2021 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 brakes

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
342 Vehicle Care
Brake Fluid
The brake master cylinder reservoir is filled
with GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid as
indicated on the reservoir cap. SeeEngine
Compartment Overview 0324 for the
location of the reservoir.
Checking Brake Fluid
With the vehicle in P (Park) on a level
surface, the brake fluid level should be
between the minimum and maximum marks
on the brake fluid reservoir.
There are only two reasons why the brake
fluid level in the reservoir may go down:
.Normal brake lining wear. When new
linings are installed, the fluid level goes
back up.
.A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system.
Have the brake hydraulic system fixed.
With a leak, the brakes will not
work well. Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap
and the area around the cap before
removing it.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid
does not correct a leak. If fluid is added
when the linings are worn, there will be too
much fluid when new brake linings are
installed. Add or remove fluid, as necessary,
only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
{Warning
If too much brake fluid is added, it can
spill on the engine and burn, if the
engine is hot enough. You or others could
be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic
system.
When the brake fluid falls to a low level,
the brake warning light comes on. See Brake
System Warning Light 0117.
Brake fluid absorbs water over time which
degrades the effectiveness of the brake fluid.
Replace brake fluid at the specified intervals
to prevent increased stopping distance. See
Maintenance Schedule 0409. What to Add
Use only GM approved DOT 4 brake fluid
from a clean, sealed container. See
Recommended Fluids and Lubricants
0418.
{Warning
The wrong or contaminated brake fluid
could result in damage to the brake
system. This could result in the loss of
braking leading to a possible injury.
Always use the proper GM approved
brake fluid.
Caution
If brake fluid is spilled on the vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Immediately wash off any
painted surface.
Battery - North America
The original equipment battery is
maintenance free. Do not remove the cap
and do not add fluid.
Refer to the replacement number shown on
the original battery label when a new
battery is needed. See Engine Compartment
Overview 0324 for battery location.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 377
{Warning
Mixing tires of different sizes (other
than those originally installed on the
vehicle), brands, tread patterns,
or types may cause loss of vehicle
control, resulting in a crash or other
vehicle damage. Use the correct size,
brand, and type of tire on all wheels.
{Warning
Using bias-ply tires on the vehicle
may cause the wheel rim flanges to
develop cracks after many miles of
driving. A tire and/or wheel could fail
suddenly and cause a crash. Use only
radial-ply tires with the wheels on
the vehicle.
Winter tires with the same speed rating
as the original equipment tires may not
be available for H, V, W, Y and ZR
speed rated tires. Never exceed the
winter tires’ maximum speed capability
when using winter tires with a lower
speed rating. If the vehicle tires must be replaced
with a tire that does not have a TPC
Spec number, make sure they are the
same size, load range, speed rating, and
construction (radial) as the original
tires.
The Tire and Loading Information label
indicates the original equipment tires
on the vehicle. See
Vehicle Load Limits
0 222.Different Size Tires and Wheels
If wheels or tires are installed that are a
different size than the original equipment
wheels and tires, vehicle performance,
including its braking, ride and handling
characteristics, stability, and resistance to
rollover may be affected. If the vehicle has
electronic systems such as antilock brakes,
rollover airbags, traction control, electronic
stability control, or All-Wheel Drive, the
performance of these systems can also be
affected.
{Warning
If different sized wheels are used, there
may not be an acceptable level of
performance and safety if tires not
recommended for those wheels are
selected. This increases the chance of a
crash and serious injury. Only use GM
specific wheel and tire systems developed
for the vehicle, and have them properly
installed by a GM certified technician.
See Buying New Tires 0376 and
Accessories and Modifications 0322.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
The following information relates to the
system developed by the United States
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), which grades
tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies
only to vehicles sold in the United
States. The grades are molded on the
sidewalls of most passenger car tires.
The Uniform Tire Quality Grading
(UTQG) system does not apply to deep
tread, winter tires, compact spare tires,

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Vehicle Care 379
Wheel Alignment and Tire
Balance
The tires and wheels were aligned and
balanced at the factory to provide the
longest tire life and best overall
performance. Adjustments to wheel
alignment and tire balancing are not
necessary on a regular basis. Consider an
alignment check if there is unusual tire wear
or the vehicle is significantly pulling to one
side or the other. Some slight pull to the
left or right, depending on the crown of the
road and/or other road surface variations
such as troughs or ruts, is normal. If the
vehicle is vibrating when driving on a
smooth road, the tires and wheels may
need to be rebalanced. See your dealer for
proper diagnosis.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked,
or badly rusted or corroded. If wheel nuts
keep coming loose, the wheel, wheel bolts,
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks air, replace it. Some aluminum
wheels can be repaired. See your dealer if
any of these conditions exist.Your dealer will know the kind of wheel that
is needed.
Each new wheel should have the same
load-carrying capacity, diameter, width,
offset, and be mounted the same way as
the one it replaces.
Replace wheels, wheel bolts, wheel nuts,
or Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS)
sensors with new GM original equipment
parts.
{Warning
Using the wrong replacement wheels,
wheel bolts, or wheel nuts can be
dangerous. It could affect the braking and
handling of the vehicle. Tires can lose air,
and cause loss of control, causing a crash.
Always use the correct wheel, wheel
bolts, and wheel nuts for replacement.
Caution
The wrong wheel can also cause
problems with bearing life, brake cooling,
speedometer or odometer calibration,
headlamp aim, bumper height, vehicle
ground clearance, and tire or tire chain
clearance to the body and chassis.
Used Replacement Wheels
{Warning
Replacing a wheel with a used one is
dangerous. How it has been used or how
far it has been driven may be unknown.
It could fail suddenly and cause a crash.
When replacing wheels, use a new GM
original equipment wheel.
Tire Chains
{Warning
If the vehicle has 275/50R22, 275/60R20,
LT265/60R20, LT265/70R17, or LT275/65R18
size tires, do not use tire chains. There is
not enough clearance. Tire chains used on
a vehicle without the proper amount of
clearance can cause damage to the
brakes, suspension, or other vehicle parts.
The area damaged by the tire chains
could cause loss of control and a crash.
Use another type of traction device only
if its manufacturer recommends it for the
vehicle's tire size combination and road
conditions. Follow that manufacturer's
(Continued)

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
408 Service and Maintenance
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 415
Additional Maintenance and Care
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . . 415
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 418
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . . 419
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 422
General Information
This maintenance section applies to vehicles
with a gasoline engine. For diesel engine
vehicles, see "Maintenance Schedule" in the
Duramax diesel supplement.
Your vehicle is an important investment.
This section describes the required
maintenance for the vehicle. Follow this
schedule to help protect against major repair
expenses resulting from neglect or
inadequate maintenance. It may also help to
maintain the value of the vehicle if it is
sold. It is the responsibility of the owner to
have all required maintenance performed.
Your dealer has trained technicians who can
perform required maintenance using genuine
replacement parts. They have up-to-date
tools and equipment for fast and accurate
diagnostics. Many dealers have extended
evening and Saturday hours, courtesy
transportation, and online scheduling to
assist with service needs.
Your dealer recognizes the importance of
providing competitively priced maintenance
and repair services. With trained technicians,
the dealer is the place for routine maintenance such as oil changes and tire
rotations and additional maintenance items
like tires, brakes, batteries, and wiper blades.
Caution
Damage caused by improper maintenance
can lead to costly repairs and may not be
covered by the vehicle warranty.
Maintenance intervals, checks,
inspections, recommended fluids, and
lubricants are important to keep the
vehicle in good working condition.
Do not have chemical flushes that are not
approved by GM performed on the
vehicle. The use of flushes, solvents,
cleaners, or lubricants that are not
approved by GM could damage the
vehicle, requiring expensive repairs that
are not covered by the vehicle warranty.
The Tire Rotation and Required Services are
the responsibility of the vehicle owner. It is
recommended to have your dealer perform
these services every 12 000 km/7,500 mi.
Proper vehicle maintenance helps to keep
the vehicle in good working condition,
improves fuel economy, and reduces vehicle
emissions.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
416 Service and Maintenance
.Trained dealer technicians have the
diagnostic equipment to test the battery
and ensure that the connections and
cables are corrosion-free.
Belts
.Belts may need replacing if they squeak
or show signs of cracking or splitting.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the belts
and recommend adjustment or
replacement when necessary.
Brakes
Brakes stop the vehicle and are crucial to
safe driving.
.Signs of brake wear may include chirping,
grinding, or squealing noises, or difficulty
stopping.
.Trained dealer technicians have access to
tools and equipment to inspect the brakes
and recommend quality parts engineered
for the vehicle.
Fluids
Proper fluid levels and approved fluids
protect the vehicle’s systems and
components. See Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants 0418 for GM approved fluids.
.Engine oil and windshield washer fluid
levels should be checked at every fuel fill.
.Instrument cluster lights may come on to
indicate that fluids may be low and need
to be filled.
Hoses
Hoses transport fluids and should be
regularly inspected to ensure that there are
no cracks or leaks. With a multi-point
inspection, your dealer can inspect the hoses
and advise if replacement is needed.
Lamps
Properly working headlamps, taillamps, and
brake lamps are important to see and be
seen on the road.
.Signs that the headlamps need attention
include dimming, failure to light, cracking,
or damage. The brake lamps need to be
checked periodically to ensure that they
light when braking.
.With a multi-point inspection, your dealer
can check the lamps and note any
concerns.
Shocks and Struts
Shocks and struts help aid in control for a
smoother ride.
.Signs of wear may include steering wheel
vibration, bounce/sway while braking,
longer stopping distance, or uneven
tire wear.
.As part of the multi-point inspection,
trained dealer technicians can visually
inspect the shocks and struts for signs of
leaking, blown seals, or damage, and can
advise when service is needed.
Tires
Tires need to be properly inflated, rotated,
and balanced. Maintaining the tires can save
money and fuel, and can reduce the risk of
tire failure.
.Signs that the tires need to be replaced
include three or more visible treadwear
indicators; cord or fabric showing through
the rubber; cracks or cuts in the tread or
sidewall; or a bulge or split in the tire.
.Trained dealer technicians can inspect and
recommend the right tires. Your dealer
can also provide tire/wheel balancing
services to ensure smooth vehicle
operation at all speeds. Your dealer sells
and services name brand tires.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
436 Customer Information
with that company. In such cases, you can
have control of the repair and parts choices
as long as the cost stays within reasonable
limits.
Publication Ordering Information
Service Manuals
Service manuals have the diagnosis and
repair information on the engine,
transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical system, steering system, body, etc.
Customer Literature
Owner’s manuals are written specifically for
owners and are intended to provide basic
operational information about the vehicle.
The owner’s manual includes the
Maintenance Schedule for all models.
Customer literature publications available for
purchase include owner’s manuals, warranty
manuals, and portfolios. Portfolios include an
owner’s manual, warranty manual,
if applicable, and zip lock bag or pouch.
Current and Past Models
Service manuals and customer literature are
available for many current and past model
year GM vehicles.To order, call 1-800-551-4123 Monday–Friday,
8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. eastern time
For credit card orders only (VISA,
MasterCard, or Discover), see Helm, Inc. at:
www.helminc.com.
To order by mail, write to:
Helm, Incorporated
Attention: Customer Service
47911 Halyard Drive
Plymouth, MI 48170
Make checks payable in U.S. funds.
Radio Frequency Statement
This vehicle uses license-exempt transmitters
/ receivers / systems that operate on a
radio frequency that complies with Part 15/
Part 18 of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) rules and with Innovation,
Science and Economic Development (ISED)
Canada's license-exempt RSS(s) / RSP-100 /
ICES-GEN.
Operation is subject to the following two
conditions:
1. The device may not cause harmful interference. 2. The device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation of the device.
Changes or modifications to any of these
systems by other than an authorized service
facility could void authorization to use this
equipment.
Reporting Safety Defects
Reporting Safety Defects to the
United States Government
If you believe that your vehicle has a
defect which could cause a crash or
could cause injury or death, you should
immediately inform the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration
(NHTSA) in addition to notifying General
Motors.
If NHTSA receives similar complaints, it
may open an investigation, and if it
finds that a safety defect exists in a
group of vehicles, it may order a recall
and remedy campaign. However, NHTSA
cannot become involved in individual
problems between you, your dealer,
or General Motors.

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
Index 449
Assistance Program, Roadside . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Assistance Systems for Driving . . . . . . . . . . 274
Assistance Systems for Parking andBacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 266
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Auto Stop
Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 233
Automatic Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Automatic Transmission
Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Shift Lock Control Function Check . . . . . . 346
Auxiliary Roof Mounted Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Auxiliary Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . .158
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345B
Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 147
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . .342, 391
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Blind Spot Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 180, 181
Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
Brake Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .341
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 341
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 213 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 276
Braking System
Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228 Bulb Replacement
Center High-Mounted Stoplamp
(CHMSL) and Cargo Lamp . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Halogen Bulbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 349
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal, Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps . . . . . . 349
License Plate Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 352
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps, and Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 350
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 376
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
California Perchlorate Materials Requirements . . . 321
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321, 342, 391, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 424
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Tailgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220

Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico/Paraguay-14632303) - 2021 - CRC - 11/9/20
452 Index
F
FanEngine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Filter, Engine Air Cleaner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Fixed Mast Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
Flash-to-Pass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Flashers, Hazard Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .142
Flat Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 380 Changing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
FlexFuel E85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Floor Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Floor Mats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 405
Fluid Automatic Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 332
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Four-Wheel Drive Transfer Case . . . . . . . . 241
Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 339
Fog Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .143
Folding Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Forward Collision Alert (FCA) System . . . . 274
Four-Wheel Drive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241, 345
Four-Wheel-Drive Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Frequency Statement Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436
Front Axle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 345 Front Fog Lamp
Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Front Pedestrian Braking (FPB) System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
Front Seats Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Heated and Ventilated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Fuel Additives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Economy, Driving for Better . . . . . . . . . . . 212
Filling a Portable Fuel Container . . . . . . . 288
Filling the Tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285, 286
Foreign Countries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Low Fuel Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Management, Active . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Prohibited Fuels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
Recommended . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Top Tier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
Full-Size Spare Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 391
Fuses Engine Compartment Fuse Block . . . . . . . 353
Fuses and Circuit Breakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Instrument Panel Fuse Block . . . . . . 357, 358
G
Garage Door Opener . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136Programming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Gas Strut(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 348
Gauges Engine Coolant Temperature . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Engine Oil Pressure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Fuel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Speedometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Tachometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Trip Odometer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Voltmeter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Warning Lights and Indicators . . . . . . . . . 106
General Information Service and Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 408
Towing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 288
Vehicle Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 321
Glass Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 347
Global Positioning System (GPS) . . . . . . . . . .174
Glove Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
GM Mobility Reimbursement
Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .431
Guidance
Problems with the Route . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 174