What brand of OEM oil does GM use?
GM does not rely on a single oil brand. Factory fills and recommended oils must meet GM's Dexos specifications, and a wide range of brands produce Dexos-certified oils used in GM engines.
In practice, that means GM vehicles can come with oils from multiple manufacturers, and your owner's manual will specify the exact Dexos requirement and viscosity for your engine. The key factor is meeting the correct specification, not endorsing one brand over another.
Dexos: GM's oil standard
GM uses the Dexos specification system to ensure engine oils meet precise performance criteria. Dexos1 Gen 2 is designed for gasoline engines, while Dexos2 covers diesel engines. Oils that carry the Dexos certification are approved for GM vehicles, and several major brands offer Dexos-certified products.
What oil brands produce Dexos-certified oils
Here is a representative list of brands that offer Dexos-certified engine oils commonly used in GM vehicles. Availability can vary by region and model year.
- Pennzoil
- Mobil 1
- Castrol
- Valvoline
- Shell
- Total Quartz
- Motul
Other brands may also offer Dexos-certified oils, including regional manufacturers and dealer-provided options. Always verify the product labeling shows Dexos1 Gen 2 or Dexos2 when selecting oil.
Bottom line:GM does not publish a single OEM oil brand; instead, it endorses oils that meet Dexos specifications, with many brands contributing to factory fills and dealership recommendations.
How to choose the right oil for your GM vehicle
To ensure you pick the correct oil, follow GM's guidance and Dexos standards. This includes matching the right Dexos specification to your engine and using the proper viscosity for your climate and driving conditions.
- Check the owner's manual or GM's official service information for the exact Dexos specification (Dexos1 Gen 2 for most gasoline engines; Dexos2 for diesel).
- Identify the recommended viscosity grade for your engine and climate (commonly 0W-20 or 5W-30 for modern GM engines).
- Choose a Dexos-certified oil from a reputable brand that offers the required grade.
- Ensure the oil is fresh and clearly labeled with the Dexos certification.
By following these steps, you ensure compatibility and protection across GM’s modern engines, regardless of the brand you select.
Summary
There is no single OEM oil brand for GM vehicles. GM relies on oils that meet Dexos specifications (Dexos1 Gen 2 for gasoline engines; Dexos2 for diesel), and a wide range of brands—such as Pennzoil, Mobil 1, Castrol, Valvoline, Shell, Total Quartz, and Motul—offer Dexos-certified products. Always refer to the owner's manual for the exact specification and viscosity, and choose a Dexos-certified oil from a reputable brand to ensure proper engine protection.
What OEM brand do General Motors use?
GM Genuine Parts and ACDelco are proud to work together as the only source for true General Motors Original Equipment and aftermarket parts. Our roots empower us. ACDelco has been at the forefront of automotive innovation since the birth of GM in 1908, but a strong start in automotive wasn't enough.
Is Mobil 1 GM approved?
Mobil 1 5W-30 meets GM-LL-A-025. Will the use of Mobil 1™ void my new-car warranty? The use of Mobil 1 will not void new-car warranties where an American Petroleum Institute (API) certified oil is recommended. The exception is the Mazda rotary engine (Mazda does not recommend any synthetic oils).
What brand of motor oil does GM use?
GM recommends using a dexos® certified oil, which ensures the oil meets the manufacturer's specific standards for performance and longevity. You can find a list of licensed brands on the official dexos website and may also use brands like ACDelco or Mobil 1, which are often listed as both GM-approved and widely recommended, says GMC.
How to choose the right oil
- Look for the dexos® logo: This is the most important requirement to ensure compatibility with your GM vehicle and to maintain warranty coverage.
- Check your owner's manual: Your manual will specify the correct viscosity grade (e.g., 0W-20, 5W-30) and the dexos® specification needed for your specific engine.
- Consider ACDelco: ACDelco offers both conventional and full synthetic options that meet GM's standards, including those with the dexos® certification, notes GMC.
- Consider Mobil 1: Mobil 1 is a popular and recommended brand that also has dexos® licensed options for GM vehicles.
- Ensure the correct specification: There are different dexos® specifications, such as dexos1™ (for most gasoline engines) and dexos2™ (for certain European-variant gasoline and diesel engines), notes Cadence Petroleum.
What brand is ACDelco oil?
Licensed dexos1 Gen 3 brands
| Brand Name | Supplier | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| ACDelco Full Synthetic 5W-30 | General Motors | dexos™1 Gen3 |
| ACDelco Full Synthetic 5W-30 | General Motors | dexos™1 Gen3 |
| ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL | General Motors | dexos™1 Gen3 |
| ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL | General Motors | dexos™1 Gen3 |
