If you’ve just purchased a Chevy Silverado 1500, congratulations! You’ve taken the first steps in a new chapter of your life—one where high performance and capability are at your fingertips. As one of the most revered automakers, Chevrolet has been the standard-bearer for what a pickup truck should be and how it should perform both on and off the pavement.
Here at Edwards Chevrolet Downtown, we tell our customers that the purchase of a Silverado is an investment in their future, and staying up with proper care and maintenance is how they recoup a return on it. Whether you’ve just made a purchase or are currently considering a Chevy Silverado 1500 for sale, we’ve gathered some important tips on proper maintenance to ensure the longevity of your purchase.
Affordable Repair Costs
One of the reasons why so many drivers have chosen the Chevy Silverado is its longevity. The frequency of how often your Silverado will need repairs depends on your driving habits and what you use your vehicle for. On average, you can expect to have annual repair costs that don’t exceed $1,000 for the first six years of ownership. In this same period, the chances of your Silverado 1500 needing a major repair—that is to say, one that exceeds $500—are relatively low, at just over 16%.
Basic Care Tips
The most common repairs that most vehicles require are having the oil changed and the tires rotated. Because of the Silverado 1500’s predisposition to high performance, staying on top of your oil levels is of the utmost importance. A good practice is to check your oil whenever you stop for a fill-up. Remember to do this on a level surface to get an accurate reading.
For the most part, oil should be changed every 7,500 miles. When it comes to the oil type, we recommend using a synthetic as opposed to conventional. Trucks have powertrains that work harder than those of sedans, and synthetic oil can be effective at lasting longer and efficiently removing some of the deposits that accumulate on your engine block.
Two other items should be done whenever you bring your Silverado 1500 in for an oil change. The first is rather rudimentary: having your wheels balanced and rotated. A good habit to get into is asking the mechanic to look at the brakes of your Silverado at the same time; faulty brake rotors and pads can have an adverse effect on your tires. Brake inspections and tire rotations are a great way to get the most out of both.
Don’t Cut Corners With Cheaper Parts
When it comes to certain repairs, you might want to take care of them yourself or trust a third-party mechanic. While doing this, you might entertain the thought of cutting costs with aftermarket parts that are cheaper than a part manufactured by General Motors. This is a mistake that many make, and after doing so, they soon discover that—more often than not—they get exactly what they paid for.
Chevy's OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are specifically made for your Silverado. While you might save money on aftermarket parts, you’re rolling the dice with something that can void your warranty or simply not have a long lifespan; OEM parts are guaranteed to last and won't void your warranty. Using OEM parts also helps your vehicle retain its resale value, which is essential if you ever plan on trading in your Silverado at a later date or selling it on the private market.
Popping the Hood
It’s no secret that the engine in your Silverado 1500 is a complex collection of machines all working together in unison. While getting the oil changed ensures that damaging deposits are removed and the moving parts are lubricated, there are some other necessary measures that you should take from time to time—and these can be done on your own:
Battery - Your vehicle’s battery is an essential item that keeps your electrical components running and allows your ignition to turn your engine over. When you check your engine’s oil level, take a glance at the connectors that are attached to the battery; corrosion can develop, and this can lead to faulty usage, so you're looking for what looks like salt crystals. If you see any, consider a battery replacement.
Fluids and Hoses - Some fluids can be checked at home with relative ease; these include the windshield wiper fluid, coolant, and the fluid in the power steering reservoir. Others—such as transmission and brake fluid—should be inspected by a professional, as these tend to be more complex. It’s also recommended that you take a close look at the various belts and hoses that are visible. These are all essential for your vehicle to function properly, and if you notice wear or slack, it’s a sign that you should take your car in for servicing right away.
Wiper Blades - While not attached to your engine, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the blades of your windshield wipers to ensure they’re in decent condition. Weather can be unpredictable, and faulty wiper blades can cause scratches on your windshield or fail to perform at their expected levels, which can be dangerous in extreme weather conditions.
Run the Engine - This is one situation where “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” If you know you’re not going to be driving your Silverado for a substantial amount of time, you should turn the engine over once a week and take it for a short drive. Even an otherwise perfect vehicle can suffer if it's left alone for too long.
Annual Diagnostic Tests
Today's vehicles are more complex than they’ve ever been. There are a host of onboard computers and high-tech sensors that measure a variety of items such as oxygen, air intake, and even emissions. One of the best things you can do is take your Silverado in for a yearly diagnostics test run by a certified Chevrolet technician.
More often than not, a faulty sensor or issue with the connection is what causes the check engine light to turn on. Even if it hasn’t, having the peace of mind that all of the systems in your Silverado are functioning properly is worth the trip.
Get the Best Service for Your Silverado at Edwards Chevrolet Downtown
Ensuring your vehicle's longevity is an essential aspect of ownership. As you’ve just read, there are some items you can take care of in your downtime and whenever you go for a fill-up at the gas station. Adopting these common practices can do wonders for extending the life of your Silverado well past the point of 100,000 miles.
When it comes to the bigger jobs that require the skilled hands of a professional, you can trust the team here at Edwards Chevrolet Downtown. Whether it's something simple like an oil change or it's the complex work that goes into diagnostics testing or HVAC work, we can take care of all the necessary items. Our parts and service department is staffed by highly-trained technicians who make it their business to understand the subtle intricacies of your Silverado. So, if that check engine light comes on, let us worry about it.
