chevrolet Spark EV out front for sale. I live in Wisconsin. Battery is at 50% but the weather is cold. After a couple of weeks, went to move it. 12v battery was dead. Original battery. Had to put electronic battery charger on it. Had to take it all the way down and bring it back. Then, the electronic charger said, that voltage was too low. Bring in regular charger on 10 amp. About 30 minutes, it was ok. I put battery tester on battery, it said normal for cca. It now, has a battery tender on it. Lesson learned.

[@kevinwilkinson1510]

Thanks to you and every other person complaining about Satan's Tip, after two weeks ownership of a 2018 Premier, I have yet to hit my head.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the comment! Hopefully you're enjoying the car :)

[@garyssimo]

Dear Mary B. I have a little drain bamage ...can we talk? just kiddn but wow it hurts to hit fhe devils edge! its afflicted my tipung butt othwize no problemos amos

[@DustinBatchelor]

@@garyssimo definitely the scariest part of the car :)

[@macbook802]

Been there with Satan's tip

[@DustinBatchelor]

It's the worst.

[@rodhonco5681]

How many additional miles will you get per hour in the 12A setting?

[@DustinBatchelor]

Thanks for the question! It's hard to equate it to mileage as your range will vary a lot based on your usage and driving situation. 8 amps will charge your car at about 0.8 kW, so if you plug in for ten hours you'd get 8 kW of energy in the battery (out of about 60 kW total battery usable). 12 amp will change you closer to 1.1/1.2 kW, so I'm ten hours you'd get closer to 12 kW of energy added to the battery.

[@Jay-me7gw]

Ive hit my head on the brake lights many times in my 5 months of ownership

[@DustinBatchelor]

Yes it's a pretty terrible design!

[@nathandingman6846]

When u reset the infotainment center do u lose all your settings and presets?

[@DustinBatchelor]

No, all your settings stay as-is.

[@nathandingman6846]

@@DustinBatchelor thanks

[@waltermartin1965]

Given the awful sunshades on the 2017, you might at least make a mention that you can replace the horrid cheapo originals with shades for later year models.

[@dahur]

Is that color the silver or the ice blue..?

[@DustinBatchelor]

Arctic Blue Metallic! It's a very weird paint, sometimes it appears blue and other times grey.

[@flolou8496]

Hey everyone, if anyone is viewing this comment, can you offer an opinion on the following question: As of May 16, 2024 if I'm in the market for a high odometer 2017 Chevy Bolt that has 105,000 miles and still has the original engine battery, can this still be eligible for free replacement ?

[@DustinBatchelor]

Hi, yes it should still quality under the rebate. Hey the vehicles VIN and search it on Chevrolet recall site. It will tell you if the recall is outstanding.

[@willijiem]

Gehörte video geestellarer den boppe! Voordickte hooergarte pióuckler auto, gratulaarierte moetichte!

[@BurekPekseg]

Peeorefectikler descriptioonelle coomenateller den mover vieodener! Tak!

[@willijiem]

@@BurekPekseg Sind tak behalfel! De gecharater 55kwh maeximalizierte elistritischiste zummer ind de kooler oorduren woormer tomputeeren. Grecht önmiger stallen, dummer grussireiren. E'en dan USA, de 110v is's nemeeageren toppiger stullertenumen! I'in dan Evrope, de 230v netsteller öst berunzielerungen boppe. O'on dan "DC fast-charge " 1 huer neemeriungen maeximalizierte 0-70 peercentuereeren, geschmeckel.

[@realsolarcars]

My tip: if 8 amps does not charge fast enough get a level 2 charger. This is most applicable to G1 Volt where the 8/12 gets reset every time. If you buy or build a Quick 220 you won't need an electrician. Even 6 or 8 amps at 240v will be faster and more efficient.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Good tip, although many times when I'm using level 1 charging is when I'm visiting/vacationing in an area away from my home charger. This allows to at least squeeze out a bit more energy for time spent :)

[@Renne626]

Ouch 🤕

[@louiscorreia4141]

I hit my head all the time on the back hatch. Ugh

[@DustinBatchelor]

It's always painful.

[@sidchem1]

Hit my head on the tail gate, left bleeding. Be careful

[@DustinBatchelor]

It's so easy to hit too!

[@bigsybaby3]

How in the world do you have 350 miles of range in your bolt?

[@DustinBatchelor]

I think what you're seeing is kilometers of range, not miles :)

[@bigsybaby3]

@@DustinBatchelor aha. Threw me there for a minute.

[@bearlemley]

Tip: Parking you bolt inside your garage or carport may cause temperatures within your house to increase. If you find that your house temperatures have risen to over 1000°, call your GM dealer. You may need to have the software updated in your Bolt.

[@DougRansom1]

Charge and store outside away from other cars or buildings.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Very funny :)

[@davidbrattain1446]

Here is a tip. Don't buy an EV. They are crap!

[@DustinBatchelor]

I'd have to disagree on that one! Been driving EVs since 2013 and I'll never go back!

[@ricks.1318]

*LOLOL .... What a GOOF BALL !!!!! My Tip for EVERYONE ... DON'T buy the Chevy Bolt ... You WILL be very sorry !!!!!!*

[@DustinBatchelor]

I love mine!

[@bayside6207]

​@@DustinBatchelorI'm waiting another 2 years from 2023 to buy a 17, by that time they should be like $10,000-$11,000 & I'll look for a lower mileage model,, i'm sure there to be had in 2025.

[@bresina63]

Got 2021 Bolt Premier for about $15,000. GM buyback but who cares. Got it in red. Not my first color choice but I like it.

[@DustinBatchelor]

Great deal!

[@gabrielleperson4794]

I got my 2020 Bolt Premier (also GM buy back) for just under $15k. Would have preferred blue but I don't mind the black.