Chevrolet Silverado 4500HD 2022 Owner's Manual page 358

356 Service and Maintenance
If brake fluid must be added frequently to
maintain the proper level in the master
cylinder, there is either rapid pad wear or a
fluid system leak. A more frequent and
thorough brake inspection is required.
Electrical
Batteries
Battery life and performance varies greatly
depending on duty cycle. Conditions such as
short runs between starts, low ambient
operating temperatures, use of battery
current without the engine running, and
vibration will reduce battery life. Battery life
is also affected by the condition of
interrelated components, such as alternators,
battery cables, connections, engine
startability, and starter. To maximize battery
life, it is important to keep electrical
components, battery boxes, and the engine
in top condition and to minimize or
eliminate electrical loads when the engine is
not running.
Battery life can be extended by keeping the
batteries fully charged at all times.
Periodically charging the batteries with a
battery charger may be able to charge the
batteries more completely than the vehicle s
alternator in certain severe applications. Use
a battery charger (float charger) that
automatically reduces amperage or shuts off
when the batteries are fully charged. Use of
a Midtronics 55-Amp Power Supply/Smart
(Battery) Charger, Model Number PCX550,
Part Number PSC550CCKIT (or equivalent),
available through your GM dealer, is
recommended.
Cold batteries resist charging. Battery
performance can be improved by regularly
or even periodically storing vehicles and
charging batteries with an automatic float
charger for 8 to 24 hours in a warm garage
during the cold winter months.
Caution
To prevent property damage, do not
allow batteries to become heavily
discharged and exposed to subfreezing
weather that will cause them to freeze
and become damaged.
Your vehicle utilizes maintenance-free
batteries, which will not require the periodic
addition of water. Wipe the tops of the
batteries clean to prevent a slow current
flow through the dirt, resulting in a loss of
charge. Be sure the terminals are clamped
tightly and that the battery is clamped
securely in the battery box.
For best results:
Do not mix and match battery models/
manufacturers in the same battery pack.
Do not use batteries with differing CCA
ratings in the same battery pack.
Do not use batteries with more than
one year difference in the installed age of
batteries in the same battery pack.
Battery Cables
Caution
To prevent property damage, when
working around the terminals and
battery, use extra care to prevent
shorting. A good practice is to insulate
pliers and screwdrivers. Do not check
battery condition by shorting (flashing)
across terminals.
Battery cable terminals must be clean and
tight. Use a mixture of hot water and
common baking soda for removing terminal
corrosion and for cleaning the top of the
battery. Brighten the contact surfaces with
steel wool, apply a light coat of dielectric