Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Vehicle Care 379
blades. Bugs, road grime, sap, and a buildup
of vehicle wash/wax treatments may cause
wiper streaking.
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.
Weatherstrips
Apply weatherstrip lubricant on
weatherstrips to make them last longer, seal
better, and not stick or squeak. Lubricate
weatherstrips at least 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 Lubricants0395.
Tires
Use a stiff brush with tire cleaner to clean
the tires.
Caution
Using petroleum-based tire dressing
products on the vehicle may damage the
paint finish and/or tires. When applying a
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
tire dressing, always wipe off any
overspray from all painted surfaces on
the vehicle.
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.
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 and ice.
Always wash the chrome with soap and
water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels and
wheel trim, do not use strong soaps,
chemicals, abrasive polishes, cleaners,
(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
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.
Brake System
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.
Steering, Suspension, and Chassis
Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension, and
chassis components for damaged, loose,
or missing parts or signs of wear at least
once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 385
Service and Maintenance
General Information
General Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 385
Maintenance Schedule
Maintenance Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 386
Special Application Services
Special Application Services . . . . . . . . . . . . 392
Additional Maintenance and Care
Additional Maintenance and Care . . . . . 392
Recommended Fluids, Lubricants, and
Parts
Recommended Fluids andLubricants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 395
Maintenance Replacement Parts . . . . . . 396
Maintenance Records
Maintenance Records . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 397
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 Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 389
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Normal12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (3)@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
390 Service and Maintenance
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Normal
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air
quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2) Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition. (3)
Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(4) Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0319.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0326. (7)
Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0329.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0330.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Service and Maintenance 391
Maintenance Schedule Additional
Required Services - Severe12 000 km/7,500 mi
24 000 km/15,000 mi
36 000 km/22,500 mi
48 000 km/30,000 mi 60 000 km/37,500 mi
72 000 km/45,000 mi84 000 km/52,500 mi
96 000 km/60,000 mi
108 000 km/67,500 mi 120 000 km/75,000 mi 132 000 km/82,500 mi
144 000 km/90,000 mi 156 000 km/97,500 mi
168 000 km/105,000 mi 180 000 km/112,500 mi
192 000 km/120,000 mi 204 000 km/127,500 mi 216 000 km/135,000 mi
228 000 km/142,500 mi
240 000 km/150,000 mi
Rotate tires and perform Required Services. Check engine oil
level and oil life percentage. Change engine oil and filter,
if needed.
Check engine air filter life percentage and status. Change
engine air filter, if needed.
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace passenger compartment air filter. (1)@ @@@@@
Inspect evaporative control system. (2)@ @@
Change automatic transmission fluid and filter.@@@
Change transfer case fluid, if equipped with 4WD. (3)@@@
Replace spark plugs. Inspect spark plug wires and/or boots.@
Drain and fill engine cooling system. (4)@
Visually inspect accessory drive belts. (5)@
Replace brake fluid. (6)
Replace front and rear wiper blades. (7)
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ @
Replace hood and/or body lift support gas struts. (8)@ @
Replace air conditioning desiccant. (9)
Footnotes—Maintenance Schedule
Additional Required Services - Severe
(1) Or every two years, whichever comes
first. More frequent passenger compartment
air filter replacement may be needed if
driving in areas with heavy traffic, poor air quality, high dust levels, or environmental
allergens. Passenger compartment air filter
replacement may also be needed if there is
reduced airflow, window fogging, or odors.
Your GM dealer can help determine when to
replace the filter.
(2)
Visually check all fuel and vapor lines
and hoses for proper attachment,
connection, routing, and condition.
(3) Do not directly power wash the transfer
case and/or front/rear axle output seals.
High pressure water can overcome the seals
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
392 Service and Maintenance
and contaminate the transfer case fluid.
Contaminated fluid will decrease the life of
the transfer case and/or axles and should be
replaced.
(4)Or every five years, whichever comes
first. See Cooling System 0319.
(5) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
Inspect for fraying, excessive cracking,
or damage; replace, if needed.
(6) Replace brake fluid every five years. See
Brake Fluid 0326.
(7) Or every 12 months, whichever comes
first. See Wiper Blade Replacement 0329.
(8) Or every 10 years, whichever comes first.
See Gas Strut(s) 0330.
(9) Replace air conditioning desiccant every
seven years.
Special Application Services
.Severe Commercial Use Vehicles Only:
Lubricate chassis components every oil
change.
.Have underbody flushing service
performed. See "Underbody Maintenance"
in Exterior Care 0376.
Additional Maintenance
and Care
Your vehicle is an important investment and
caring for it properly may help to avoid
future costly repairs. To maintain vehicle
performance, additional maintenance
services may be required.
It is recommended that your dealer perform
these services —their trained dealer
technicians know your vehicle best. Your
dealer can also perform a thorough
assessment with a multi-point inspection to
recommend when your vehicle may need
attention.
The following list is intended to explain the
services and conditions to look for that may
indicate services are required.
Battery
The 12-volt battery supplies power to start
the engine and operate any additional
electrical accessories.
.To avoid break-down or failure to start
the vehicle, maintain a battery with full
cranking power.
.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 0395 for GM approved fluids.
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Index 421
Assistance Systems for Parking andBacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
Audio Bluetooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154
Auto Stop Stop/Start System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
Automatic
Dimming Mirrors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Door Locks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Emergency Braking (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Headlamp System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Transmission Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 317
Automatic Transmission Manual Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 235
Avoiding Untrusted Media Devices . . . . . . . . 151
Axle, Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
Axle, Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 328
B
Battery
Exterior Lighting Battery Saver . . . . . . . . 140
Load Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
Power Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Battery - North America . . . . . . . . . . . . 327, 369
Blade Replacement, Wiper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Bluetooth Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 181, 182 Bluetooth Audio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .154
Brake
Electric Boost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Parking, Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
System Warning Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Brake Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Brakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324 Antilock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Assist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 241
Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 326
Pad Life System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 325
Braking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .214 Automatic Emergency (AEB) . . . . . . . . . . . 269
Braking System Front Pedestrian (FPB) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
Break-In, New Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 226
Bulb Replacement
Headlamp Aiming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Headlamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Taillamps, Turn Signal, Stoplamps,and Back-up Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 331
Buying New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 353
C
Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 California
Perchlorate Materials
Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 309
California Proposition 65 Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .309, 327, 369, Back Cover
Canadian Vehicle Owners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Capacities and Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . 398
Carbon Monoxide
Engine Exhaust . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231
Liftgate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Cargo Tie-Downs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Caution, Danger, and Warning . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Center Console Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
Chains, Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 357
Charging Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Charging System Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .110
Check Engine Light (Malfunction Indicator) . . . 110
Child Restraints Infants and Young Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
Lower Anchors and Tethers forChildren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Older Children . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
Securing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83, 85, 87
Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada/-
Mexico-13690484) - 2021 - crc - 8/17/20
Index 431
Warning (cont'd)Caution and Danger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Warning Lights, Gauges, and Indicators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .101
Warnings Hazard Flashers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Washer Fluid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 324
Wheels
Alignment and Tire Balance . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
Different Size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 354
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 356
When It Is Time for New Tires . . . . . . . . . . . 353
Where to Put the Restraint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
Windows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Windshield
Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 330
Wiper/Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Winter Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
Winter Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 342
Wiper Blade Replacement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 329
Wipers
Rear Washer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
Wireless Charging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99