Chevrolet Silverado: Driving Information / Winter Driving
Driving on Snow or Ice
Snow or ice between the tires and the road creates less traction or grip, so
drive carefully. Wet ice can occur at about 0 °C (32 °F) when freezing rain begins
to fall. Avoid driving on wet ice or in freezing rain until roads can be treated.
For Slippery Road Driving:
- Accelerate gently. Accelerating too quickly causes the wheels to spin and
makes the surface under the tires slick.
- Turn on Traction Control. See Traction Control/Electronic Stability Control.
- The Antilock Brake System (ABS) improves vehicle stability during hard stops,
but the brakes should be applied sooner than when on dry pavement. See Antilock
Brake System (ABS).
- Allow greater following distance and watch for slippery spots. Icy patches
can occur on otherwise clear roads in shaded areas. The surface of a curve or
an overpass can remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. Avoid sudden
steering maneuvers and braking while on ice.
- Turn off cruise control.
Blizzard Conditions
Stop the vehicle in a safe place and signal for help. Stay with the vehicle unless
there is help nearby. If possible, use Roadside Assistance. See Roadside Assistance
Program. To get help and keep everyone in the vehicle safe:
- Turn on the hazard warning flashers.
- Tie a red cloth to an outside mirror.
Warning
Snow can trap engine exhaust under the vehicle. This may cause exhaust
gases to get inside. Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide (CO), which cannot
be seen or smelled. It can cause unconsciousness and even death.
If the vehicle is stuck in snow:
- Clear snow from the base of the vehicle, especially any blocking the
exhaust pipe.
- Open a window about 5 cm (2 in) on the vehicle side that is away from
the wind, to bring in fresh air.
- Fully open the air outlets on or under the instrument panel.
- Adjust the climate control system to circulate the air inside the
vehicle and set the fan speed to the highest setting. See “Climate Control Systems.”
For more information about CO, see Engine Exhaust.
To save fuel, run the engine for short periods to warm the vehicle and then shut
the engine off and partially close the window. Moving about to keep warm also helps.
If it takes time for help to arrive, when running the engine, push the accelerator
pedal slightly so the engine runs faster than the idle speed. This keeps the battery
charged to restart the vehicle and to signal for help with the headlamps. Do this
as little as possible, to save fuel.
Driving on steep hills or through mountains is different than driving on flat
or rolling terrain. Tips include:
Keep the vehicle serviced and in good shape...
Slowly and cautiously spin the wheels to free the vehicle when stuck in sand,
mud, ice, or snow. See “Rocking the Vehicle to Get It Out” later in this section...
Other information:
The filter reduces the dust, pollen, and other airborne irritants from outside
air that is pulled into the vehicle.
The filter should be replaced as part of routine scheduled maintenance. See Maintenance
Schedule. To find out what type of filter to use, see Maintenance Replacement Parts...
Adding accessories that change the vehicle's frame, bumper system, height, front
end, or side sheet metal, may keep the airbag system from working properly.
The operation of the airbag system can also be affected by changing, including
improperly repairing or replacing, any parts of the following:
Airbag system, including airbag modules, front or side impact sensors, sensing
and diagnostic module, or airbag wiring
Front seats, including stitching, seams, or zippers
Seat belts
Steering wheel, instrument panel, overhead console, ceiling trim, or pillar
garnish trim
Inner door seals, including speakers
Your dealer and the service manual have information about the location of the
airbag modules and sensors, sensing and diagnostic module, and airbag wiring along
with the proper replacement procedures...