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Does Chevy recommend synthetic oil?

Yes, Chevrolet (Chevy) does recommend the use of synthetic oil in many of its vehicles. Synthetic oils offer several benefits over conventional motor oils, including improved engine performance, better fuel efficiency, and extended oil change intervals.


Chevy's Recommendation for Synthetic Oil


According to Chevrolet's owner's manuals and maintenance guides, the automaker recommends the use of synthetic oil in a variety of its models, including the Silverado, Tahoe, Suburban, Corvette, and others. The specific oil type and viscosity recommended may vary by model and year, but Chevy generally advises using a high-quality synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications.


Chevrolet's recommendation for synthetic oil is based on the numerous advantages it provides over conventional motor oils. Synthetic oils are engineered to be more resistant to breakdown, maintain their viscosity better, and provide improved protection for engine components, especially in high-performance and high-mileage vehicles.


Benefits of Synthetic Oil


Some of the key benefits of using synthetic oil in a Chevy vehicle include:



  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: Synthetic oils have lower friction and viscosity, which can lead to a slight improvement in fuel economy, typically around 1-2%.

  • Extended Oil Change Intervals: Synthetic oils are more resistant to breakdown and can often be changed less frequently than conventional oils, potentially saving time and money on maintenance.

  • Enhanced Engine Protection: Synthetic oils provide better lubrication and protection for engine components, reducing wear and tear and potentially extending the engine's lifespan.

  • Improved Performance: The superior properties of synthetic oils can contribute to better engine responsiveness and power delivery, especially in high-performance vehicles.


While Chevy recommends synthetic oil, it's important to follow the specific oil type and viscosity recommendations in your owner's manual to ensure optimal engine performance and protection.

What brand oil does GM use from factory?


Licensed dexos1 Gen 2 brands

Brand NameSupplierSpecification
ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILGeneral Motorsdexos™1 Gen3
ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILGeneral Motorsdexos™1 Gen3
ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILExxonMobildexos™1 Gen3
ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OILExxonMobildexos™1 Gen3



What is the disadvantage of fully synthetic engine oil?


Disadvantages of synthetic oil
The price of synthetic oil is quite high, synthetic lubricants could be about 3 times the price of conventional oil. Synthetic oils have compatibility challenges with additives, there could be separation of additives and base oil in cold storage conditions.



Is there any reason not to use synthetic oil?


Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions. This stratifies certain additives which can potentially lead to their complete separation from the oil. Multi-grade motor oils using synthetics may exhibit slightly less fuel economy at highway speeds compared to mineral oil.



Do I really need to use Dexos oil?


Yes, you absolutely need Dexos-approved synthetic oil in your 2.5L engine. Do not put conventional oil in your car.



What brand of oil is recommended by Chevy?


Here are the oil brands recommended by GM:

  • ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil. Offers quality engine wear and corrosion protection.
  • ACDelco Dexos1™ Full Synthetic. Offers high resistance to oxidation and oil break-down.
  • Mobil1™ Advanced Full Synthetic.



What oil does the Chevy dealer use?


Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oil.



Will synthetic oil damage a high mileage engine?


USING HIGH-MILEAGE SYNTHETIC OIL IN HIGH-MILEAGE ENGINES
Those who decide to switch to high-mileage synthetic oil may face leakage problems due to the potential incompatibility of the synthetic used in certain oils with the engine's seal types.



Does Chevy require synthetic oil?


In many cases, modern Chevrolets are optimized to run on synthetic oil due to their advanced engine designs.



What synthetic oil does GM recommend?


ACDelco GM Original Equipment dexos™1 GEN 3 Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil - 1 qt.



What is the disadvantage of synthetic engine oil?


The cost of a synthetic oil is considerably more than a mineral oil. The major downside to *switching to* a top quality synthetic lube with a high TBN (Total Base Number) is that it will very likely dislodge built-up sludge and clog the oil filter.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.