Do you love your 2021 Chevy Traverse? The Traverse is one of Chevy’s most popular models because of its spaciousness, capability, reliability, and sophisticated design. It’s a versatile SUV that can meet the many demands of your life, whether that means navigating your daily commute, taking the kids to school, running errands in town, or setting off for a weekend adventure with friends. However, the Traverse’s longevity relies on you and your local Chevy Traverse dealer to ensure it’s properly maintained and always running its best.
Your Traverse is an investment, and like any investment, it requires your attention. It’s your responsibility as a vehicle owner to oversee your Traverse’s routine maintenance and repair needs, from oil changes and tire rotations to fluid checks and beyond. Fortunately, your local Chevy Traverse dealer is more than qualified and ready to help establish a healthy maintenance schedule for your SUV. Here’s what that schedule will likely look like, along with a few tips to keeping your Traverse in tip-top condition.
Maintenance Schedule
Your driving style and where you drive play a significant role in your 2021 Traverse’s maintenance schedule. For example, if you frequently drive in dusty conditions, then you’ll need to change the cabin air filter more frequently. With that said, keep in mind that the schedule below is a general guide to keep your Traverse in optimal working order.
Every 7,500 Miles
Once you reach 7,500 miles on your 2021 Traverse, it’s time for the SUV’s first round of routine maintenance. This is a great time to check the oil level and quality using the oil life tool found on the Traverse’s digital instrument display. If you notice the level of oil is low when you check the dipstick or that the percentage is low on the display, then it’s a good idea to have the oil and filter changed.
While the Traverse is in for an oil change, have the technicians inspect the tire tread, check the tire pressure, and rotate the tires to improve efficiency and optimize how the Traverse handles. Most service departments will also look for fluid leaks, inspect the brakes, examine the engine air cleaner filter, and visually inspect the steering, chassis, and suspension for damage or signs of excessive wear. The technician will also top off or replace the windshield wiper fluid and engine coolant.
Every 22,500 Miles
It’s time to head back into the service department when you log 22,500 miles on the odometer. Along with repeating the services from the previous visit, the technicians will conduct a thorough inspection of your Traverse’s seatbelts, fuel and exhaust systems, parking brake, accelerator pedal, and struts for damage, loose parts, or leaks. During this visit, have the passenger compartment air filter replaced, which Chevy recommends every two years or 22,500 miles.
Every 45,000 Miles
Your Traverse’s 45,000-mile check requires the same treatment as the 22,500-mile check with the addition of a few vital services. Your Chevy Traverse dealer will check the SUV’s evaporative control system, which consists of fuel and vapor lines. The technician will inspect these lines and hoses to ensure they’re all in good condition. At this point, it’s also time to replace the engine air cleaner filter. While Chevy recommends replacing the filter every four years, you’ll need to do this more frequently if you drive in dusty conditions.
75,000+ Miles
Your Traverse will get the same routine treatment at each benchmark on the odometer, along with a few added services. At 75,000 miles or every ten years, it’s a good idea to have the Traverse’s hood and body lift support gas struts replaced. Your service department will also replace the spark plugs as well as inspect the wires/boots as needed at the 97,500-mile check.
Reaching the 150,000-mile milestone is a testament to just how well you’ve maintained your Traverse. During this checkup, technicians will perform the same routine services in addition to several vital services that will extend the life of the Traverse. If your Traverse is all-wheel-drive, technicians will change the rear axle fluid. They’ll also drain and refill the engine cooling system, which Chevy recommends every five years, and inspect the accessory drive belts for wear, the latter of which should be done every ten years.
Tips to Keep Your Traverse in Great Condition
While your local Chevy Traverse dealer and service center will oversee your Traverse’s maintenance schedule, there is plenty that you can do yourself to ensure the longevity of your SUV. In fact, you’ve already taken the first step by learning more about the necessary maintenance and the proper maintenance schedule for the SUV. So, what else can you do?
One- Get Familiar With Your Traverse
No one knows your Traverse better than you; you drive it enough that you know when the steering is off, the engine sounds funny, or the air conditioner isn’t cooling properly. This familiarity is a great starting point for maintaining your Traverse and extends beyond the driver’s seat. Once a month, familiarize yourself with the Traverse by checking the tire pressure, inspecting the tire tread, checking the oil level, and the windshield washer fluid. These are basic services that are easy to do yourself and get you up close and personal with your SUV.
Two- Evaluate Your Driving Style
You may not realize it, but how you drive can increase or decrease the longevity of your Traverse. Think about an aggressive driver who constantly hits the brakes, speeds up, and doesn’t take the time to avoid potholes or other obstacles in the road. The Traverse will take the brunt of the aggression, which can lead to faster wear on the brakes, more frequent alignments to readjust the suspension, or irreparable damage to the tires. When you take your time behind the wheel and do your best to avoid potholes and other aggressive scenarios, you extend the life of your Traverse’s vital components.
Three- Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs
One of the easiest ways to extend the life of your Traverse is to pay attention to the dashboard lights on the SUV’s driver information display. While it’s easier to ignore those pesky “Check Engine” lights, this can lead to costly repairs that can be both financially overwhelming and hugely inconvenient. By proactively taking control of your Traverse’s maintenance, you’re avoiding both and maximizing your investment.
It’s Time to Take Ownership of Your Traverse
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of driving off the lot in a new vehicle, is there? While buying a new vehicle like the 2021 Chevy Traverse is exciting, it’s also a game-changer and signifies a new shift in your responsibilities as a vehicle owner. Not only are you responsible for paying for and insuring the Traverse, but you’re also responsible for its safe operation.
This is a huge responsibility that shouldn’t be taken lightly. Your local Chevy Traverse dealer is a great resource to help you oversee your Traverse’s scheduled maintenance so that it serves you well for thousands of miles down the road. Just remember that, as with anything, being proactive about your vehicle’s maintenance can save you from a lot of stress, expensive repairs, and inconvenience in the long run. Be mindful of your time behind the wheel, your driving habits, and what the Traverse is telling you it needs, whether that comes in the form of a light on the dashboard, uneven tread wear, or a rough sound from the engine.