Chevrolet’s Trailblazer first hit the market 15 years ago.
Back then, it was actually just an extra trim level for the S-10 Blazer. It was so popular, though, that just three years later, it branched out into its own separate lineup. Though Chevy stopped producing this line in 2010, it didn’t take the company long to change its mind about taking it off the market. By 2020, it was back by popular demand, and it has been standing strong ever since.
If you’re among the many Chevrolet devotees with the pleasure of owning a Trailblazer, you want to keep it up and running for as long as possible. You probably want to make sure it continues to serve you just as well 10 years from now as it did when you first bought it. If so, routine maintenance will be the key to success. Taking it to a chevy dealership will ensure it gets the care and attention it needs and deserves. It’ll be handled by certified mechanics who know Chevrolets inside and out.
On the other hand, if you have a little extra time, energy, and mechanical know-how, you could choose to handle your Trailblazer’s upkeep on your own. After all, it’s your baby. Who better to take care of it than you? You’re the only one who fully understands just how important it is to your family and who truly appreciates how much it has done for you over the years. Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or you prefer to leave matters in the hands of professionals, the following five maintenance factors shouldn’t be ignored.
The Battery and Electrical System
Electrical systems are just as important as mechanical ones in vehicles, and the newer a vehicle is, the more electrical components it has. A Trailblazer’s battery, starter, and alternator are among the main components of its electrical system, but other parts are certainly part of the picture. Those include the instrument cluster, lights, and sound system. Power windows, doors, and seats come into play too. Of course, several sensors, fuses, and all the wiring that sends power to those components are essential as well.
Battery inspections and maintenance are among the most basic aspects of electrical system upkeep. Test the battery on occasion to be sure it’s still holding a charge the way it should. If it’s not, replace it. If you have a maintainable battery, be sure to check its electrolyte levels and add water if they’re low. Check the battery cables and terminals to be sure they’re clean and free of corrosion too. If there’s corrosion, clean them. These steps alone can save you a great deal of grief in the long run.
Beyond the battery, it’s a good idea to check the wiring and fuses for signs of damage. If you have an on-board diagnostics scanner, plug it into the Trailblazer’s port to check for possible sensor issues and other electrical trouble. Despite all of the Trailblazer’s strong suits, some are known for having electrical issues, like power lock, window, and seat failures. That’s particularly true for 2004 models, but others aren’t exempt. Those types of problems might not show up on an OBD scan, but it’s best to stay on top of them. You may need professional intervention for this.
Check the headlights and taillights as well. Have someone sit inside as you walk around your Trailblazer or vice versa. During this walkaround, have the person inside the vehicle press the brakes, flip the turn signals on, and put the SUV in reverse to be sure all the lights are working. If any of them aren’t, replace either the lights or their fuses depending on where the problem lies.
Brake Maintenance
Another crucial aspect of vehicle maintenance is the brake system. Few experiences can make your heart drop into your stomach quite like pressing the brakes only to feel the pedal plunge all the way to the floor and realize your vehicle isn’t slowing down the way it should. Routinely checking the brake system will make that far less likely to happen.
Check the brake pads and shoes to be sure there’s still plenty of material left on them. Look at the calipers, rotors, and drums for signs of wear or damage. Inspect the brake lines to be sure they’re not leaking or damaged. Check to be sure your Trailblazer has plenty of brake fluid as well. All those elements work together to guarantee you’ll be able to stop when you need to.
Cooling System Upkeep
Keeping the cooling system in mind during routine maintenance is also important. Making sure it’s in working order will prevent unnecessary and extremely costly engine damage down the road. Check the coolant level and the lines that take the coolant through the water pump, engine, and radiator. If any of the lines and their connections are damaged or leaking, they need to be repaired or replaced.
Inspect the radiator itself too. Be sure its fins aren’t bent or caked with dirt and debris because those issues can interfere with airflow and cause the engine to overheat. Some technicians recommend occasional radiator flushes to get rid of sediment that builds up in the cooling system. Opinions vary on whether they’re helpful or harmful, though, so you may want to get a couple of professional opinions before having that done. Be sure the cooling fan comes on and goes off periodically while the engine is running too.
Tire Care
Tire care should be part of your maintenance routine as well. Be sure your tires have the right amount of air pressure. In general, the recommended air pressure is 35 PSI, but that may vary a little depending on which Trailblazer model you own and which types of tires it’s sporting. Have your tires rotated roughly every 5,000 miles. Check the tread to make sure the tires aren’t worn out. They should have no less than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth, or about the distance between the upper edge of a penny and the top of President Lincoln’s head.
Oil Changes
Additionally, no routine maintenance session would be complete without an oil change. It’ll keep the engine and all its moving parts lubricated and protected. You should change the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles or so depending on the age of your Trailblazer and how much you drive it. Change the oil filter during alternating oil changes or at least once a year.
Keeping Your Trailblazer Up and Running
Several factors enter the mix with routine maintenance. Aside from the ones mentioned above, consider checking the belts, changing the air filter, and checking the washer fluid and windshield wipers. Checking the transmission fluid, spark plugs and wires, and power steering fluid is important too. All those measures will help keep your Trailblazer up and running while also keeping repair costs at a minimum.
