Chevrolet Silverado: Service and Maintenance / Additional Maintenance and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and caring for it properly may help to
avoid future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform these services — their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your dealer can also perform a thorough assessment
with a multi-point inspection to recommend when your vehicle may need attention.
The following list is intended to explain the services and conditions to look
for that may indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
- To avoid break-down or failure to start the vehicle, maintain a battery
with full cranking power.
- Trained dealer technicians have the diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
- Belts may need replacing if they squeak or show signs of cracking or splitting.
- Trained dealer technicians have access to tools and equipment to inspect
the belts and recommend adjustment or replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to safe driving.
- Signs of brake wear may include chirping, grinding, or squealing noises,
or difficulty stopping.
- Trained dealer technicians have access to tools and equipment to inspect
the brakes and recommend quality parts engineered for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids protect the vehicle’s systems and components.
See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants for GM approved fluids.
- Engine oil and windshield washer fluid levels should be checked at every
fuel fill.
- Instrument cluster lights may come on to indicate that fluids may be low
and need to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be regularly inspected to ensure that there
are no cracks or leaks.
With a multi-point inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses and advise if
replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and brake lamps are important to see and
be seen on the road.
- Signs that the headlamps need attention include dimming, failure to light,
cracking, or damage. The brake lamps need to be checked periodically to ensure
that they light when braking.
- With a multi-point inspection, your dealer can check the lamps and note
any concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a smoother ride.
- Signs of wear may include steering wheel vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven tire wear.
- As part of the multi-point inspection, trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of leaking, blown seals, or damage,
and can advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated, and balanced. Maintaining the tires
can save money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of tire failure.
- Signs that the tires need to be replaced include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through the rubber; cracks or cuts in the
tread or sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
- Trained dealer technicians can inspect and recommend the right tires. Your
dealer can also provide tire/wheel balancing services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells and services name brand tires.
Vehicle Care
To help keep the vehicle looking like new, vehicle care products are available
from your dealer. For information on how to clean and protect the vehicle’s interior
and exterior, see Interior Care and Exterior Care.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is critical for ensuring that the tires deliver optimal wear
and performance.
- Signs that the alignment may need to be adjusted include pulling, improper
vehicle handling, or unusual tire wear.
- Your dealer has the required equipment to ensure proper wheel alignment.
Windshield
For safety, appearance, and the best viewing, keep the windshield clean and clear.
- Signs of damage include scratches, cracks, and chips.
- Trained dealer technicians can inspect the windshield and recommend proper
replacement if needed.
Wiper Blades
Wiper blades need to be cleaned and kept in good condition to provide a clear
view.
- Signs of wear include streaking, skipping across the windshield, and worn
or split rubber.
- Trained dealer technicians can check the wiper blades and replace them when
needed.
Vehicles with Dual Wheels: Check dual wheel nut torque at 160, 1 600, and
10 000 km (100, 1,000, and 6,000 mi) of driving. Repeat this service whenever
a tire/wheel is serviced or removed...
Other information:
Periodically check the seat belt reminder, seat belts, buckles, latch plates,
retractors, shoulder belt height adjusters (if equipped), and seat belt anchorages
to make sure they are all in working order. Look for any other loose or damaged
seat belt system parts that might keep a seat belt system from performing properly...
When to Check and Change Automatic Transmission Fluid
It is usually not necessary to check the transmission fluid level. The only reason
for fluid loss is a transmission leak or overheated transmission. This vehicle is
not equipped with a transmission fluid level dipstick...