What brand of oil does Chevrolet use?
Chevrolet does not specify a single oil brand for all its vehicles. Instead, it requires engine oil that meets Dexos specifications and the viscosity recommended in your owner's manual. In practice, you can choose any reputable brand as long as the oil is Dexos-certified and matches the correct grade for your engine.
Understanding Chevrolet's oil requirements
GM's Dexos specification ensures engines are protected and perform to GM's standards. The exact Dexos variant and viscosity depend on model year and engine type. Use the owner's manual and GM service literature to confirm the precise requirement for your Chevy.
- Dexos1 Gen 2: Commonly required for most gasoline engines in modern Chevrolets
- Dexos2: Used for many diesel engines and some gasoline engines, depending on the model and year
- Viscosity options: Typical grades include 0W-20, 5W-30, or 5W-40, as specified in the owner's manual
Ensure any oil you buy carries the Dexos certification and the correct viscosity for your vehicle. Widely available brands offer Dexos-certified oils.
How to choose the right oil for your Chevrolet
Follow these steps to select the proper oil, whether you're performing a DIY change or selecting a service option at a shop.
- Consult the owner's manual to identify the required Dexos specification (Dexos1 Gen 2 vs Dexos2) and the recommended viscosity.
- Verify the oil brand label includes Dexos certification and the appropriate specification (DEXOS 1 GEN 2 for gasoline; DEXOS 2 for diesel or specific gasoline engines).
- Choose a reputable oil brand that offers Dexos-certified products (examples include Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Castrol, Valvoline, and others).
- Confirm the oil's API service category meets or exceeds what your engine requires (e.g., API SP or newer).
- Follow GM's maintenance interval recommendations and have the oil changed by a qualified technician to preserve warranties and performance.
With Dexos certification and the correct viscosity, any major brand's Dexos-certified oil will meet Chevrolet's requirements for most engines.
Why Dexos matters
Dexos is GM's oil specification program ensuring compatibility with GM engines, seals, and emissions systems. Using Dexos-certified oil helps protect engine components, maintain fuel efficiency, and uphold warranty terms where applicable.
Frequently asked questions
Here are quick clarifications on common concerns about Chevrolet oil brands and specifications.
Summary
Chevrolet does not mandate a single brand of oil; instead, use Dexos-certified oil in the correct viscosity for your engine, as specified in the owner's manual. Dexos1 Gen 2 covers most gasoline engines, Dexos2 covers diesel and certain gasoline applications, and reputable brands like Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Castrol, and Valvoline offer many Dexos-certified options. Always verify the exact specification and viscosity for your specific model and year, and follow GM maintenance recommendations to ensure performance and warranty protection.
Does Chevy recommend Mobil 1?
Mobil 1™ advanced full synthetic motor oil has been the factory fill for many Chevrolet Corvettes and the recommended service fill for all Corvettes since 1993.
What brand of oil does Chevy recommend?
Chevy recommends using ACDelco Dexos1 full synthetic oil for most modern gasoline engines, which meets their specific standards. However, the exact type and viscosity depend on the specific engine, so it is crucial to check your vehicle's owner's manual, the oil filler cap, or the Chevrolet support website for the correct specifications. For example, newer 5.3L and 6.2L engines often require SAE 0W-20, while the 2.7L turbo may require SAE 5W-30.
For gasoline engines
- Most modern vehicles: ACDelco Dexos1 full synthetic is the recommended choice.
- Specifics for different engines:
- 5.3L and 6.2L engines: SAE 0W-20 full synthetic.
- 2.7L TurboMax: SAE 5W-30 full synthetic.
- Older vehicles: ACDelco conventional oil may be recommended; check your owner's manual.
For diesel engines
- Duramax Turbo-Diesel: The specific requirement is dexosD diesel engine oil.
Other important information
- Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle.
- Check the oil filler cap: It often has the recommended viscosity printed on it.
- Other brands: While ACDelco is the house brand, other brands like Mobil 1 are also approved for GM engines.
- Warranty: Using oil that meets the specific dexos specification is important for maintaining warranty coverage.
Who makes O'Reilly's House brand oil?
In particular go on on the shelf. And check the price of O'Reilly motor oil versus Velvine. You're going to save yourself two bucks or more a quart.
What is GM approved oil?
The dexos® trademark represents high-quality, robust oil formulated to some of the most rigorous specifications in the industry. GM wants to ensure that every GM vehicle worldwide has access to the highest quality oil formulated to perform well and reduce vehicle emissions.
