That’s One Tough Truck: Testing the Chevy Silverado Reliability

Marc Skirvin
Marc Skirvin

What's in this Article

The American public has disrespected American cars and SUVs for too long. Chevys simply don’t deserve it. You’ll find out why in just a moment. 

If you’re in the car market, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with all of the different choices. But if you’re in the truck market, the options become a little easier. 

Chevy trucks are some of the most dependable machines out there. How long can a Chevy Silverado last? Chevy Silverado reliability is unmatched compared to other trucks. Here’s how its lifespan compares to others.

What to Check for in a Truck  

If you’re considering purchasing a Chevy Silverado, you should understand how to spot a good one and move on from a lemon. 

A few questions to keep in mind as you search for cars include: 

  • What kind of towing load do you need?
  • How big of a truck do you need? 
  • What’s your budget?

You’ll also want to investigate the truck’s current condition and take a ook at the truck’s history.

Run a History 

The Chevy Silverado dependability isn’t only about the car itself, it’s also about the person who previously owned it. Understanding the truck’s background goes a long way to uncovering its dependability.

A truck that was driven by one owner with no accidents, but 130,000 might be more dependable than a truck that was driven by four owners with an accident and 58,000 miles. 

Why is it on the Market?

Consider why the owner is selling the truck. The reason goes a long way to identify potential repairs and mechanical issues. 

Check the Maintenance History 

Delve into the vehicle’s service history with the CARFAX Report. The report will tell you all you need to know about it blemishes.

In particular, check how often the truck had its oil changed. Frequent oil changes can be the difference between a virile vehicle, and a rust bucket. 

If there is a limited oil change history or sporadic maintenance, you may want to steer clear. 

Find Out What Needs Fixing 

After you obtain the maintenance record, you’ll have a better understanding of the vehicle’s potential mechanical issues. You can then assess how much repairs would cost and whether it’s worth the money to purchase. 

Check the Body for Rust

Checking for rust is especially crucial for trucks in muggier and colder climates. Rust is the last thing you want on the body of your vehicle. It’s potentially hazardous, especially if you plan on taking the truck off-road. Make sure you find a truck without any significant rust issues. 

Perform a Quality Inspection  

After you’ve done your part, enlist the help of an outside source. If you’re seriously considering purchasing a vehicle, have a mechanic conduct a pre-purchase inspection to verify your assessment of the vehicle. 

Check for Body Damage 

Don’t turn a blind eye to body damage. It may seem insignificant if you’re trying to be thrifty, but body damage can lead to mechanical issues.  

Consider Mileage 

MIileage is always a vital indicator of a truck’s dependability. The more miles a truck has, the more likely it is to need service. Knowing which engine models require certain repairs can also influence your decision. 

Specific engine models are designed to reach 300,000 miles; others barely make 200,000 miles. It just depends on the make and model. 

Inspect the Tires 

inspecting the tires is especially essential when you’re considering a truck. Tires can be an expensive replacement, so understanding how much tread they have left, and where they’ve driven, is crucial to understanding Chevy Silverado dependability. 

2016 Chevy Silverado 

In 2016, Chevy issued a Silverado with a tune-up just two years after a redesign. The result was the 2016 Chevy Silverado. 

Chevrolet’s full-size, half-ton pickup had an upgraded infotainment system, assistance and avoidance technologies, enhanced cargo functions, and — oh yeah, an 8-speed automatic transmission. 

If you’re not sold yet, there’s more. The 2016 Silverado was highly customizable. Chevy offered this model in cab, bed, and drivetrain combinations. It also had trim levels that varied from a construction worker’s dream to a mountain lover’s luxury. 

The topper; the 2016 Chevy Silverado reliability score was a 9 out of 10 in JD Power 

2017 Chevy Silverado HD 

If you’re looking for heavy-duty, look no further. This 2017 Chevrolet’s heavy-duty pickup truck is equipped with a Duramax turbodiesel engine outputting 445 horsepower and 910 lb.-ft. of torque.

You might think that’s not sustainable, but with new teen driver safety technology and a 23,000 lb towing capacity, the Chevy Silverado HD is one of the most dependable yet.

The 2017 Chevy Silverado HD is more notable for its power than its dependability, however, so the 2016 Chevy Silverado is a better option if you’re looking for the long haul.  

Still, If you need high-power, the 2017 Chevy Silverado’s durability is difficult to match.  

2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Chevy’s 2017 light-duty pickup truck model, the Silverado 1500, increased its tow-rating to 12,500 lbs. If you’re looking for dependability, look no further.

Its capless fuel-filler system saves gas and makes this a financially conscious alternative to the heavy-duty HD. The Chevy1500 also has an automatic emergency brake system that kicks in even at lower speeds.   

2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

JD power identified the most reliable trucks in 2018 after three years on the road. The Chevy Silverado has two models on that list.

Chevy offered its 2015 Silverado 1500 in a regular, extended, and crew cab body style. They also gave the consumer a choice between six trims; a V6 and two V8 engines.

The 2015 model had a lot of the same design features because Chevy redesigned the Silverado in 2014. But the 6.2-liter V8 engine is a gold standard among truck enthusiasts and is a testament to Chevy Silverado dependability.

Equipped with an 8-speed, the 2015 Chevy Silverado received a JD Power dependability rating of 5 out of 5. 

2015 Chevrolet Silverado Heavy Duty

Unlike the Chevy 1500, the Silverado Heavy Duty came out with a new design in 2015. This model year bolstered the truck’s structural durability and increased both towing and payload capacity.

With an extended cab offering and a quieter cab, the heavy-duty somewhat changed the meaning of the heavy-duty truck. 2015 was also the same year Chevy upgraded its entertainment systems with modern cutting edge technology. So if you’re looking for a dependable truck that still has all the cool gadgets on it, this one has your name on it. 

Analyzing Chevy Silverado Reliability

When analyzing Chevy Silverado reliability, it’s vital to understand you’re not just looking at the model. When buying a car, it’s always best to examine the make and model first, and then the individual vehicle.

You can buy a great make and model, but if you buy it from the wrong person, you’ll end up in a heap of trouble. If you’re looking to buy or sell your car, read more about what we can provide!

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About the Author

Marc
Marc

Marc is the Co-Founder of Cash Auto Salvage and Director of daily operations. He retired from a leading Internet Marketing company in 2013 and has been involved in the automotive industry ever since.

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