Get Vehicle Care -> Appearance Care Guide for Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

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)

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.

.

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

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

.

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

.

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.

.

Vehicle Care

409

.

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.

.

Abrasive or caustic agents.

.

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)

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.

.

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:

.

When lightly soiled, wipe with a sponge

.

Never use a razor or any other sharp

object to remove soil from any interior

surface

or soft, lint-free cloth dampened with

water.

.

When heavily soiled, use warm soapy

water.

.

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.

.

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

{

.

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.

.

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

{

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.

.

Do not use cleaners that increase gloss,

especially on the instrument panel. Reflected

glare can decrease visibility through the

windshield under certain conditions.

.

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.

Vehicle Care -> Appearance Care for Your Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Light Truck 2023

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