What oil brand is best for Chevy?
The best oil for a Chevy isn’t a single brand; it’s an oil that meets GM’s Dexos specification and the viscosity your manual calls for. For most gas-powered Chevys, Dexos1 Gen 2 is required, while diesels (such as Duramax-equipped trucks) use Dexos2. Choose a reputable brand that offers Dexos-certified oils in the correct grade.
Understanding Chevy oil specifications
GM uses Dexos certifications to standardize oil quality and protect engine life. Using an oil that lacks the correct Dexos rating or the recommended viscosity can affect performance and may impact warranty coverage. Always verify both the Dexos label and the viscosity on the bottle and in the owner's manual.
Dexos1 Gen 2 vs Dexos2: what they mean for Chevys
Dexos1 Gen 2 is the current specification for gasoline engines, while Dexos2 is used for diesel engines and certain high-performance gas engines. The two specifications are not interchangeable, so it’s important to match the oil to your engine type and GM’s guidance in the manual.
Gasoline engines: Dexos1 Gen 2 oils
If your Chevy’s engine is gasoline-powered, look for Dexos1 Gen 2 oils in the viscosity your manual specifies. Here are several reputable brands that offer Dexos1 Gen 2-certified products in common GM-recommended grades.
- Mobil 1 — Dexos1 Gen 2 certified oils (commonly 0W-20 or 5W-30 for GM engines)
- Pennzoil Platinum — Dexos1 Gen 2 certified oils (often 0W-20 or 5W-30)
- Castrol — Dexos1 Gen 2 certified oils (0W-20, 5W-30, etc.)
- Valvoline — Dexos1 Gen 2 certified oils (0W-20, 5W-30)
When selecting, confirm the bottle label explicitly says Dexos1 Gen 2 and choose the viscosity your specific Chevy model requires (most newer GM cars use 0W-20, with some variants at 5W-30).
Diesel engines: Dexos2 oils
- Mobil 1 ESP Diesel — Dexos2 certified oils (commonly 5W-40)
- Shell Rotella T6 — Dexos2 certified oils (commonly 5W-40)
- Castrol EDGE — Dexos2 certified oils (often 5W-40)
- Valvoline Premium Blue — Dexos2 certified oils (commonly 5W-40)
Always read the bottle to confirm Dexos2 certification and the exact viscosity specified for your Duramax or diesel Chevy model.
Choosing the right viscosity and formulation
Viscosity matters as much as the Dexos certification. Most modern Chevys use 0W-20 Dexos1 Gen 2 for better fuel efficiency and cold-start performance, while some engines or climates may call for 5W-30. Diesel engines often use 5W-40 or 0W-40 Dexos2. Your owner's manual provides the precise grade for your vehicle.
- 0W-20: Common for many newer gas engines in moderate climates
- 5W-30: Used in some engines or warmer climates
- 5W-40 or 0W-40: Typical for many diesel Duramax applications
Conclusion: Follow the exact viscosity listed in the manual and pair it with a Dexos-certified oil from a reputable brand.
Warranty and maintenance reminders
GM generally requires Dexos-certified oils to meet warranty expectations. Keep receipts and documentation of the oil you use, including the brand and grade, especially if your vehicle is still under warranty or a service plan.
Summary
There isn’t a single “best” oil brand for all Chevys. The best choice is a Dexos-certified oil that matches the viscosity specified by your GM owner’s manual. For gasoline engines, look for Dexos1 Gen 2 oils from reputable brands such as Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Castrol, and Valvoline. For diesel Chevrolet models, use Dexos2-certified oils from brands like Mobil 1 ESP, Shell Rotella, Castrol, and Valvoline. Always verify the Dexos certification and recommended viscosity on the bottle and in the manual, and keep records of your oil changes.
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.
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.
Why does Chevy recommend Dexos oil?
Using Dexos oil is important, especially if you drive a GM vehicle such as a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, or Cadillac. It guarantees that the oil protects your engine to the manufacturer's exact standards, preserving warranty coverage and enhancing vehicle longevity.
What brand of oil do Chevrolet dealers use?
Chevy dealerships typically use oils that meet the manufacturer's dexos specifications, with ACDelco dexos1™ Full Synthetic and Mobil 1™ Advanced Full Synthetic being common choices. The specific oil and viscosity grade—such as 0W-20 or 5W-30—will vary depending on the particular vehicle's engine, so it is best to check your owner's manual for the precise requirement.
Common oil options
- ACDelco dexos1™ Full Synthetic: Meets GM's stringent requirements for performance and protection.
- Mobil 1™ Advanced Full Synthetic: An official partner with GM, this is often used, especially as a factory fill for performance vehicles like the Corvette.
- ACDelco Gold Conventional Oil: A conventional option, but many modern Chevy engines require synthetic oil.
How to choose the right oil
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific vehicle's needs.
- Look for the dexos approval: Ensure the oil you or your dealership uses has the official "dexos" certification for your vehicle's engine.
- Consider your driving conditions: For most modern vehicles, full synthetic is the recommended choice for superior performance, especially in extreme temperatures.
