2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Coolant Capacity & Type

The 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 can hold between 10.6 and 14.8 quarts (10.0-14.0L) of coolant, depending on the engine and cooling options equipped.

Quick Answer

• Total Cooling System Capacity: 10.6 to 14.8 quarts (10.0 to 14.0 Liters)
• OEM Coolant Specification: ACDelco DEX-COOL® Antifreeze/Coolant, Orange, OAT (Organic Acid Technology), GM 6277M
• Mix Ratio: 50/50 with deionized water (pre-mixed is recommended)

Capacity by Engine Option

The 2020 Silverado 1500 was available with several engine choices, and the cooling system capacity varies slightly between them. It's crucial to know which engine your truck has before purchasing coolant for a full flush.

Note: Capacities are approximate and can vary based on auxiliary coolers and other options. Always add coolant slowly and check the level frequently to avoid overfilling.

Flush Interval

For the 2020 Silverado 1500, General Motors recommends the following service intervals for the factory-fill DEX-COOL coolant:

• Normal Service: Replace every 5 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km), whichever comes first.
• Severe Duty: While the "life of the vehicle" claim is often used, operating under severe conditions (frequent towing, heavy loads, extreme temperatures, prolonged idling) may warrant more frequent inspections and potentially earlier servicing. Many technicians recommend a drain and fill every 60,000 to 75,000 miles as preventative maintenance.

How to Refill & Bleed

A proper refill and bleed procedure is critical to prevent air pockets, which can cause overheating and damage to engine components. While a simple top-off into the coolant reservoir is straightforward, a full flush requires more care.

1. Drain the System: With the engine cool, open the radiator drain petcock at the bottom of the radiator.
2. Refill Slowly: After closing the petcock, slowly add a 50/50 mix of DEX-COOL and deionized water into the coolant reservoir (surge tank) until the level reaches the "Full Cold" mark.
3. Bleeding the System: These modern trucks are designed to be self-bleeding, but air pockets can be stubborn. The most effective method is using a vacuum-fill tool (like an Airlift™ tool), which removes all air from the system before introducing new coolant. This is the preferred method for professional shops.
4. Manual Bleed (If no vacuum-filler): If filling manually, leave the reservoir cap loose. Start the engine and let it run, turning the heater on to its highest temperature and fan setting. As the engine warms up and the thermostat opens, the coolant level will drop. Continue adding coolant to the reservoir as needed to maintain the level. Once the engine reaches operating temperature and the level stabilizes, tighten the cap. Check the level again after the engine has completely cooled down.

Common Cooling System Issues

The 2019+ generation of Silverado 1500s has shown a few common issues related to the cooling system that owners should be aware of:

• Radiator Leaks: Some owners have reported leaks developing from the radiator, often from the side tanks where the plastic is crimped to the aluminum core. This can manifest as a coolant smell, visible orange residue, or low coolant levels.
• Water Pump Failure: While not rampant, premature water pump failure (leaking from the weep hole or bearing noise) can occur. This is a critical failure that requires immediate attention.
• Thermostat Issues: A thermostat that is stuck open or closed can cause the engine to either run too cool (triggering a check engine light) or overheat.

Keeping an eye on your coolant level and checking for any drips or sweet smells under your truck can help you catch these issues early before they lead to more significant engine problems.

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