The Chevy Silverado ranks high with regard to its performance as a pick-up truck. It has a strong engine and good towing ability. If you need a spacious vehicle, then the Silverado is a good choice for you. Car experts have shared their thoughts about the Chevy Silverado's comfortable performance, and we're here to discuss what we've learned about Silverado's shocks and struts systems working to give you a smooth ride.
Your Silverado drives smoothly and comfortably because of the shocks and struts that are included in the vehicle. These help in absorbing the bumps that you encounter on the road.
Keep reading this post to help you understand how the Chevy Silverado runs! We'll also give you some tips on how to maintain the parts so you can keep on using your vehicle for a long time.
The Ins And Outs Of Your Silverado
In most reviews, the Chevy Silverado ranks as one of the top-performing pick-up trucks available on the market. It runs on diesel and has an automatic transmission.
The Silverado is versatile. You can use it as a work truck, luxury vehicle, and for off-road trips. It is also ideal as a single cab, double or crew-cab. If you like to haul or tow stuff, you can use the Silverado to its fullest.
The interior of Silverado is spacious, so you can put your purse inside and store other belongings by the door. Check out this article to discover how wide a Silverado is.
Of course, another important component of the vehicle is the shock absorbers and struts which give you a smooth ride. While the terms shocks and struts come up when we talk about vehicles, it is important to remember that these are two distinct parts. They also have different functions to help the vehicle run smoothly.
How The Shocks In The Silverado Works
Car enthusiasts recommend getting quality shock absorbers for the Silverado to make the ride more enjoyable.
The shock absorbers are part of the suspension system in your car. They soften the bumps that your car goes over so that the passengers remain comfortable despite being on a not-so-smooth road.
There is a piston in the car's cylinder that controls the shock absorbers. The piston head releases a small amount of liquid to manage the movement of the car suspension, thus maintaining the bouncing of the car's springs. You can find the shock absorbers on the back end of the Silverado.
If there is no shock absorber in the car, the driver might let go of the steering wheel when confronted with a surprising incident on the road. Should the driver lose control, they might get into an accident. The shock absorber helps prevent this.
How To Struts In The Silverado Works
The struts in the Silverado are found in the suspension. It uses coil springs together with shock absorbers to absorb the bumps that the car encounters. The system is also capable of supporting the car's weight.
Struts are located in the front part of the Silverado. Struts are also commonly found in front-wheel-drive vehicles.
When Should You Replace The Shock Absorber?
Car experts say that shock absorbers do not need regular maintenance. But you might need to replace it in case there is a leak in the lubrication system of this part.
After all, shock absorbers tend to deteriorate when you regularly traverse rough roads. When you hear unusual sounds from your vehicle, it could be a sign that it's time to get a shock absorber replacement.
It is also generally recommended to replace the shock absorbers when the mileage hits 50,000 to 100,000 miles. Of course, this recommendation may vary depending on the actual condition of your vehicle. You might want to check with a mechanic about this issue.
Finally, it is also a good idea to replace the shock absorber to continue having a smooth ride in your Silverado. Remember that you replace shocks in pairs.
According to consumer feedback, the following brands are best for your Silverado:
- Bilstein B8 5100 Series Shocks
- Bilstein B8 5100 Front Shocks
- Fox 2.0 Aluminum Body High-Performance Shock - Rear
- Fox Performance Series Coil-over IFP Shock
Click here to see shock absorbers on Amazon.
When Should You Replace The Struts?
Similarly, car experts say that the car suspension should always be in good working condition. Otherwise, you can expect to have a poor driving experience. You might also put yourself in danger when you drive with a defective suspension system, especially if you have faulty struts.
How do you know when it's time to replace them? The tell-tale signs include excessive bouncing after passing over a bump, car acceleration after hitting the brakes, tire cupping, damaged strut boot, and leaking of oily liquid on the side of the struts.
Another recommendation is to replace the struts when they've covered 80,000 miles. Mechanics say that the struts will have experienced excessive wear and tear after all these miles. When you do decide to replace it, make sure to replace these in pairs.
Those who are quite handy can DIY strut replacements. Here are the most recommended strut assemblies:
- Quick-Strut by Monroe
- Strut-Plus by KYB
- ReadyMount by Gabriel
Other Features Of The Silverado
Since the first-generation Chevy Silverado was introduced, it has had a stylish design and powerful wheels. It also has a powerful engine, which makes driving a breeze.
The latest generation also carries safety designs such as automatic emergency brake, lane keep assist, front pedestrian parking, among others. They also have a power sunroof and LED headlamps.
Passengers can also enjoy a comfortable ride with dual-zone climate control. The front can be heated and ventilated.
Maintenance Of Your Silverado
Of course, you will surely want your Silverado to last for as long as you need it. Here are some steps you can take to add more miles:
- Go for regular oil changes. At present, it is recommended to go for an oil change every 5,000 miles
- Get tire rotations at the same time as the oil change
- Change the oil filter regularly
- Use authentic and recommended products
- Check the noises the car makes and take it to the mechanic
- Ensure that the car lights are functional at all times
- Always keep the car clean
If you want to know how far you can go with the fuel in your Silverado, check out this article: "How Many Miles Left When Gas Light Comes On In A Chevy Silverado?"
Resale Value Of The Silverado
A reliable vehicle with a powerful engine will have a good resale value. If you keep the engine in good condition, you will also add more value to your vehicle.
Car dealers estimate that the Silverado will depreciate 42% after five years. The Silverado also has better resale value over other vehicles under the GMC line.
What To Look For When Buying A Used Silverado
Buying a used Silverado is also a good option. Now that you know its power and reliability, you will surely get your money's worth. Before you go to the car lot, here are some points to keep in mind when you are looking for a second-hand truck:
- Check the dealer service history, especially if there have been vehicle recall issues.
- Look at the condition of the car suspension. Pay attention to the shock absorbers, struts, and other joints because they bear the brunt in every journey.
- Check the body for rust, because the vehicle might have been used to haul equipment near the water.
Some car enthusiasts also recommend that you visit government and police auctions to get a better deal. It's also important to have a mechanic check the vehicle thoroughly.
Since the Silverado is versatile, a used one has probably gone on many towing or hauling trips. It's possible that the underside might have seen better days. You wouldn't want to buy a model that is in dire need of repairs.
You also shouldn't worry about getting parts for a used Silverado since these are available in most stores. The replacement parts are typically affordable.
Which Year Is The Best Silverado?
Usually, the latest model is the best version of any vehicle. But according to user reviews, the 2012 Chevy Silverado 1500 is considered the best model. Its features and engine power make the 2012 model a consumer favorite. It is also reliable and meets user expectations.
Final Thoughts
You can't go wrong with a Chevy Silverado, since it is one of the top-performing pick-up trucks on the market. It has a spacious interior and a cooling system for both the front and back row. Each model comes with safety features to make driving easier.
You will also love the Silverado, including what's under the hood. The suspension, including the shock absorbers and struts, help make driving more comfortable.
When you have to pass through rough roads, you will hardly feel them. Keep your Silverado in good condition, so you can use it for a long time. It's also important to take note of when to replace the shocks and struts to avoid inconveniences later on.