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2019 Silverado Continues Offering Standard Capless Fuel Fill: Feature Spotlight

Chevrolet’s all-new 2019 Silverado will continue offering capless fuel fill as a standard feature across every model, trim level and equipment group.

Those not intricately familiar with the technology should know that it removes the traditional gas cap in order to make fueling more convenient and less tedious.

Notably, Chevy initially introduced capless fuel fill on the Silverado for the 2017 model year.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado High Country towing a trailer in Wyoming 006

How It Works

The capless fuel system on the 2019 Silverado is identical to the system found on other GM vehicles, including the 2019 Blazer and 2019 Cadillac XT4. It removes the traditional gas cap and replaces it with two flaps (sometimes referred to as “doors”).

To refuel the new Silverado, owners simply open the fuel door on the outside of the vehicle, insert the nozzle into the fuel chamber and begin fueling. There’s no need to unscrew the gas cap or to hang it. Inserting the nozzle into the chamber automatically pushes aside the two aforementioned flaps/doors, in the same way that a one-way valve works in various plumbing applications.

Once finished fueling, owners simply remove the nozzle and close the fuel door. In much the same way, there’s no need to replace or tighten the gas cap.

2019 Chevrolet Blazer RS exterior - live reveal 015 gas tank

Improving An Existing Technology

Capless fueling has been around for quite some time in the automotive industry, but GM’s implementation differs from those used by other automakers. That’s because GM’s system features two flaps or “doors” inside the filler tube with rubber seals around the edges of the flaps ensuring that the system remains air-tight and locks the fuel in.

Meanwhile, capless fuel fill systems used by other automakers only have one such door, making them prone to fuel leaks. What’s more, GM’s system has no internal drain, which eliminates the potential of fuel dripping from the filler chamber, though we should note that things might get messy if one were to over-fuel the vehicle, which is rather difficult to do with today’s sensor-equipped pumps.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT TrailBoss exterior - August 2018 - Wyoming 029 - front offroad mud

Benefits & Advantages

Besides the obvious benefit of greater convenience and time savings as a result of not having to remove the fuel cap, capless fuel fill has a host of secondary advantages for both the car and the driver.

Driver benefits include keeping their hands clean and free of dirt and fuel, while also eliminating the risk of leaving the gas station with a dangling or missing gas gap, which is unpleasant and a distraction.

The benefits to the vehicle consist of keeping the vehicle’s paint clean and free of fuel and scratches caused by a swinging gas cap. It also enables the vehicle to use a smaller fuel door, since the door no longer needs to accommodate a hand to remove or replace the gas cap. A smaller door makes the door less noticeable.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado LT TrailBoss exterior - August 2018 - Wyoming 011 offroad mud

In addition, capless fuel fill also helps to keep the Silverado running smoothly. This benefit typically raises some questions, so here’s a brief clarification from GM itself.

Since fuel systems must be fully sealed, a loose cap can trigger a “check engine” light, thereby leading to a service visit. A capless system simply eliminates the possibility of a loose gas cap. It’s a small detail, but one that separates a good vehicle from a great one.

Durability & Reliability

If you’re concerned with the durability or reliability of a capless fuel system, then here’s what GM has to say on the matter: “two doors (flaps) in the filler tube are designed to assure the system will remain air-tight through years of ownership.”

2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Custom TrailBoss Exterior - Wyoming Media Drive - August 2018 002 - front three quarters

Other Notable 2019 Silverado Features

As we already mentioned, capless fuel fill isn’t new technology for Chevy’s full-size truck. However, the 2019 Silverado offers plenty of new features, including several tailgate options, an enhanced 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as two new engine choices with the 2.7L Turbo L3B four-banger and the upcoming 3.0L Duramax I6. The new GM 10-speed automatic transmission will be mated exclusively to the range-topping 6.2L V8 L87 and the Duramax six. The High Country model will remain the range-topping model, and will feature all the new bells and whistles that the 2019 Silverado has to offer.

2019 Chevrolet Silverado RST

Chevrolet Silverado Resources & Information

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Comments

  1. From the pictures, Chevrolet should definitely offer the black grill with “Chevrolet” written out as an option on all models. Well except maybe the High Country. It would definitely look great on the RST model.

    Reply
  2. my 2018 silverado has this and I think it was done so owners would not have the check engine light come on from having not tighten the gas cap enought.

    Reply
    1. And the obvious convenience…

      Reply
  3. Small displacement turbo engines, start/stop, more aluminum in body and now capless fuel system.

    All things Ford started in 2015 on their F150. Not sure if I’m convinced we should be doing the same.

    Reply
  4. Ford has used a capless fuel system for close to 10 years. I think it started in 2009. My 2011 F150 has it and I love the convenience. And with well over 200,000 miles on the truck, reliability hasn’t been an issue.

    Reply
  5. I have a 2019 All New SIlverado Trail Boss. Is the fuel lid lockable? It seems I can not get it to lock. Please advise.

    Reply

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