Breathe Cleaner With the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado

The 2011 Chevrolet Silverado is an awesome vehicle, but the jury is out on how well it will do in terms of protecting our environment from its emissions.  As fuel economy goes up, and towing capacity increases, so does the increasing amount of filth pushed through the exhaust of today’s vehicles.   However, this is not a generalization that can be made with every vehicle on the market for the 2011 model year.  The newly revamped Duramax Diesel is definitely a game-changer with their new SCR/DEF system. This amazingly clean diesel engine owes some gratitude to the new Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system that uses Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF).   That’s right, a new fluid to get associated with – Exhaust Fluid. DEF is a urea based solution that is injected into the exhaust stream shortly after the turbo. The ammonia in this solution will dissolve the bonds in the NOx particles found in the exhaust. This destroys a harmful part of the exhaust gasses while leaving behind by products of just nitrogen and water.

Green Cap=Diesel Fuel~Blue Cap=Diesel Control Fluid

The DEF will be housed in a small 5.3 gallon tank under the hood of the truck. This tank will allow enough fluid for approximately 5,000 miles, and will only cost about $15 to fill. Not very expensive for a 63% drop in emissions. The fluid is non-flammable and non-toxic and can be cleaned up with standard tap water.

Furthermore, this engine will help keep everyone actively involved in maintaining the cleanliness of our air (the air that we share).  But, what happens if you don’t add the fluid to your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado diesel truck once the tank’s on empty?  If you don’t add the fluid, the on-board computer will limit your maximum speed to 55 mph for the first tank of gas you consume while ignoring the issue. On the second tank, it will reduce your maximum speed to 4 mph  — yes 4 mph (Big Brother was adamant about that stipulation). Don’t be afraid though, the message center will notify you of range levels when you reach 1000 miles, 300 miles, and 75 miles before reducing your maximum speed.

Now the Biggest question on everyone’s mind is probably, “ok, how much extra do I have to pay for this cleaner air?” Survey says:  N-O-T-H-I-N-G. That’s right, the SCR/DEF system will come standard on all 2011 Duramax Diesels. In fact, this powerhouse of a truck will see an 11% increase in fuel economy, a 5200 lb towing capacity increase (up from 16,500lbs to 21,700 lbs), and another 32 horses added to its arsenal.

In short, the 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Duramax Diesel will not fail even the most intense tests as it continues to lead the way for the other truck manufacturers in the years to come.

If you would like to check out the new DEF system feel free to stop by our Runde Chevrolet in East Dubuque to see how it works!