Maintenance Schedule for Your Chevrolet Silverado

Owning a Chevrolet Silverado is a joy. It's a truck that's reliable, tough, and built to last. However, proper upkeep is vital for ensuring the optimal performance of your Silverado. In this article, our team at Kirksville Motor Company will guide you through how to maintain your truck's health. Follow this Silverado service guide to ensure your vehicle serves you well for many miles to come.

Consistent routine maintenance optimizes performance, enhances fuel efficiency, and extends the life span of your Silverado. Let's look at some of the key maintenance tasks to focus on and why they're important.

Oil lubricates, cools, and protects important engine parts. Neglecting regular oil changes can cause friction, overheating, and premature wear and tear. Recommended Chevrolet Silverado oil change intervals suggest swapping your oil out for fresh oil and replacing your oil filter every 7,500 miles.

Transmission fluid lubricates and cools the transmission components, coolant regulates engine temperatures to avoid overheating, and brake fluid is vital for the vehicle's braking system. Chevrolet recommends changing these fluids every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. 

At Kirksville Motor Company's service center, our technicians will check your vehicle's brakes annually or every 12,000 miles. We may recommend more frequent checks if you use your vehicle for intensive tasks, such as hauling heavy loads. During an inspection, our technicians will assess the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and fluids. 

Here are some warning signs that suggest your brakes need immediate attention:

• Squeaking, squealing, or grinding noises.
• Vibrations when braking.
• Burning smells.
• Longer stopping distances.
• Pulling to one side.
• Illuminated brake warning lights.

A well-maintained Silverado runs smoothly year-round. However, adapting to seasonal changes is important for ensuring optimal performance and safety. 

Make sure to give your Silverado some extra attention during the winter season. Check the following components to prepare your truck:

• Battery: Check your battery to ensure there's no corrosion or buildup on the terminals, and perform a load test to make sure it has enough power. If your battery is over 4 years old, you may want to consider replacing it.
• Tires: Inspect your tires to ensure there's enough tread and tire pressure to provide traction in winter conditions. Consider dedicated winter tires if you frequently encounter snow and ice.
• Coolant: Use a 50/50 mix of coolant and water to prevent coolant from freezing.
• Winter essentials: Invest in winter essentials, such as quality wiper blades, a defroster system, and an emergency kit with a blanket, snacks, flares, and jumper cables.

The scorching summer months can also put demands on your Silverado. Check these components to prepare your truck for the summer season:

• Tires: Ensure your tires are inflated correctly and have sufficient tread depth.
• Battery: Clean the battery terminals and ensure secure mounting.
• AC: Check that the cooling system is working effectively, and service it if necessary. Inspect the coolant levels, and replace the cabin filter if it's dirty to allow for better airflow.
• Radiator and hoses: Replace any worn parts, and make sure the radiator cap fits properly.
• Coolant levels: Top up the coolant if needed, using Chevy's recommended coolant type. 

There are some important maintenance tasks to take care of to ensure that your truck remains in good condition over the long term.

Chevy recommends changing your transmission fluid and filter every 45,000 miles. This interval may vary based on your driving habits, so our technicians can provide guidance on the best schedule for you. Neglecting these services risks overheating, increased friction, and premature wear, which can lead to poor shifting, decreased fuel economy, and costly repairs or replacements. 

At Kirksville Motor Company, we recommend engine tuneups every 30,000 miles and major inspections every 60,000 miles. Our technicians will thoroughly examine the engine, transmission, brakes, and suspension. We'll also replace spark plugs, clean fuel systems, and check ignition components to improve fuel economy and prevent larger problems from occurring further down the line.

Here are some signs that indicate you need to book in for engine maintenance:

• Reduced fuel efficiency.
• Engine misfires or rough idling.
• Hard starts.
• Strange engine noises.
• Illuminated dashboard warning lights.

If you've driven over 150,000 miles, we recommend a coolant service to flush the old fluid and replace it with fresh coolant. This preventative measure safeguards your Silverado from corrosion and extreme temperatures.

We meticulously inspect accessory belts every 150,000 miles, ensuring your alternator, water pump, and AC compressor remain operational. At the first sign of wear, we'll replace them to ensure your safety. 

Your Chevrolet Silverado is a dependable workhorse. To keep it running smoothly, follow the recommended Silverado service schedule and address any issues promptly. 

It's important to follow Chevy's recommended intervals for routine service. Here's an example of a Silverado routine maintenance checklist, including the key services performed at each interval:

• 7,500 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, brake inspection, vehicle diagnostics, and fluid checks.
• 22,500 miles: Oil and filter change, tire rotation, cabin air filter replacement, and fuel system checks.
• 45,000 miles: Emissions inspection plus engine air filter and transmission fluid replacement.
• 97,500 miles: Spark plug replacement, tire rotation, and oil checks.
• 150,000 miles: Accessory belt inspection and replacement and coolant flush and fill.

Watch out for the following signs that indicate your Silverado may need servicing:

• Strange noises, such as grinding, squealing, or knocking.
• Illuminated warning lights.
• Sluggish acceleration, rough idling, or stalling.
• Fluid leaks.
• Vibrations while driving. 

Our certified technicians can diagnose problems swiftly. Visit our website for complete Silverado service details, or contact us to discuss your truck's needs.

With our dedicated technicians, genuine parts, and convenient scheduling, our Chevrolet service center in Kirksville, Missouri, is ready to tackle any repair or service need. 

Here at Kirksville Motor Company, we take pride in our certified technicians and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. We use genuine Chevrolet parts that are purpose-built for your Silverado. These preserve your truck's integrity and adhere to Chevy's strict standards, maximizing your vehicle's longevity and protecting its resale value.

We provide multiple booking methods to make service scheduling hassle-free. Request an appointment online or call us directly. If you're short on time, take advantage of our pick-up and drop-off service with a courtesy loaner vehicle. Because we're committed to your satisfaction, we offer a seven-day money-back guarantee, a 30-day exchange policy, and a 90-day 50/50 powertrain warranty on most pre-owned vehicles.

Maintaining your Chevrolet truck is important for optimal performance and safety. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your Silverado performs at its best. Here at Kirksville Motor Company, we offer expert service tailored to your Silverado's needs using genuine parts and specialized technicians.

Follow the recommended Chevrolet Silverado maintenance schedule to prevent costly repairs down the road. Check out our new Silverado inventory and contact us to schedule your service today.

gray pickup truck on snow field surrounded by trees  by Drew Lindsley is licensed with Unsplash License