The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are designed to deal with a tough life, but they still need regular maintenance to keep them running sweetly. So, regular fluid changes and tire rotations are essential. What follows is our quick reference guide to many of the recommended routine maintenance tasks, most of which you can do yourself at home. If you need more guidance, or step by step instructions, check out our OnDemand video tutorials, or get the online manual, or our traditional printed manual.
Oil Change
Engine Oil Type 5W30
Engine Oil Capacity 4.5 quarts (V6)
6.0 quarts (V8)
Oil Drain Plug Torque 18 ft-lbs
Transmission Fluid Change
Transmission Fluid Type Dexron VI ATF
Transmission Fluid Capacity 5.0 quarts (4 speed auto)
(when changing filter) 6.0 quarts (6L50/6L80)
6.3 quarts (6L90)
Transmission Fluid Capacity 12.0 quarts (4 speed auto)
(total including converter) 12.4 quarts (6L50/6L80)
12.4 quarts (6L90)
Transmission Drain Plug Torque 156 in-lbs (4 speed auto)
Transmission Pan Bolts Torque 97 in-lbs (4 speed auto)
80 in-lbs (6 speed auto)
Transfer Case Fluid Change
Transfer Case Fluid Type MTF (New Venture 261-NP2)
Auto Trac II (New Venture 246-NP8)
Dexron VI ATF (All Others)
Transfer Case Capacity 2.0 quarts (New Venture Models)
1.6 quarts (Magna Powertrain Models)
1.5 quarts (Borg Warner Models)
Transfer Case Drain Plug Torque 15 ft-lbs (New Venture)
156 in-lbs (Magna Powertrain)
18 ft-lbs (Borg Warner)
Differential Oil Change
Differential Oil Type 80W90 GL-5 gear oil (1500 front)
75W90 synthetic gear oil (all HD models front)
75W90 synthetic gear oil (all rear)
Differential Oil Capacity up to 2.0 quarts (front)
2.2 quarts (rear with 8.6” diff.)
2.75 quarts (rear with 9.5” and 10.5” diff.)
3.2 quarts (rear with 11.5” diff)
Differential Drain Plug Torque 24 ft-lbs
Differential Cover Bolts Torque 30 ft-lbs
Cooling System Flush and Fill
Coolant Type 50/50 mix of Dex-cool and water
Cooling System Capacity 16.5 quarts (V6)
16.9 quarts (V8)
Other Miscellaneous Fluid Types
Power Steering Fluid GM power steering fluid
Brake Fluid DOT 3 brake fluid
Other Miscellaneous Torque Specs
Wheel Lug Nuts 140 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Bolts 74 ft-lbs (front 1500 models)
80 ft-lbs (front 2500 & 3500 models)
38 ft-lbs (rear 1500 models)
80 ft-lbs (rear 2500 & 3500 models)
Caliper Bracket Bolts 129 ft-lbs (front 1500 models)
221 ft-lbs (front 2500 & 3500 models)
148 ft-lbs (rear all single rear wheel models)
221 ft-lbs (rear 3500 dual rear wheel models)
ABS Speed Sensor Bolts 156 in-lbs (front)
80 in-lbs (rear)
Maintenance Schedule
The following intervals are based on the assumption that you will be doing the service work yourself, as opposed to paying to have the work done. These are our recommended minimum maintenance intervals for vehicles that are driven daily, and in many cases are shorter than the factory’s recommendations. Because frequent maintenance enhances the efficiency, performance and resale value of your car, we encourage you to follow our schedule. If you drive in dusty areas, tow a trailer, idle or drive at low speeds for extended periods or drive for short periods (less than four miles at a time) in below freezing temperatures, even smaller intervals are recommended.
When the vehicle is new, follow the maintenance schedule to the letter, record it in your owner’s manual and keep all receipts to protect the warranty. In many cases the initial maintenance check is done at no cost (check with the service department for more information).
Every 250 miles or weekly
- Check the engine oil level
- Check the coolant level
- Check the windshield washer fluid level
- Check the brake fluid levels
- Check the tires and tire pressures
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Change engine oil and filter
- Check the power steering fluid level
- Check the automatic transmission fluid level
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Rotate the tires
- Inspect the windshield wiper blades
- Check and service the battery
- Check the engine accessory belt
- Inspect under hood hoses
- Check the cooling system
- Check the seat belts
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Lube the chassis
- Check the differential oil level in the front (4x4) and rear axles
- Check the fuel system
- Check the brake system*
- Check the exhaust system
- Check the transfer case oil level (4x4)
- Check the air filter*
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Change the brake fluid
- Change the automatic transmission fluid and filter**
- Change transfer case oil (4x4)
- Flush cooling system (if green colored ethylene glycol antifreeze)
- Replace the air filter*
- Check the steering, suspension and drive axle boots
- Inspect evaporative emissions control system
Every 60,000 miles or 48 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Replace the spark plugs
- Inspect/replace the spark plug wires
- Change the differential oil**
Every 100,000 miles or 60 months
...all items listed above, as well as
- Flush cooling system (if orange colored Dex-Cool antifreeze)
* Perform at half the indicated intervals if the vehicle is operated under under one or more of the following conditions:
- Driving in dusty areas
- Towing a trailer
- Idling for extended periods
- Driving at low speed or short trips in below freezing temperatures
** Perform at half the indicated interval if operated under one or more of the following conditions:
- In heavy city traffic with temperature above 90-degrees F
- In hilly or mountainous terrain with temperature above 90-degrees F
- Frequent trailer towing
- If the vehicle has been driven through deep water
