2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD

Nearing completion of the third-generation heavy duty platform, the 2018 Silverado 2500 exhibits a few minor stylistic changes but is otherwise underpinned by the same powertrain and chassis. Three new paint colors, a new front grille design on High Country and Z71 models alongside renewed vinyl graphics wrap up the main changes for this pickup. 6.0L of Vortec V8 is standard, outputting 360 horsepower and 380 lb-ft of torque. With this engine under the hood, the 2500 HD has a max payload of 3,410 lbs and conventional towing of 14,500 lbs. Diesel equipped Silverado 2500 trucks will see similar ratings, however their fifth-wheel towing gets a considerable boost over the gas truck thanks to the 6.6L Duramax's massive 910 lb-ft of torque.

Interior Lighting

With the main intent of the Silverado 2500 heavy duty pickup line to be involved with towing and hauling, this doesn't mean owners can't have a bit of stylistic fun with it. One way to achieve this is by playing around with accent lighting. There are many different places in which to install additional accent lighting. Illuminating the bed with an LED pod light set will create a very neat visual effect and be less intrusive to your eyes if opting for a color other than white. Another fun item is a bumper mount LED strip. These strips install between the bumper and the tailgate and can act as another brake light or accent lighting, depending on how you wire it and what color you choose. With all accent lighting now using LED technology, they are more than robust to handle the elements. Further, what's great with LED technology is that some accent lighting packages include controllers that allow you to select from an entire spectrum of different colors. There isn't any need to change a single bulb to achieve this, you just push a button on their electronic controller and you can immediately have a new shade of light.

Prevent Door Sill Scuffing

Another quick and easy style enhancing modification is the addition of door sill covers.

• Cover any existing marks
• Eliminate future scuff and scratch marks
• Upscale look

Door sill protectors are intended to fit over the factory metal sill where boots and feet often are placed as people get in and out of the truck. As far as contruction goes, door sill plates are primarily constructed of aluminum or stainless steel, with some sets also being of mild steel and then featuring a chrome or black powder coat top layer. It is also possible to find soor sill plates sporting the Chevy bowtie or a similar logo (coupling a set like this with door sill accent lighting, activated by opening the door, is a really cool look). For those that prefer a polished metal look, going with stainless steel over chrome is the better option, as stainless steel will wear better and is more impervious to contaminants. One very important aspect to consider when choosing a set of door sill covers is the length of the piece. For the front doors, the ideal size is at least 18" long - anything less will likely still allow for scuff marks at the outer edges given it just doesn't cover enough area.

Routine Maintenance

Routine maintenance is critical to ensure that your 2018 Silverado 2500 has a long service life, and there is perhaps no item more crucial than on time oil changes. Changing the oil and oil filter yourself can save you a few dollars and be certain that it was done correctly. Chevrolet specifies 5W-30 oil for 6.0L powered 2018 2500 trucks, and 15W-40 oil for the Duramax diesel engine. With so many oil brands out there, the general consensus is to stick with a good quality synthetic oil. Due to the extensive processing during the production, synthetic oil has a consistent, uniform molecular structure and significantly less impurities than a conventional based oil. This results in synthetic oils providing superior lubrication with less degeneration and better heat properties.