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EnglishVehicle Care -> Appearance Care for your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2018-2025
406
Vehicle Care
The outside temperature display will
default to 0 °C (32 °F) but will reset with
normal usage.
Appearance Care
Exterior Care
Dolly Towing
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 0 421.
Washing the Vehicle
To preserve the vehicle's finish, wash it
often and out of direct sunlight.
Caution
Do not tow this vehicle with two wheels
on the ground, or vehicle damage could
occur. This damage would not be covered
by the vehicle warranty.
Warning
{
Do not power wash any part of the
vehicle’s interior, including the vinyl floor
covering. This could damage safety and
other systems in the vehicle, which
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Dolly towing this vehicle is not allowed with
either the front or the rear tires on the
ground for two-wheel drive or four-wheel
drive, regardless of transfer case.
Vehicle Care
407
Caution
Caution (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
Do not use petroleum-based, acidic,
or abrasive cleaning agents as they can
damage the vehicle's paint, metal,
or plastic parts. If damage occurs, it
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty. Approved cleaning products can
be obtained from your dealer. Follow all
manufacturer directions regarding correct
product usage, necessary safety
This could cause damage that would not
be covered by the vehicle warranty.
not recommended, due to lack of
clearance for the undercarriage and/or
wide rear tires and wheels.
Solvents or aggressive cleaners may harm
underhood components. The usages of these
chemicals should be avoided.
Caution
Automatic car washes can cause damage
to the vehicle, wheels, ground effects,
and convertible top (if equipped).
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.
precautions, and appropriate disposal of
any vehicle care product.
Do not use automatic car washes due to
lack of clearance for the undercarriage,
wide rear tires, and wheels.
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Caution
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.
Avoid using high-pressure washes closer
than 30 cm (12 in) to the surface of the
vehicle. Use of power washers exceeding
8 274 kPa (1,200 psi) can result in
Nozzle must be kept at least 30 cm (1 ft)
away from all surfaces.
damage or removal of paint and decals.
Automatic Car Wash
See Power Assist Steps 0 28 for cleaning
information.
Cleaning Underhood Components
Caution
Caution
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.
Some automatic car washes can cause
damage to the vehicle, wheels and
ground effects. Automatic car washes are
(Continued)
Do not power wash any component
under the hood that has this e
symbol.
(Continued)
408
Vehicle Care
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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.
Dry the finish with a soft, clean chamois or
an all-cotton towel to avoid surface
scratches and water spotting.
Caution
Machine compounding or aggressive
polishing on a basecoat/clearcoat paint
finish may damage it. Use only
non-abrasive waxes and polishes that are
made for a basecoat/clearcoat paint finish
on the vehicle.
Finish Care
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
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To keep the paint finish looking new, keep
the vehicle garaged or covered whenever
possible.
Protecting Exterior Bright Metal Moldings
Spray-In Bedliner Care
Caution
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.
Failure to clean and protect the bright
metal moldings can result in a hazy
white finish or pitting. This damage
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
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.
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.
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.
Do not apply waxes or polishes to uncoated
plastic, vinyl, rubber, decals, simulated
wood, or flat paint as damage can occur.
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Vehicle Care
409
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Ice scrapers or other hard items.
Shutter System
Caution
Aftermarket appearance caps or covers
while the lamps are illuminated, due to
excessive heat generated.
Using silicone-based products may
damage the bedliner, reduce the
slip-resistant texture, and attract dirt.
Caution
Cleaning Exterior Lamps/Lenses,
Emblems, Decals and Stripes
Failure to clean lamps properly can cause
damage to the lamp cover that would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
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.
Caution
Using wax on low gloss black finish
stripes can increase the gloss level and
create a non-uniform finish. Clean low
gloss stripes with soap and water only.
Lamp covers are made of plastic, and some
have a UV protective coating. Do not clean
or wipe them while they are dry.
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.
Do not use any of the following on lamp
covers:
Air Intakes
Clear debris from the air intakes, between
the hood and windshield, when washing the
vehicle.
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Abrasive or caustic agents.
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Washer fluids and other cleaning agents
in higher concentrations than suggested
by the manufacturer.
Windshield and Wiper Blades
Clean the outside of the windshield with
glass cleaner.
.
Solvents, alcohols, fuels, or other harsh
cleaners.
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
410
Vehicle Care
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
Caution (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
or brushes. Use only GM approved
cleaners. Do not drive the vehicle through
an automatic car wash that uses silicon
carbide tire/wheel cleaning brushes.
Damage could occur and the repairs
would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
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.
Wheels and Wheel Trim
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.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
Brake System
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 0 421.
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.
Caution
Chrome wheels and chrome wheel trim
may be damaged if the vehicle is not
washed after driving on roads that have
been sprayed with magnesium chloride or
calcium chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust control.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
(Continued)
Caution
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, cracks,
chafing, etc.
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
(Continued)
Vehicle Care
411
Visually check constant velocity joint boots
and axle seals for leaks.
and contaminate the fluid. Contaminated
fluid will decrease the life of the transfer
case and/or axles and should be replaced.
Interior Care
To prevent dirt particle abrasions, regularly
clean the vehicle's interior. 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. Newspapers or dark
garments can transfer color to the vehicle’s
interior.
Caution
Sheet Metal Damage
Lubrication of applicable suspension
points should not be done unless the
temperature is −12 °C (10 °F) or higher,
or damage could result.
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.
Body Component Lubrication
Original manufacturer replacement parts will
provide the corrosion protection while
maintaining the vehicle warranty.
Caution
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.
Immediately remove cleaners, hand
lotions, sunscreen, and insect repellent
from all interior surfaces or permanent
damage may result.
Finish Damage
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.
Underbody Maintenance
Caution
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.
Use cleaners specifically designed for the
surfaces being cleaned to prevent
permanent damage to the vehicle. Apply
all cleaners directly to a cleaning cloth.
Do not spray cleaners on any switches or
controls.
Chemical Paint Spotting
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.
When using liquid soap cleaners, follow the
directions on the specific cleaner or soap
solution for dilution instructions.
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
412
Vehicle Care
Caution
Coated Moldings
Caution (Continued)
Coated moldings should be cleaned.
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Do not use scented or gel-type hand
sanitizers. If hand sanitizer comes in
contact with interior surfaces of the
vehicle, blot immediately and clean
with a soft cloth dampened with a
mild soap and water solution.
To prevent damage:
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When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge
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Never use a razor or any other sharp
object to remove soil from any interior
surface
or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with
water.
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When heavily soiled, use warm soapy
water.
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Never use a brush with stiff bristles.
Never rub any surface aggressively or
with too much pressure.
Vinyl/Rubber
Interior Glass
If equipped with vinyl floor and rubber floor
mats, use a soft cloth and/or brush
dampened with water to remove dust and
loose dirt. For more thorough cleaning, use
a mild soap and water solution.
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To clean, use a microfiber 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.
Do not get any exposed electrical
components wet.
Do not use laundry detergents or
dishwashing soaps with degreasers. Do
not use solutions that contain strong
or caustic soap.
Caution
Warning
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Do not heavily saturate the upholstery
when cleaning.
To prevent scratching, never use abrasive
cleaners on automotive glass. Abrasive
cleaners or aggressive cleaning may
damage the rear window defogger.
Do not use cleaners that contain silicone,
wax-based products, or cleaners that
increase gloss on vinyl/rubber floor and
mats. These cleaners can permanently
change the appearance and feel of the
vinyl/rubber and can make the floor
slippery. Your foot could slip while
operating the vehicle, and you could lose
control, resulting in a crash. You or
others could be injured.
Do not use solvents or cleaners
containing solvents.
Do not use disinfecting wipes that are
scented or contain bleach. Do not use
wipes or cleaners that show a color
transfer to the wipe or change the
appearance of the interior surface
when used.
Cleaning the windshield with water during
the first three to six months of ownership
will reduce tendency to fog.
Speaker Covers
Vacuum around a speaker cover gently, so
that the speaker will not be damaged. Clean
spots with water and mild soap.
(Continued)
Vehicle Care
Caution
Do not attach a device with a suction cup
to the display. This may cause damage
and would not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
413
5. If the soil is not completely removed,
use a mild soap solution followed only
by plain water.
Fabric/Carpet/Suede
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:
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.
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Gently blot liquids with a paper towel.
Continue blotting until no more soil can
be removed.
Instrument Panel, Leather, Vinyl, Other
Plastic Surfaces, Low Gloss Paint
Surfaces, and Natural Open Pore Wood
Surfaces
.
For solid soils, remove as much as
possible prior to vacuuming.
After cleaning, use a paper towel to blot
excess moisture.
Use a soft bristle brush to remove dust from
knobs and crevices on the instrument
cluster. 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 and water solution.
To clean:
Cleaning High Gloss Surfaces and Vehicle
Information and Radio Displays
1. Saturate a clean, lint-free colorfast cloth
with water. Microfiber cloth is
recommended to prevent lint transfer to
the fabric or carpet.
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.
2. Remove excess moisture by gently
wringing until water does not drip from
the cleaning cloth.
Caution
Soaking or saturating leather, especially
perforated leather, as well as other
interior surfaces, may cause permanent
damage. Wipe excess moisture from
these surfaces after cleaning and allow
them to dry naturally. Never use heat,
steam, or spot removers. Do not use
liquids that contain alcohol or solvents on
(Continued)
3. 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 into the
fabric.
4. Continue gently rubbing the soiled area
until there is no longer any color
transfer from the soil to the cleaning
cloth.
414
Vehicle Care
recommended that GM-certified floor
mats are purchased. Non-GM floor mats
may not fit properly and may interfere
with the pedals. Always check that the
floor mats do 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.
Caution (Continued)
Warning
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leather seats. Do not use cleaners that
contain silicone or wax-based products.
Cleaners containing these solvents can
permanently change the appearance and
feel of leather or soft trim, and are not
recommended.
Do not bleach or dye seat belt webbing.
It may severely weaken the webbing. In
a crash, they might not be able to
provide adequate protection. Clean and
rinse seat belt webbing only with mild
soap and lukewarm water. Allow the
webbing to dry.
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Do not use cleaners that increase gloss,
especially on the instrument panel. Reflected
glare can decrease visibility through the
windshield under certain conditions.
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Floor Mats
Warning
{
Use only a single floor mat/liner on the
driver side.
Do not place one floor mat/liner on top
of another.
Caution
Use of air fresheners may cause
If a floor mat, a liner, or a liner insert is
the wrong size or is not properly
permanent damage to plastics and
painted surfaces. If an air freshener
comes in contact with any plastic or
painted surface in the vehicle, blot
immediately and clean with a soft cloth
dampened with a mild soap solution.
Damage caused by air fresheners would
not be covered by the vehicle warranty.
installed, it can interfere with the pedals.
Interference with the pedals can cause
unintended acceleration and/or increased
stopping distance, which can cause a
crash and injury. Make sure the floor
mat, liner, or liner insert does not
interfere with the pedals.
Removing and Replacing the Floor Mats/
Liners
Pull up on the rear of the driver side floor
mat/liner to unlock each retainer and
remove.
Use the following guidelines for proper floor
mat/liner use:
Care of Seat Belts
.
The original equipment floor mats are
designed for your vehicle. If the floor
mats need to be replaced, it is
Keep belts clean and dry.
Vehicle Care
415
Reinstall by lining up the floor mat/liner
retainer openings over the carpet retainers
and snapping into position.
Reinstall by lining up the floor liner insert
button clips over the liner retainers and
snapping into position.
Make sure the floor mat/liner is properly
secured in place.
Make sure the floor liner insert is properly
secure in place using all button clips.
Verify the floor mat/liner does not interfere
with the pedals.
Verify the floor liner insert does not
interfere with the pedals.
Removing and Replacing the Floor Liner
Inserts
Cleaning Rubber Floor Mats (All-Weather
Mats and Floor Liners)
Pull up on the edge of the driver side floor
liner insert to unlock each button clip and
remove.
See “Vinyl/Rubber” under Interior Care 0 411
for important cleaning information.
