2017 CHEVROLET SILVERADO Owners Manual

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
248 Driving and Operating
Refer to the infotainment section formore information on using thatsystem and the navigation system,if equipped, including pairing andusing a cell phone.
Defensive Driving
Defensive driving means“alwaysexpect the unexpected.”The firststep in driving defensively is to wearthe safety belt. SeeSafetyBelts066.
.Assume that other road users(pedestrians, bicyclists, andother drivers) are going to becareless and make mistakes.Anticipate what they might doand be ready.
.Allow enough following distancebetween you and the driver infront of you.
.Focus on the task of driving.
Drunk Driving
Death and injury associated withdrinking and driving is a globaltragedy.
{Warning
Drinking and then driving is very
dangerous. Your reflexes,
perceptions, attentiveness, and
judgment can be affected by even
asmallamountofalcohol.You
can have a serious—or even
fatal—collision if you drive after
drinking.
Do not drink and drive or ride with
adriverwhohasbeendrinking.
Ride home in a cab; or if you are
with a group, designate a driver
who will not drink.
Control of a Vehicle
Braking, steering, and acceleratingare important factors in helping tocontrol a vehicle while driving.
Braking
Braking action involves perceptiontime and reaction time. Deciding topush the brake pedal is perceptiontime. Actually doing it isreaction time.
Average driver reaction time isabout three-quarters of a second. Inthat time, a vehicle moving at100 km/h (60 mph) travels 20 m(66 ft), which could be a lot ofdistance in an emergency.
Helpful braking tips to keep in mindinclude:
.Keep enough distance betweenyou and the vehicle in frontof you.
.Avoid needless heavy braking.
.Keep pace with traffic.
If the engine ever stops while thevehicle is being driven, brakenormally but do not pump thebrakes. Doing so could make thepedal harder to push down. If theengine stops, there will be somepower brake assist but it will beused when the brake is applied.Once the power assist is used up, itcan take longer to stop and thebrake pedal will be harder to push.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 249
Steering
Electric Power Steering (1500
Series)
If the vehicle has electric powersteering, it does not have powersteering fluid. Regular maintenanceis not required.
If power steering assist is lost dueto a system malfunction, the vehiclecan be steered, but may requireincreased effort. See your dealer ifthere is a problem.
If the steering wheel is turned until itreaches the end of its travel, and isheld in that position for an extendedperiod of time, power steering assistmay be reduced.
If the steering assist is used for anextended period of time, powerassist may be reduced.
Normal use of the power steeringassist should return when thesystem cools down.
See specific vehicle steeringmessages underSteering SystemMessages0156.
Hydraulic Power Steering
(2500/3500 Series)
(2500/3500 Series–All RegularCab, Double Cab/Crew Cabwithout Digital Steer Assist)
The power steering system mayrequire maintenance. SeePowerSteering Fluid (1500 Series)0375orPower Steering Fluid (2500/3500Series)0375.
If power steering assist is lostbecause the engine stops or thesystem malfunctions, the vehiclecan be steered but may requireincreased effort. See your dealer.
(2500/3500 Series–Double Cab/Crew Cab with Digital SteerAssist)
The vehicle has a Digital SteerAssist power steering system thatvaries the amount of effort requiredto steer the vehicle. Less steeringeffort is required at slower speeds.At faster speeds, the steering effortincreases. The system helps thesteering wheel return to center atlow speeds. Pressing the Tow/Haul
button adjusts steering effort fordriving conditions described inTo w /Haul Mode0282.
The power steering system mayrequire maintenance. SeePowerSteering Fluid (1500 Series)0375orPower Steering Fluid (2500/3500Series)0375.
If power steering assist is lostbecause the engine stops or thesystem malfunctions, the vehiclecan be steered but may requireincreased effort. See your dealer.
Caution
If the steering wheel is turned
until it reaches the end of its
travel, and is held in that position
for more than 15 seconds,
damage may occur to the power
steering system and there may be
loss of power steering assist.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
250 Driving and Operating
Curve Tips
.Ta k e c u r v e s a t a r e a s o n a b l espeed.
.Reduce speed before entering acurve.
.Maintain a reasonable steadyspeed through the curve.
.Wait until the vehicle is out ofthe curve before acceleratinggently into the straightaway.
Steering in Emergencies
.There are some situations whensteering around a problem maybe more effective than braking.
.Holding both sides of thesteering wheel allows you to turn180 degrees without removingahand.
.Antilock Brake System (ABS)allows steering while braking.
Off-Road Recovery
The vehicle's right wheels can dropoff the edge of a road onto theshoulder while driving. Followthese tips:
1. Ease off the accelerator andthen, if there is nothing in theway, steer the vehicle so that itstraddles the edge of thepavement.
2. Turn the steering wheel aboutone-eighth of a turn, until theright front tire contacts thepavement edge.
3. Turn the steering wheel to gostraight down the roadway.
Loss of Control
Skidding
There are three types of skids thatcorrespond to the vehicle's threecontrol systems:
.Braking Skid—wheels are notrolling.
.Steering or Cornering Skid—too much speed or steering in acurve causes tires to slip andlose cornering force.
.Acceleration Skid—too muchthrottle causes the drivingwheels to spin.
Defensive drivers avoid most skidsby taking reasonable care suited toexisting conditions, and by notoverdriving those conditions. Butskids are always possible.
If the vehicle starts to slide, followthese suggestions:
.Ease your foot off theaccelerator pedal and steer theway you want the vehicle to go.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 251
The vehicle may straighten out.Be ready for a second skid if itoccurs.
.Slow down and adjust yourdriving according to weatherconditions. Stopping distancecan be longer and vehiclecontrol can be affected whentraction is reduced by water,snow, ice, gravel, or othermaterial on the road. Learn torecognize warning clues—suchas enough water, ice, or packedsnow on the road to make amirrored surface—and slowdown when you have any doubt.
.Try to avoid sudden steering,acceleration, or braking,including reducing vehicle speedby shifting to a lower gear. Anysudden changes could causethe tires to slide.
Remember: Antilock brakes helpavoid only the braking skid.
Off-Road Driving
Four-wheel-drive vehicles can beused for off-road driving. Vehicleswithout four-wheel drive and
vehicles not equipped with AllTe r r a i n ( AT ) o r O n - O f f R o a d ( O O R )tires must not be driven off-roadexcept on a level, solid surface. Forcontact information about theoriginal equipment tires, see thewarranty manual.
One of the best ways for successfuloff-road driving is to control thespeed.
{Warning
When driving off-road, bouncing
and quick changes in direction
can easily throw you out of
position. This could cause you to
lose control and crash. You and
your passengers should always
wear safety belts.
Before Driving Off-Road
.Have all necessary maintenanceand service work completed.
.Fuel the vehicle, fill fluid levels,and check inflation pressure inall tires, including the spare,if equipped.
.Read all the information aboutfour-wheel-drive vehicles in thismanual.
.Remove any underbody airdeflector, if equipped. Re-attachthe air deflector after off-roaddriving.
.SeeHill Descent Control(HDC)0297
.Know the local laws that apply tooff-road driving.
To g a i n m o r e g r o u n d c l e a r a n c e i fneeded, it may be necessary toremove the front fascia lower airdam. However, driving without theair dam reduces fuel economy.
Caution
Operating the vehicle for
extended periods without the front
fascia lower air dam installed can
cause improper airflow to the
engine. Reattach the front fascia
air dam after off-road driving.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
252 Driving and Operating
Loading the Vehicle for
Off-Road Driving
{Warning
.Unsecured cargo on theload floor can be tossedabout when driving overrough terrain. You or yourpassengers can be struckby flying objects. Secure thecargo properly.
.Keep cargo in the cargoarea as far forward and aslow as possible. Theheaviest things should beon the floor, forward of therear axle.
.Heavy loads on the roofraise the vehicle's center ofgravity, making it more likelyto roll over. You can beseriously or fatally injured ifthe vehicle rolls over. Putheavy loads inside thecargo area, not on the roof.
For more information about loadingthe vehicle, seeVehicle Load Limits0259andTires0397.
Environmental Concerns
.Always use established trails,roads, and areas that have beenset aside for public off-roadrecreational driving and obey allposted regulations.
.Do not damage shrubs, flowers,trees, or grasses or disturbwildlife.
.Do not park over things thatburn. SeeParking over ThingsThat Burn0275.
Driving on Hills
Driving safely on hills requires goodjudgment and an understanding ofwhat the vehicle can and cannot do.
{Warning
Many hills are simply too steep
for any vehicle. Driving up hills
can cause the vehicle to stall.
Driving down hills can cause loss
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
of control. Driving across hills can
cause a rollover. You could be
injured or killed. Do not drive on
steep hills.
Before driving on a hill, assess thesteepness, traction, andobstructions. If the terrain aheadcannot be seen, get out of thevehicle and walk the hill beforedriving further.
When driving on hills:
.Use a low gear and keep a firmgrip on the steering wheel.
.Maintain a slow speed.
.When possible, drive straight upor down the hill.
.Slow down when approachingthe top of the hill.
.Use headlamps even during theday to make the vehicle morevisible.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 253
{Warning
Driving to the top of a hill at high
speed can cause an accident.
There could be a drop-off,
embankment, cliff, or even
another vehicle. You could be
seriously injured or killed. As you
near the top of a hill, slow down
and stay alert.
.Never go downhill forward orbackward with either thetransmission or transfer case inN(Neutral).Thebrakescouldoverheat and you could losecontrol.
{Warning
If the vehicle has the two⇣speed
automatic transfer case, shifting
the transfer case to N (Neutral)
can cause your vehicle to roll
even if the transmission is in
P(Park).Thisisbecausethe
N(Neutral)positiononthe
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
transfer case overrides the
transmission. You or someone
else could be injured. If leaving
the vehicle, set the parking brake
and shift the transmission to
P(Park).Shiftthetransfercaseto
any position but N (Neutral).
.When driving down a hill, keepthe vehicle headed straightdown. Use a low gear becausethe engine will work with thebrakes to slow the vehicle andhelp keep the vehicle undercontrol.
{Warning
Heavy braking when going down
ahillcancauseyourbrakesto
overheat and fade. This could
cause loss of control and you or
others could be injured or killed.
Apply the brakes lightly when
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
descending a hill and use a low
gear to keep vehicle speed under
control.
If the vehicle stalls on a hill:
1. Apply the brakes to stop thevehicle, and then apply theparking brake.
2. Shift into P (Park) and thenrestart the engine.
.If driving uphill when thevehicle stalls, shift toR(Reverse),releasetheparking brake, and backstraight down.
.Never try to turn the vehiclearound. If the hill is steepenough to stall the vehicle,it is steep enough to causeit to roll over.
.If you cannot make it up thehill, back straight downthe hill.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
254 Driving and Operating
.Never back down a hill inN(Neutral)usingonlythebrake. The vehicle can rollbackward quickly and youcould lose control.
.If driving downhill when thevehicle stalls, shift to alower gear, release theparking brake, and drivestraight down the hill.
3. If the vehicle cannot berestarted after stalling, set theparking brake, shift intoP(Park),andturnthevehicle off.
3.1. Leave the vehicle andseek help.
3.2. Stay clear of the path thevehicle would take if itrolled downhill.
.Avoid turns that take the vehicleacross the incline of the hill.Ahillthatcanbedrivenstraightup or down might be too steep todrive across. Driving across anincline puts more weight on the
downhill wheels, which couldcause a downhill slide or arollover.
.Surface conditions can be aproblem. Loose gravel, muddyspots, or even wet grass cancause the tires to slip sideways,downhill. If the vehicle slipssideways, it can hit somethingthat will trip it—arock,arut,etc.—and roll over.
.Hidden obstacles can make thesteepness of the incline moresevere. If a rock is driven acrosswith the uphill wheels, or if thedownhill wheels drop into a rutor depression, the vehicle can tilteven more.
.If an incline must be drivenacross, and the vehicle starts toslide, turn downhill. This shouldhelp straighten out the vehicleand prevent the side slipping.
{Warning
Getting out of the vehicle on the
downhill side when stopped
across an incline is dangerous.
If the vehicle rolls over, you could
be crushed or killed. Always get
out on the uphill side of the
vehicle and stay well clear of the
rollover path.
Driving in Mud, Sand, Snow,
or Ice
Use a low gear when driving inmud—the deeper the mud, thelower the gear. Keep the vehiclemoving to avoid getting stuck.
Traction changes when driving onsand. On loose sand, such as onbeaches or sand dunes, the tirestend to sink into the sand. Thisaffects steering, accelerating, andbraking. Drive at a reduced speedand avoid sharp turns or abruptmaneuvers.

Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/Mexico-9956065) - 2017 - CRC - 4/29/16
Driving and Operating 255
Traction is reduced on hard packedsnow and ice and it is easy to losecontrol. Reduce vehicle speed whendriving on hard packed snowand ice.
{Warning
Driving on frozen lakes, ponds,
or rivers can be dangerous. Ice
conditions vary greatly and the
vehicle could fall through the ice;
you and your passengers could
drown. Drive your vehicle on safe
surfaces only.
Driving in Water
{Warning
Driving through rushing water can
be dangerous. Deep water can
sweep your vehicle downstream
and you and your passengers
could drown. If it is only shallow
water, it can still wash away the
ground from under your tires.
(Continued)
Warning (Continued)
Traction could be lost, and the
vehicle could roll over. Do not
drive through rushing water.
Caution
Do not drive through standing
water if it is deep enough to cover
the wheel hubs, axles, or exhaust
pipe. Deep water can damage the
axle and other vehicle parts.
If the standing water is not too deep,drive slowly through it. At fasterspeeds, water splashes and thevehicle can stall. When goingthrough water, the brakes get wetand it may take longer to stop. See“Driving on Wet Roads”later in thissection.
After Off-Road Driving
Remove any brush or debris thathas collected on the underbody orchassis, or under the hood. Theseaccumulations can be a fire hazard.
After operation in mud or sand,have the brake linings cleaned andchecked. These substances cancause glazing and uneven braking.Check the body structure, steering,suspension, wheels, tires, andexhaust system for damage andcheck the fuel lines and coolingsystem for any leakage.
More frequent maintenance serviceis required. See theMaintenanceSchedule0452.
Driving on Wet Roads
Rain and wet roads can reducevehicle traction and affect yourability to stop and accelerate.Always drive slower in these typesof driving conditions and avoiddriving through large puddles anddeep-standing or flowing water.