Potholes: Why the 2026 Silverado Suspension Matters in Montreal

Montreal's roads don't just challenge vehicles—they destroy them. The freeze-thaw cycle that defines Quebec winters creates potholes that can swallow a tire whole. One moment you're navigating smooth pavement on Boulevard Saint-Laurent, the next you're dodging craters that force expensive wheel replacements and alignment appointments. The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado treats Montreal's infrastructure crisis like off-road terrain, using suspension technology that turns road hazards into minor bumps.

The Silverado lineup offers suspension configurations ranging from the standard setup to the extreme ZR2 system. Each addresses Montreal's pothole epidemic with engineering designed for obstacle courses. Ground clearance, impact absorption, and underbody protection transform how you drive through Quebec's deteriorating streets.

The Montreal Pothole Reality: Why Ground Clearance Matters

Montreal consistently ranks among North America's worst cities for road quality. Quebec's freeze-thaw cycles create expansion and contraction in pavement, leading to cracks that rapidly deteriorate into potholes. When spring arrives, the city's streets transform into an obstacle course that punishes low-riding vehicles.

The 2026 Silverado Custom Trail Boss and LT Trail Boss address this with 282 mm of ground clearance—front and rear. That's 77 mm higher than the standard Silverado configuration. This elevation changes how you approach Montreal driving. Instead of swerving into adjacent lanes to avoid a pothole (creating safety risks), you drive straight through with confidence.

The ZR2 takes this further with Multimatic DSSV dampers—the same technology used in off-road racing trucks. These position-sensitive dampers adjust compression and rebound rates based on suspension travel. They absorb a sudden pothole impact without transferring the shock to the cabin or frame. For Montreal drivers navigating the Décarie Expressway's notorious surface conditions, this translates to fewer jarring impacts and reduced long-term wear on the vehicle's structure.

Z71 Off-Road Package: The Urban Defense System

The Z71 Off-Road Package appears across multiple Silverado trims. This isn't a cosmetic upgrade—it's a comprehensive suspension and drivetrain reconfiguration designed for challenging terrain. In Montreal's context, "challenging terrain" means navigating construction zones, deteriorated side streets, and the annual spring pothole invasion.

The Z71 package includes:

• 51 mm factory suspension lift
• Two-speed Autotrac transfer case (Trail Boss trims)
• Automatic locking rear differential
• Skid plates protecting critical undercarriage components
• All-terrain tires designed for variable surface conditions

The skid plates deserve special attention. Montreal's potholes don't just damage tires and wheels—they can crack oil pans, puncture fuel tanks, and damage exhaust systems on low-riding vehicles. The Z71's underbody protection shields these vulnerable components, turning what could be a catastrophic repair into a minor bump.

The automatic locking rear differential provides another practical advantage. When one wheel drops into a pothole or loses traction on icy pavement, the differential automatically transfers power to the wheel with grip. This prevents the wheel-spin and loss of control that can occur when hitting uneven surfaces at speed—a common scenario when navigating Montreal's patched-and-repatched streets.

Suspension Options: Matching Your Montreal Driving Reality

The 2026 Silverado offers three distinct suspension philosophies, each suited to different Montreal driving patterns:

Standard Suspension (WT, Custom, LT, RST)

The base configuration provides 205 mm of ground clearance and uses a conventional coil-spring setup. This works for drivers who stick to major highways and well-maintained suburban routes. Montreal's downtown core and older neighbourhoods will test its limits during spring thaw season.

Z71 Lifted Suspension (Custom Trail Boss, LT Trail Boss)

The 51 mm lift brings ground clearance to 282 mm while maintaining daily-driving comfort. The Z71 tuning prioritizes impact absorption without creating the harsh ride quality of a heavy-duty work truck. For Montreal drivers who need to navigate both highway commutes and deteriorated urban streets, this represents the practical middle ground.

ZR2 Multimatic DSSV System

The ZR2's Multimatic dampers use a different technology. Instead of relying solely on spring rate and damper valving, the DSSV (Dynamic Suspensions Spool Valve) system uses internal spool valves that adjust damping force based on shaft position and velocity. The suspension can be soft enough for comfortable highway cruising but firm enough to control a tire dropping into a deep pothole without bottoming out.

The ZR2 also includes front and rear electronic locking differentials, 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, and reinforced components throughout. While this trim is engineered for serious off-road use, Montreal drivers benefit from the same durability advantages when facing extreme road conditions.

Wheel and Tire Configurations: The First Line of Defense

The Silverado's wheel and tire options directly impact pothole survival. Larger wheels with low-profile tires (common on luxury vehicles) offer minimal sidewall cushioning—when you hit a pothole, the impact transfers directly to the wheel, often causing bends or cracks. The Silverado's approach prioritizes sidewall height and tire construction.

The Custom Trail Boss comes standard with 18-inch High Gloss Black wheels and LT275/65R18 Goodyear Wrangler Territory mud-terrain tires. That "275/65" designation is critical—the 65 aspect ratio means the tire's sidewall height is 65% of its width, providing substantial cushioning between the wheel and road surface. When you hit a Montreal pothole, that extra rubber absorbs impact energy that would otherwise damage the wheel or suspension components.

The LT Trail Boss offers similar protection with 20-inch wheels and the option for Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires. Even at the larger wheel diameter, the tire sizing maintains adequate sidewall protection. The ZR2 takes this to the extreme with 33-inch tires—providing maximum ground clearance and impact absorption for the most severe road conditions.

Beyond Potholes: Year-Round Montreal Advantages

The same suspension characteristics that handle potholes excel in other Montreal-specific scenarios. Spring flooding in low-lying areas? The Silverado's ground clearance keeps you moving when sedans are stranded. Construction zones with temporary gravel surfaces? The all-terrain tires and lifted suspension handle loose surfaces without drama. Winter snow accumulation? The combination of ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and suspension travel lets you navigate unplowed streets that would trap lower vehicles.

The Z71's skid plates also protect against Montreal's aggressive use of de-icing salt and chemicals. The undercoating and protective barriers prevent corrosion-causing materials from accumulating on critical components, extending the vehicle's lifespan in Quebec's harsh environment.

Experience the 2026 Silverado at Le Relais Chevrolet

The 2026 Chevrolet Silverado transforms Montreal's infrastructure challenges from a source of stress into a non-issue. The Z71 Trail Boss configuration or the extreme ZR2 setup offers suspension systems engineered to outlast Quebec's roads.

Visit Le Relais Chevrolet in Montreal to see how the Silverado's suspension options match your driving needs. Our team understands Quebec's unique road conditions and can help you configure a truck that handles Montreal's streets with confidence.