The Chevrolet Suburban (2011-2014) continues to reign as the king of SUVs, offering a luxurious and roomy ride designed for families and anyone who requires significant cargo capacity. With its strong reputation in New Zealand, this SUV provides exceptional value for those seeking reliability and performance in one impressive package. If you're considering a Suburban, understanding its maintenance requires is crucial to ensuring a seamless ownership experience.
Common issues include: AFM (Active Fuel Management) lifter failure can affect the V8 engines, leading to costly repairs. The transmission can exhibit rough shifting, especially at higher mileages. Electronic components, such as the infotainment system and power windows, can be prone to failure. Suspension components wear, particularly ball joints and wheel bearings, due to the vehicle's weight.
Check for brake wear, particularly the brake hoses (for leaks/cracking) and pads, due to the vehicle's weight and frequent stopping. Ensure the headlights and taillights are functioning correctly, as bulb failures are common. Suspension components should be inspected carefully for any play or damage. Pay close attention to tyre condition, ensuring they meet the minimum legal tread depth and are properly inflated.
Built on a sturdy truck chassis, the Chevrolet Suburban offers exceptional towing capabilities and has plenty of cargo room for all your needs. You'll find it comfortably seats up to eight passengers, with spacious storage capacity even when the entire family is on board. Although fuel economy is typical for a large SUV—only a tad on the thirsty side—its strengths lie in its towing prowess and comfortable ride quality, especially impressive in models equipped with Magnetic Ride Control.
It's important to keep an eye on certain maintenance aspects as your Suburban ages. For instance, around 150,000km, the cooling system, including the water pump, thermostat, and radiator hoses, should be inspected to maintain optimal performance. Regularly check and service the brakes, as the front brake components, like pads and rotors, may need attention after significant mileage. Be aware that the Active Fuel Management lifter failure is a common issue for V8 engines, leading to unexpected repairs. Keeping an eye on your vehicle's electrical components is also wise, since infotainment systems and power windows can be prone to issues. Consider exploring our Cooling, Braking, and Filtration categories for your maintenance needs.