What kind of oil does a 2018 Chevy City Express take?
The 2018 Chevy City Express requires Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 5W-30 engine oil (API SN or higher). If Dexos1 Gen 2 is not available, a high-quality 5W-30 API SN or higher oil is acceptable.
The City Express is GM’s small cargo van built on the Nissan NV200 platform, powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder. This article breaks down the recommended oil specification and practical maintenance notes to help keep the van running smoothly.
Oil specification at a glance
Below are the oil options and standards commonly accepted for the 2.0L engine in the 2018 City Express. The goal is to meet GM warranty and engine protection needs while ensuring reliable performance in a variety of conditions.
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 5W-30 engine oil (preferred for GM warranty compliance).
- High-quality 5W-30 oil meeting API SN or higher if Dexos1 Gen 2 is not available.
- Avoid lower-viscosity grades like 0W-20 unless explicitly specified for your climate by the owner's manual.
In practice, using a Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 is the safest choice to align with GM specifications, with API SN or newer as a reliable fallback if Dexos1 Gen 2 is unavailable. Always verify with your vehicle’s manual or dealer if you are unsure.
Oil capacity and change guidance
Knowing how much oil to have on hand and how often to change it helps avoid overfilling or under-lubricating the engine during service.
- Oil capacity: approximately 4.5 quarts (about 4.3 liters) with filter.
- Typical change interval under normal driving: about every 5,000–7,500 miles (8,000–12,000 kilometers).
- Severe driving conditions (short trips, extreme temperatures, heavy loads): more frequent changes may be advisable, such as every 3,000–5,000 miles (4,800–8,000 km).
Always confirm the exact capacity and interval in the owner’s manual or with a dealer, as variations can occur based on engine version, filter, and climate.
Practical tips for choosing oil and maintenance
Beyond picking the right grade, practical habits help maximize engine life and performance. Use a reputable brand, ensure oil meets the Dexos1 Gen 2 standard when possible, and keep a regular change schedule aligned with driving conditions. A quick check of the dipstick between changes can help you catch low oil levels before they become an issue.
In short, for a 2018 Chevy City Express, aim for Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 engine oil (API SN or higher). If Dexos1 Gen 2 isn’t available, a high-quality 5W-30 API SN+ oil is acceptable, with a typical capacity of about 4.5 quarts and maintenance intervals around 5,000–7,500 miles under normal use. Always refer to the owner’s manual for the definitive specification for your vehicle.
Bottom line and takeaway
Choosing the correct oil specification is essential for warranty coverage and engine longevity. Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30 remains the preferred choice for the 2018 Chevy City Express, with API SN or higher as a solid alternative when Dexos1 Gen 2 is unavailable. Regular maintenance according to the manual helps ensure dependable service life for this Nissan-NV200-based GM van.
Summary: The 2018 Chevy City Express takes Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 5W-30 engine oil (API SN or higher). If Dexos1 Gen 2 isn’t available, a high-quality 5W-30 API SN or higher oil is acceptable, with an approximate capacity of 4.5 quarts and typical change intervals of 5,000–7,500 miles under normal driving. Always consult the owner’s manual for the exact specification and interval for your vehicle.
What kind of oil does a 3.7 L V6 take?
Capacities and Specifications - 3.7L
| Name | Specification |
|---|---|
| Recommended motor oil (U.S.): Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil XO-5W20-QSP | WSS-M2C945-A |
| Recommended motor oil (Canada): Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil CXO-5W20-LSP12 | WSS-M2C945-A |
What kind of oil does a 2018 Chevy Express take?
The recommended oil for a 2018 Chevy Express is 5W-30 for most temperatures, while 0W-30 should be used in temperatures below -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶. The oil capacity is 6 quarts including the filter. It is recommended to use an oil that meets the GM dexos1 Gen 3 specification.
Recommended oil
- Viscosity: 5W-30 (for temperatures above -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶) or 0W-30 (for temperatures below -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶).
- Specification: GM dexos1 Gen 3.
- Capacity: 6 quarts (including the filter).
Additional information
- Check the oil level after refilling.
- For diesel engines, the recommendation is a GM dexos D licensed oil of the appropriate viscosity.
What kind of oil does a Chevy City Express take?
The recommended oil for a Chevy City Express is SAE 5W-30, and you will need approximately 4.6 quarts when changing the oil and filter. It is best to use a full synthetic oil that meets the GM dexos1 Gen 3 specification for optimal performance, although other high-quality 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic blend oils are suitable alternatives.
Oil and capacity
- Viscosity: 5W-30
- Capacity: 4.6 quarts with a filter change
- Specification: GM dexos1 Gen 3 (full synthetic)
Tips for changing the oil
- Use a new drain plug washer for each oil change.
- If you are using a new oil filter, pre-fill it with some new 5W-30 oil before installing it to ensure the engine receives oil immediately upon startup.
- After refilling, check the oil level to confirm it is correct.
What type of oil does a 2018 Chevy take?
Quick Reference Chart
| Silverado Generation | Common Engines | Recommended Oil |
|---|---|---|
| 2014–2018 | 4.3L V6; 5.3L & 6.2L V8 | 4.3L: 5W-30 (dexos1) • 5.3L/6.2L: 0W-20 (dexos1) |
| 2019–Present | 2.7L I4; 3.0L Duramax I6; 5.3L & 6.2L V8; (early) 4.3L V6 | 2.7L: 5W-30 (dexos1) • Diesel: 0W-20 (dexosD) • 5.3L/6.2L: 0W-20 (dexos1) • 4.3L: 5W-30 (dexos1) |
