What kind of oil does a Chevy 1500 take?
The Silverado 1500's engine oil type depends on the exact engine and model year. For most gasoline Silverado 1500s, GM recommends Dexos1 Gen 2 oil (typically 0W-20); the Duramax 3.0L diesel uses Dexos2 oil (typically 5W-30). Always confirm with your owner's manual or the engine oil cap.
What follows is a detailed look at which oil your Chevy 1500 should take, broken down by engine type and model year, with practical notes on viscosity and Dexos certification.
Gasoline-powered Silverado 1500 engines
Most current gasoline engines in the Silverado 1500 use Dexos1 Gen 2 oil. The standard viscosity is commonly 0W-20 for cold weather performance and fuel economy, though some engines and climates permit 5W-30 if specified in the manual.
Common gasoline engines and recommended viscosities
- 2.7L Turbo I4: Dexos1 Gen 2; typically 0W-20 synthetic oil.
- 5.3L V8: Dexos1 Gen 2; commonly 0W-20, with 5W-30 acceptable if the manual allows.
- 6.2L V8: Dexos1 Gen 2; commonly 0W-20, with 5W-30 acceptable in certain climates or model years.
- 4.3L V6 (older models): Dexos1 Gen 2; commonly 5W-30; verify your specific year.
Always verify the exact viscosity and certification for your truck in the owner’s manual or on the oil cap, and use only Dexos-certified oil to maintain warranty and engine protection.
Diesel option: Duramax 3.0L Turbo Diesel
For the Duramax 3.0L turbo-diesel, GM specifies Dexos2 oil. The typical recommendation is 5W-30 synthetic, designed to meet diesel exhaust and soot-control requirements. Always check the manual for the exact viscosity and any climate-specific adjustments.
- Duramax 3.0L Turbo Diesel: Dexos2 synthetic oil, usually 5W-30 (verify exact specification for your model year).
Diesel engines can have different service intervals and cooling requirements; use Dexos2-approved oil and follow GM’s maintenance schedule.
Summary
In short, the Chevy 1500’s oil choice is engine-specific. Most gasoline Silverado 1500s use Dexos1 Gen 2 oil, typically with a 0W-20 viscosity, while the 3.0L Duramax diesel requires Dexos2 oil, typically 5W-30. Always confirm the exact specification for your year and engine in the owner’s manual or on the oil cap, and use Dexos-certified oil to protect the engine and maintain warranty coverage.
