Does a 2018 Chevy Trax take synthetic oil?
Yes. The 2018 Chevy Trax requires motor oil that meets GM’s Dexos1 Gen 2 specification, and you can use a full synthetic or synthetic-blend oil that carries that label. Conventional oil that does not meet Dexos1 Gen 2 is not recommended.
In practice, the Trax’s engine family is designed to run with Dexos1 Gen 2 oils, and the exact viscosity (such as 0W-20 or 5W-30) depends on climate and engine variant. This article explains the Dexos1 Gen 2 requirement, how to choose an oil, and what that means for maintenance.
Oil specifications for the 2018 Trax
The 2018 Trax typically uses a GM engine that requires Dexos1 Gen 2 oil. Oils that carry the Dexos1 Gen 2 certification are compatible, and this standard generally encompasses synthetic oils and synthetic blends. Conventional oils that do not meet Dexos1 Gen 2 are not advised for this engine.
Dexos1 Gen 2 explained
Dexos1 Gen 2 is GM’s early-2010s to present engine-oil standard designed to protect modern turbocharged and high-stress engines. Oils meeting this spec can be full synthetic or synthetic blend, but they must be labeled Dexos1 Gen 2. Always verify the label and refer to the owner’s manual or the cap on the oil filler for the exact requirements.
Viscosity considerations
Commonly recommended viscosities for Dexos1 Gen 2 in the Trax market include 0W-20 and 5W-30, with the exact grade depending on temperature ranges and engine variant. The correct viscosity for your vehicle is listed in the owner’s manual and often appears on the oil-cap label. When in doubt, follow the manual or ask a GM-certified technician.
Before you shop, an informative note: Always confirm the exact viscosity and Dexos specification for your specific Trax’s engine and region, as recommendations can vary by model year and market.
Oil options that meet Dexos1 Gen 2 are typically available as:
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certified full synthetic oil
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certified synthetic blend oil
Whichever option you choose, ensure it carries the Dexos1 Gen 2 certification and matches the viscosity specified by GM for your climate and engine. This protects the engine and maintains warranty coverage.
Maintenance intervals and practical tips
The use of Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oils can influence recommended drain intervals, but the exact schedule is defined by GM’s maintenance guidelines for the Trax and by the vehicle’s Oil Life Monitoring System. In general, synthetic Dexos1 Gen 2 oils support longer intervals than conventional oils, though driving conditions—such as extreme heat, frequent short trips, or heavy loads—can shorten intervals.
- Follow the factory-recommended oil-change interval using Dexos1 Gen 2 oil
- Reset and follow the vehicle’s Oil Life Monitoring System after each change
- Keep records of oil grade, viscosity, and mileage at each change
Bottom line: Use Dexos1 Gen 2 oil in the correct viscosity for your climate, and adhere to GM’s maintenance schedule or the vehicle’s oil-life system to ensure optimal protection and performance.
Summary
The 2018 Chevy Trax requires oil that meets GM’s Dexos1 Gen 2 specification. You can use either full synthetic or synthetic-blend Dexos1 Gen 2 oil, with the exact viscosity (such as 0W-20 or 5W-30) determined by climate and the owner’s manual. Always verify the specification on the oil label or in the manual, and follow GM’s recommended maintenance intervals to protect the engine and maintain warranty coverage.
Does Chevy Trax need full synthetic oil?
For the 2025 Chevy Trax, GM recommends using synthetic oil that meets the dexos1 Gen 2 specification. Refer to your Chevy model owner's manual for the most accurate maintenance schedule.
Does Chevy recommend synthetic oil?
Synthetic Oil: Synthetic oil is a man-made lubricant designed to provide superior protection and performance. It's more stable at extreme temperatures, offers better lubrication, and lasts longer than conventional oil. For most modern Chevy vehicles, synthetic oil is the recommended choice.
What kind of oil does a 2018 Chevy Trax take?
Notes: Synthetic Valvoline. 5W-30.
How often do you need an oil change with full synthetic oil on a 2018 Chevy Equinox?
every 7,500 miles
For most Equinox models using synthetic oil, a general guideline is to change the oil every 7,500 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first.
