What kind of oil goes in a 2018 Chevy Equinox?
The basic answer is that the 2018 Chevy Equinox requires Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic motor oil, with the exact viscosity specified for your engine and climate (commonly 0W-20 or 5W-30). Always verify the exact grade in your owner’s manual or on the under-hood oil fill cap.
Oil specifications and GM’s standard
GM uses the Dexos oil standards to ensure proper protection and compatibility with its engines. For gasoline engines in the 2018 Equinox, Dexos1 Gen 2 is the standard. Diesel engines (if present in your market) use Dexos2. The viscosity you should buy is specified by GM for your particular engine and operating environment, so it’s important to follow the manual or the fill-cap label.
Oil recommendations by engine variant
The following guidelines reflect GM’s recommendations for common 2018 Equinox configurations in North America. Always confirm the exact grade for your engine and climate with the owner’s manual or a Chevrolet dealer.
- Gasoline engines (1.5L turbo and 2.0L turbo): Use Dexos1 Gen 2 approved motor oil. The exact viscosity is specified by GM for your engine and climate (often 0W-20 or 5W-30).
- Diesel engine (Duramax 1.6L, if equipped in your market): Use Dexos2 approved motor oil; follow the viscosity recommended in the owner's manual (commonly higher-viscosity oils such as 5W-40, depending on climate).
In practice, most gasoline Equinox engines run well on Dexos1 Gen 2 oils in the 0W-20 to 5W-30 range, with diesel engines requiring Dexos2 oils. Always check the exact specification printed on the oil fill cap or in the manual for your VIN.
Brand options and maintenance intervals
To ensure your oil meets GM specifications, choose brands that explicitly certify their products as Dexos1 Gen 2 (for gasoline engines) or Dexos2 (for diesel engines). Popular options include Mobil 1, Castrol, Pennzoil, and Valvoline, among others. The service interval for oil changes on the 2018 Equinox typically falls in the 5,000–7,500 mile range under normal driving, with shorter intervals under severe conditions or heavy towing.
Using an oil that does not meet Dexos standards can affect engine protection and may impact warranty coverage. Always verify the product label before purchase and follow the odometer/vehicle maintenance reminders to determine when an oil change is due.
Summary
The 2018 Chevy Equinox requires Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic motor oil for gasoline engines and Dexos2 for diesel variants, with the exact viscosity determined by engine type and climate. Always consult the owner's manual or the under-hood label to confirm the correct grade, and use a GM-approved brand to ensure optimal protection and warranty compliance. Adhering to the recommended change intervals helps maintain engine health across the model year.
