2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD Owners Manual - Appearance Care

Appearance Care

Exterior Care

Locks

Locks are lubricated at the factory. Use a de-icing agent only when absolutely necessary, and have the locks greased after using. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 393.

To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it often and out of direct sunlight.

Cleaning Underhood Components

Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm underhood components. The usages of these chemicals should be avoided.

Recommend water only.

A pressure washer may be used, but care must be utilized. The following criteria must be followed:

Water pressure must be kept below 14 000 KPa (2,000 PSI).

Water temperature must be below 80 °C (180 °F).

Spray nozzle with a 40 degree wide angle spray pattern or wider must be used.

Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft) away from all surfaces.

Automatic Car Wash

If using an automatic car wash, follow with the car wash instructions. The windshield wiper and rear window wiper, if equipped, must be turned off. Remove any accessories that may be damaged or interfere with the car wash equipment.

See Power Assist Steps 0 26 for cleaning information.

Rinse the vehicle well, before washing and after, to remove all cleaning agents completely. If they are allowed to dry on the surface, they could stain.

Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or an all-cotton towel to avoid surface scratches and water spotting.

Application of aftermarket clearcoat sealant/ wax materials is not recommended.

If painted surfaces are damaged, see your dealer to have the damage assessed and repaired. Foreign materials such as calcium chloride and other salts, ice melting agents, road oil and tar, tree sap, bird droppings, chemicals from industrial chimneys, etc., can damage the vehicle's finish if they remain on painted surfaces. Wash the vehicle as soon as possible. If necessary, use

non-abrasive cleaners that are marked safe for painted surfaces to remove foreign matter.

Occasional hand waxing or mild polishing should be done to remove residue from the paint finish. See your dealer for approved cleaning products.

Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.

To keep the paint finish looking new, keep the vehicle garaged or covered whenever possible.

Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings

The bright metal moldings on the vehicle are aluminum, chrome or stainless steel. To prevent damage always follow these cleaning instructions:

Be sure the molding is cool to the touch before applying any cleaning solution.

Use only approved cleaning solutions for aluminum, chrome or stainless steel.

Some cleaners are highly acidic or contain alkaline substances and can damage the moldings.

Always dilute a concentrated cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not use cleaners that are not intended for automotive use.

Use a nonabrasive wax on the vehicle after washing to protect and extend the molding finish.

Spray-In Bedliner Care

A spray-in bedliner is a permanent coating that bonds to the truck bed and cannot be removed. Promptly rinse the bedliner surface following a chemical spill to avoid permanent damage.

Spray-in bedliners can fade from oxidation, road dirt, heavy-duty hauling, and hard water stains. Clean it periodically by washing off the loose dirt and using a mild detergent. To restore the original appearance, apply the bedliner conditioner available through your dealer.

Ice scrapers or other hard items.

Aftermarket appearance caps or covers while the lamps are illuminated, due to excessive heat generated.

Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses, Emblems, Decals and Stripes

Use only lukewarm or cold water, a soft cloth, and a car washing soap to clean exterior lamps, lenses, emblems, decals and stripes. Follow instructions under "Washing the Vehicle" previously in this section.

Lamp covers are made of plastic, and some have a UV protective coating. Do not clean or wipe them while they are dry.

Do not use any of the following on lamp covers:

Abrasive or caustic agents.

Washer fluids and other cleaning agents in higher concentrations than suggested by the manufacturer.

Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other harsh cleaners.

Clear debris from the air intakes, between the hood and windshield, when washing the vehicle.

The vehicle may have a shutter system designed to help improve fuel economy. Keep the shutter system clear of debris, snow and ice. If the check engine light is activated, please check to see if the shutter system is clear of debris, snow or ice.

Clean the outside of the windshield with glass cleaner.

Clean rubber blades using a lint-free cloth or paper towel soaked with windshield washer fluid or a mild detergent. Wash the windshield thoroughly when cleaning the

blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause wiper streaking.

Replace the wiper blades if they are worn or damaged. Damage can be caused by extreme dusty conditions, sand, salt, heat, sun, snow, and ice.

Apply weatherstrip lubricant on weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate weatherstrips once a year. Hot, dry climates may require more frequent application. Black marks from rubber material on painted surfaces can be removed by rubbing with a clean cloth. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants 0 393.

Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean the tires.

Use a soft, clean cloth with mild soap and water to clean the wheels. After rinsing thoroughly with clean water, dry with a soft, clean towel. A wax may then be applied.

Visually inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Inspect drum brake linings/shoes for wear or cracks. Inspect all other brake parts.

Visually inspect steering, suspension, and chassis components for damaged, loose, or missing parts or signs of wear at least once a year.

Inspect power steering for proper attachment, connections, binding, cracks, chafing, etc.

Visually check constant velocity joint boots and axle seals for leaks.

2500/3500 Series vehicles, at least every engine oil change lubricate the upper and lower control arm ball joints.

2500/3500 Series vehicles equipped with steering linkage, at least every engine oil change lubricate the tie rod ball joints, idler arm pivot shaft bearings, idler arm socket, and pitman arm socket.

Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel fuel door hinge unless the components are plastic. Applying silicone grease on weatherstrips with a clean cloth will make them last longer, seal better, and not stick or squeak.

At least twice a year, spring and fall, use plain water to flush any corrosive materials from the underbody. Take care to thoroughly clean any areas where mud and other debris can collect. If equipped with power assist steps, extend them and then use a high pressure wash to clean all joints and gaps.

Do not directly power wash the transfer case and/or front/rear axle output seals. High pressure water can overcome the seals and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of the transfer case and/or axles and should be replaced.

If the vehicle is damaged and requires sheet metal repair or replacement, make sure the body repair shop applies anti-corrosion material to parts repaired or replaced to restore corrosion protection.

Original manufacturer replacement parts will provide the corrosion protection while maintaining the vehicle warranty.

Quickly repair minor chips and scratches with touch-up materials available from your dealer to avoid corrosion. Larger areas of finish damage can be corrected in your dealer's body and paint shop.

Airborne pollutants can fall upon and attack painted vehicle surfaces causing blotchy, ring-shaped discolorations, and small, irregular dark spots etched into the paint surface. Refer to “Finish Care” previously in

this section.

To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly clean the vehicle's interior. Immediately remove any soils. Newspapers or dark garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s interior.

Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from knobs and crevices on the instrument cluster. Using a mild soap solution, immediately remove hand lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellent from all interior surfaces or permanent damage may result.

Use cleaners specifically designed for the surfaces being cleaned to prevent permanent damage. Apply cleaners directly to the cleaning cloth. Do not spray cleaners on any switches or controls. Remove cleaners quickly.

Before using cleaners, read and follow all safety instructions on the label. While cleaning the interior, open the doors and windows to get proper ventilation.

To prevent damage, do not clean the interior using the following cleaners or techniques:

Never use a razor or any other sharp object to remove soil from any interior surface.

Never use a brush with stiff bristles.

Never rub any surface aggressively or with too much pressure.

Do not use laundry detergents or dishwashing soaps with degreasers. For liquid cleaners, use approximately

20 drops per 3.8 L (1 gal) of water.

A concentrated soap solution will create streaks and attract dirt. Do not use solutions that contain strong or

caustic soap.

Do not heavily saturate the upholstery when cleaning.

Do not use solvents or cleaners containing solvents.

To clean, use a terry cloth fabric dampened with water. Wipe droplets left behind with a clean dry cloth. If necessary, use a commercial glass cleaner after cleaning with plain water.

Cleaning the windshield with water during the first three to six months of ownership will reduce tendency to fog.

Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so that the speaker will not be damaged. Clean spots with water and mild soap.

Coated moldings should be cleaned.

When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with water.

When heavily soiled, use warm soapy water.

Start by vacuuming the surface using a soft brush attachment. If a rotating vacuum brush attachment is being used, only use it on the floor carpet. Before cleaning, gently remove as much of the soil as possible:

Gently blot liquids with a paper towel. Continue blotting until no more soil can be removed.

For solid soils, remove as much as possible prior to vacuuming.

To clean:

Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth with water. Microfiber cloth is recommended to prevent lint transfer to the fabric or carpet.

Remove excess moisture by gently wringing until water does not drip from the cleaning cloth.

Start on the outside edge of the soil and gently rub toward the center. Fold the cleaning cloth to a clean area frequently to prevent forcing the soil in to the fabric.

Continue gently rubbing the soiled area until there is no longer any color transfer from the soil to the cleaning cloth.

If the soil is not completely removed, use a mild soap solution followed only by plain water.

If the soil is not completely removed, it may be necessary to use a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter. Test a small hidden area for colorfastness before using a commercial upholstery cleaner or spot lifter. If ring formation occurs, clean the entire fabric or carpet.

After cleaning use a paper towel to blot excess moisture.

Use a microfiber cloth on high gloss surfaces or vehicle displays. First, use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt that can scratch the surface. Then gently clean by rubbing with a microfiber cloth. Never use window cleaners

or solvents. Periodically hand wash the microfiber cloth separately, using mild soap. Do not use bleach or fabric softener. Rinse thoroughly and air dry before next use.

Use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with water to remove dust and loose dirt. For a more thorough cleaning, use a soft microfiber cloth dampened with a mild soap solution.

Do not use cleaners that increase gloss, especially on the instrument panel. Reflected glare can decrease visibility through the windshield under certain conditions.

Keep belts clean and dry.

Use the following guidelines for proper floor mat/liner usage:

The original equipment floor mats/liners were designed for your vehicle. If the floor mats/liners need replacing, it is recommended that GM certified floor mats/liners be purchased. Non-GM floor mats/liners may not fit properly and may interfere with the pedals. Always check that the floor mat, liner, or liner insert does not interfere with the pedals.

Do not use a floor mat/liner if the vehicle is not equipped with a floor mat retainer on the driver side floor.

Use the floor mat/liner insert with the correct side up. Do not turn it over.

Do not place anything on top of the driver side floor mat/liner.

Use only a single floor mat/liner on the driver side.

Do not place one floor mat/liner on top of another.

Pull up on the rear of the driver side floor mat/liner to unlock each retainer and remove.

Reinstall by lining up the floor mat/liner retainer openings over the carpet retainers and snapping into position.

Make sure the floor mat/liner is properly secured in place.

Verify the floor mat/liner does not interfere with the pedals.

Pull up on the edge of the driver side floor liner insert to unlock each button clip and remove.

Reinstall by lining up the floor liner insert button clips over the liner retainers and snapping into position.

Make sure the floor liner insert is properly secure in place using all button clips.

Verify the floor liner insert does not interfere with the pedals.

Use a soft cloth and/or a brush dampened with water to remove dust and loose dirt. For more thorough cleaning, use a mild soap solution.