The Chevrolet Silverado is a powerful and versatile truck packed with features designed to make your life easier. But let’s be honest—who has time to read the entire owner’s manual cover to cover? There are likely many useful features and tips hidden in those pages that most owners never get around to discovering.
Ever feel like there’s more to your Silverado than you’re currently using? Maybe some functions could make your drives smoother, or tips that could help you get more out of your truck. This guide pulls together 14 hidden features and practical tips for Silverado owners.
Whether you’re looking to enhance towing, boost comfort, or find a few handy tricks, these insights will help you make the most of your Silverado—no manual required.
1. Hidden Storage Spots
Your Silverado is equipped with a variety of concealed storage areas that can be easily overlooked. Under the rear seats, you’ll find hidden compartments accessible by lifting the seat cushions. Some models also offer an additional secret compartment behind the rear seatback—fold down the seats to access it.
For those with the Multi-Flex Tailgate, side storage bins in the bed are perfect for organizing smaller items. Additionally, certain models include a lockable under-seat storage box that spans the width of the rear seat, providing a secure place for valuables. Don’t forget about the dual glove box, which offers both upper and lower compartments for better organization of cabin space.
Don’t miss these essential tips every Silverado owner should know here.
2. Lesser Known Infotainment Tidbits
Start by activating the built-in Wi-Fi hotspot through the infotainment screen’s settings, where you can also customize the network name and password for a more secure and personal connection. While you’re customizing, adjust the home screen layout by pressing and holding any app icon until it starts to shake—then drag it to your preferred spot for easier access.
If you need to restrict access to certain features when someone else is driving, use Valet Mode found in the "Settings" menu, where you can set a unique PIN. For even more convenience, head to the "Vehicle" settings and use "Remote Start Customization" to pre-set climate control and heated seats so your cabin is just how you like it when you get in.
Lastly, activate Do Not Disturb Mode under "Phone" settings to silence calls and texts while driving, helping you stay focused on the road.
Discover what the Silverado Max Trailering Package includes here.
3. Power Features You’ll Appreciate
Your Silverado is equipped with power features designed for convenience on the go. In the truck bed, a 120-volt outlet near the tailgate powers tools or equipment for outdoor work. Inside the cab, you’ll find another 120-volt outlet on the center console, ideal for tailgating or camping—press the power button near the outlet to activate it.
To keep everyone connected on long trips, USB-C ports in the front and rear seating areas offer faster charging for modern devices. Plus, the Battery Rundown Protection feature automatically shuts off lights and outlets after a set time if the engine is off, helping to prevent battery drain during extended stops.
4. Customizing Your Digital Dashboard
Your Silverado’s Digital Driver Information Center (DIC) offers multiple customization options to help you focus on the information that matters most. Start by setting up Custom Info Pages, where you can select specific data points to monitor, such as transmission temperature or trailer brake status.
To adjust for different lighting conditions, use the "Settings" menu to change the display brightness. The Speed Warning Alert feature lets you set a maximum speed limit, providing an alert if you exceed it. For tire monitoring, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) displays individual tire pressures directly on the DIC. Additionally, the Oil Life Monitoring System, found in the "Vehicle Info" menu, offers real-time updates on your remaining oil life.
Off-roaders will find the 4WD Status Monitoring particularly useful, as it shows the current drive mode and which wheels are receiving power, helping you stay informed in challenging conditions. If you’re experiencing reduced engine power in your Silverado, find out how to fix it here.
5. Teen Driver Mode Advanced Features
Teen Driver Mode offers several tools to help manage and monitor your young driver’s habits. Start by creating a unique PIN to lock the settings, preventing others from altering or disabling the mode.
After each trip, check the Report Card feature, which records data like distance driven, maximum speed, overspeed warnings, and safety system activations, such as ABS and Forward Collision Alert.
The Seat Belt, Audio Mute function, mutes the audio until the front seat belts are fastened. This encourages seat belt use by linking it to the ability to listen to the radio.
During the drive, Teen Driver Mode provides real-time visual and audible alerts, offering feedback on unsafe behaviors and helping the young driver correct their actions immediately.
6. Tow/Haul Mode Advanced Features
Tow/Haul Mode offers several features designed to make towing more efficient and controlled. The system optimizes transmission shift points by holding gears longer on inclines, reducing gear hunting for smoother towing.
In the infotainment system, you can create and save Trailer Profiles, which store settings like trailer brake gain and trailer type, making it easy to switch between trailers without needing to reconfigure each time. Automatic Downshifting engages during downhill drives or when approaching a stop, adding engine braking to reduce the need for constant brake use.
Advanced Camera Views, including a trailer hitch view and bird’s-eye view, help with precise trailer alignment and maneuvering in tight spaces. You can also adjust the Trailer Brake Gain directly from the driver information center or infotainment system, giving you precise control over your trailer's braking system.
Curious if your Silverado can tow a camper or even a 5th wheel? Learn more here.
7. Customizing Your Truck Experience
Your truck’s key fobs can be linked to specific driver profiles, so when you unlock the vehicle, the seats, mirrors, and radio presets automatically adjust to your preferences. Setting your ideal liftgate height is also simple: just manually adjust it and hold the liftgate button until you hear a beep—now it opens exactly how you like it.
If you need to cool down the cabin before getting in, hold the unlock button on your key fob to lower all the windows at once. Additionally, the Easy Exit Seat feature adds convenience by moving the driver’s seat back when you turn off the ignition, giving you more space to slide out comfortably.
While you drive, the Speed-Dependent Volume Control adjusts the audio volume based on your speed, keeping your music consistent despite changing road noise.
8. Hidden Lighting Features
Your truck's lighting system offers several practical features that add both convenience and safety. Start with the Trailer Lighting Check, which you can access through the Driver Information Center (DIC). This feature allows you to cycle through all trailer lights for a quick inspection—navigate to the trailer settings and activate the check.
On select models, puddle lights integrated into the side mirrors automatically illuminate when you unlock the vehicle, providing extra visibility as you enter or exit. For consistent brightness from your LED headlights, set the headlight switch to "Auto," ensuring optimal performance in various conditions.
In the truck bed, integrated lighting helps with nighttime work or loading. You can control these lights using a switch in the bed or from the cab, offering flexibility depending on where you are. Inside, ambient lighting subtly fades in and out during entry and exit. You can adjust this through the interior lighting settings to match your preferences.
Explore the different Chevrolet Silverado trim levels and what each one offers here.
9. Advanced Head-Up Display Features
Start by customizing your truck’s Head-Up Display (HUD) to suit your needs. Adjust the brightness and position through the vehicle’s settings menu to keep the display clear and visible, even in changing light conditions or while wearing sunglasses.
On select models, the HUD automatically shows Adaptive Cruise Control details, like set speed and following distance, once you engage the system. For navigation, the HUD offers turn-by-turn directions with lane guidance, letting you follow your route without taking your eyes off the road.
In areas with traffic sign recognition, the HUD displays the current speed limit directly on the windshield, so you’re always in the know. Off-road enthusiasts can activate the HUD’s Off-Road Data to monitor pitch, roll angles, and 4WD status in real time, making it easier to tackle tough terrains.
10. Terrain-Optimized Suspension Features
Your truck comes ready to tackle various terrains with specialized suspension features. Use the drive mode dial to shift into 4WD Auto Mode, which automatically adjusts between 2WD and 4WD depending on road conditions.
On icy or snowy roads, select Snow/Ice Mode to dial down throttle sensitivity and tweak transmission shifts for more control. For navigating low-speed, technical trails, switch to Terrain Mode using the drive mode selector.
Activate Hill Descent Control with a button on the console, letting the system manage braking on steep descents while you focus on steering. When driving on soft surfaces, engage Sand/Mud Mode to adjust traction control, allowing for more wheel spin and keeping your momentum going.
11. Smart Safety Features at Work
Your truck is equipped with smart safety features that help keep you and your passengers safe on the road. Activate the Safety Alert Seat in the vehicle's settings under "Safety" to get tactile warnings for hazards like Forward Collision Alerts and Lane Departure Warnings. You can also adjust the sensitivity of Forward Collision Alert within these settings.
The Rear Seat Reminder prompts you to check the back seat before exiting, a feature you can toggle in "Vehicle Settings." For safe driving distances, turn on the Following Distance Indicator and customize it in the "Driver Assistance" menu. Similarly, enable Lane Keep Assist to gently guide your truck back into its lane—both features are adjustable under "Driver Assistance."
Rear Cross Traffic Alert helps when reversing by detecting approaching vehicles from the side, and Side Blind Zone Alert monitors your blind spots during lane changes. Customize both of these features in the "Driver Assistance" section.
Lastly, if you often tow, the Rear Vision Camera with Hitch Guidance is a handy tool. Enable it in the "Settings" menu under "Rear Camera" to make trailer alignment a breeze.
12. Voice Commands for Ultimate Control
Your truck’s voice command system offers a range of features that simplify driving and keep your focus on the road. Start by setting destinations with a full address in one go—press the voice command button on your steering wheel and speak the address. You can also search for nearby points of interest like gas stations or restaurants by saying something like “Find the nearest gas station.”
For places you visit often, use shortcuts like “Go home” or “Navigate to work” to quickly set directions without typing anything in. These shortcuts can be set up in the navigation system for easy access. Curious about other commands? Say, “What can I say?” to receive a list of available voice commands, helping you discover new ways to interact with your truck.
For added safety, your voice command system integrates with OnStar. In an emergency, press the voice command button and say “Call OnStar” to get connected to emergency services.
13. Key Fob Tricks You Should Know
Your Silverado's key fob offers more than just locking and unlocking—it’s packed with features that make your truck even easier to use. For a quick cool-down, press and hold the unlock button to lower all the windows at once, letting fresh air in before you climb inside. Each key fob can also be linked to a specific driver profile, so when you unlock the truck, the seat and mirrors automatically adjust to your preferred settings.
Remote Start is another handy feature, letting you pre-set the interior climate to heat or cool the cabin based on the outside temperature, so it’s comfortable when you’re ready to go. Need to open the tailgate without touching it? Just double-press the tailgate button on the key fob to lower it remotely, making loading and unloading a breeze.
14. Tailgate Features for Everyday Use
Your Silverado's tailgate is designed for versatility, with features that make every task easier. The Power-Up/Down Tailgate can be operated with just a press of your key fob, the tailgate buttons, or an in-cab switch, allowing you to lower or raise it with ease.
For those with the Multi-Flex Tailgate, you have six different configurations at your fingertips. Need a step to access the bed? The tailgate transforms into a full-width step. Working on a project? Fold down the inner gate to create a sturdy work surface. Switching between these configurations is simple—use the two buttons on the tailgate.
Experiment with these setups to find what works best for you, making your tailgate more than just a door—it’s a tool for whatever the day requires.
Making the Most of Your Silverado
Your Chevrolet Silverado is packed with features designed to make every drive smoother, safer, and more convenient. From smart storage solutions to customizable digital displays, there’s a lot more to your truck than meets the eye.
By exploring and using these hidden features, you can tailor your Silverado to better suit your needs, making every trip more enjoyable and efficient. Don't just settle for the basics—take full advantage of everything your truck has to offer.
Find out how much weight your Chevy Silverado 1500 can carry here.
These points for added needed information would be great to have at POS or this could be mailed to the purchaser. A some sort of laminated card which could be attach d behind the driver advisor would help.