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What kind of oil does my Chevy take?

The type of oil your Chevy requires depends on the specific model and year of your vehicle. Generally, Chevrolet recommends using a high-quality motor oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications for your Chevy. The recommended oil type is typically listed in your owner's manual or can be found by checking with your local Chevy dealer.


Determining the Correct Oil for Your Chevy


To find the right oil for your Chevy, you'll need to consider a few key factors:



  • Vehicle Model and Year: Chevrolet has different oil recommendations for different models and model years. Newer Chevy vehicles may require a different oil type than older models.

  • Engine Size: The engine size of your Chevy will also impact the recommended oil type. Larger engines may require a different viscosity oil than smaller engines.

  • Driving Conditions: If you frequently tow heavy loads, drive in extreme temperatures, or engage in other demanding driving conditions, you may need to use a higher-quality oil that can withstand the additional stress.


Once you've identified the specific oil requirements for your Chevy, you can purchase the recommended oil from your local auto parts store or Chevy dealership.


Common Chevy Oil Types


Some of the most common oil types recommended for Chevy vehicles include:



  • 5W-30: A common oil weight for many Chevy models, providing good all-around performance and fuel efficiency.

  • 5W-20: A lighter oil weight that can improve fuel economy in some Chevy models.

  • 10W-30: A slightly heavier oil weight that may be recommended for older Chevy vehicles or those used for towing or hauling heavy loads.

  • Synthetic Oils: Many Chevy owners opt for synthetic oils, which can provide enhanced protection and performance, especially in high-mileage or high-performance vehicles.


Regardless of the oil type you choose, be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and change your oil at the intervals specified in your Chevy's owner's manual.

Which oil is good for Chevrolet?


For the stylish and efficient Chevy Malibu, SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil is often the go-to choice. This helps keep the engine running smoothly and efficiently, perfect for both city driving and highway cruising.



What type of oil does Chevy recommend?


Engine type and year: For newer Silverados with 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter engines, use SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil that meets the ACDelco full synthetic (dexos1) specification. For models with 2.7-liter, 4.3-liter, or 6.6-liter engines, opt for SAE 5W-30 oil.



Can I put 10W30 instead of 5W30?


Using 10W-30 instead of 5W-30, however, could make cold starts more difficult. It's helpful to think of the “W” as standing for “winter.” The lower the oil's “W” viscosity, the more readily it will flow when cold. In this case, 5W-30 will flow more easily at startup than 10W-30.



How do I determine which oil to put in my car if needed?


You can usually find the oil grade stamped on the engine oil cap, or you can find the type and grade in your car's owner's manual or maintenance guide. What car is 5W-30 oil for? 5W-30 engine oil is an extremely common grade and is used by hundreds of vehicle types.



Can I use 5W-20 instead of 0W-20?


If SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, SAE 5W-20 conventional oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change.



What happens if you put the wrong oil in your car?


Use only what the owner's manual specifies. Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced lubrication and shorter engine life. If the manual says to use synthetic oil, do so. Contrary to what some believe, adding synthetic oil to regular oil won't harm the engine, but there's also no benefit in doing so.



Does it matter what kind of oil you put in your engine?


Think of it this way: engine oils naturally thicken as they cool, and thin as they're heated. Therefore: Thin, low viscosity oils (lower numbers) flow easier to protect engine parts at cold temperatures. Thicker, high viscosity oils (higher numbers) are typically better at protecting engines at warmer temperatures.



Can I use 5W30 in my Chevy Silverado?


Use 5w30. That's what your truck calls for so that's what you should use. Not worth saving a few bucks to use a lower weight oil.



Does my car take regular or synthetic oil?


How Do I Know Whether My Car Needs Conventional or Synthetic? The easiest way to tell whether your vehicle requires conventional or synthetic oil is to check the car's owner's manual. There will be a page (either in the printed or online version) that describes the exact oil type recommended by the manufacturer.



What oil goes in a 5.3 Chevy?


If your 2024 Silverado is powered by a 5.3-liter V8 engine, it's important to use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade motor oil.


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.