What oil do dealers use?
Dealers typically use engine oil that matches the manufacturer’s specifications, with full synthetic oil being the norm for most modern engines. Viscosities like 0W-20 or 5W-30 are common, and oils often carry OEM approvals such as Dexos, MB, BMW, VW, or Toyota/Honda specifications depending on the make. Brands you’ll frequently see include Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Castrol, and Valvoline.
Understanding which oils dealers use helps you align maintenance with warranty terms and engine performance. This article explains common oils, the standards that govern them, and how to ensure you get the right lubricant for your vehicle.
Common oils and standards used in dealership service bays
Dealerships tailor oil selection to the vehicle’s engine requirements, often opting for full synthetic due to longer drain intervals and better protection. The following list highlights prevalent oil types and the typical spec they carry.
- Full synthetic engine oil (often 0W-20 or 5W-30) that meets API SP and ILSAC GF-6; many brands also carry OEM approvals such as Dexos1 Gen 2 for GM vehicles or Dexos2 for various European makes.
- Synthetic blend engine oil (semi-synthetic) that meets the same API/ILSAC standards and OEM approvals, used when a manufacturer allows or recommends a blend.
- Conventional (mineral) engine oil that may be used for older vehicles or certain models not requiring synthetic oil, still meeting API SP or earlier standards.
- Specialized oils for certain brands or regions, such as oils meeting MB 229.5/229.51, VW 502.00/505.01, BMW Longlife, or Toyota/Honda factory specifications, often labeled as OEM-approved or "Genuine" oils.
In practice, the dealership will stock a mix of these options and select the exact product based on your vehicle’s manual and posted maintenance requirements.
Key standards and approvals explained
Standards and approvals help ensure oil compatibility with engines and warranty terms. The oil you’ll see in dealer bays typically carries several of these marks.
- API SP: The latest engine oil category from the American Petroleum Institute, covering wear protection and emission-system compatibility.
- ILSAC GF-6: The latest certification for passenger-car oils that secures fuel economy and engine protection performance.
- Dexos1 Gen 2: GM’s global lubricant specification for gasoline engines, ensuring compatibility with GM engines and warranty requirements.
- Dexos2: General European and non-GM vehicles compatibility standard used by many European brands (and some non-GM makes).
- OEM-specific approvals: MB 229.5/229.51 (Mercedes-Benz), BMW Longlife, VW 502.00/505.01, Toyota, Honda, etc.—these indicate the oil is approved for that brand’s engines.
Selecting oils with these standards helps ensure proper protection, coating, and warranty compliance across brands.
How to ensure you get the right oil for your car
To avoid surprises at the dealership and maintain warranty coverage, you should verify the oil specification before service begins. The steps below help guide the conversation with the service advisor.
- Check your owner’s manual for the recommended viscosity (for example, 0W-20, 5W-30) and approved oil specs (API SP, GF-6, Dexos, or OEM approvals).
- Ask the service advisor to confirm the exact oil grade and approvals that will be used for your vehicle, and whether a GM/Dexos or Mercedes/BMW/VW spec is required.
- If you prefer to supply your own oil, ask about the process, any associated fees, and whether they can warranty the use of non-dealer oil.
Following these steps helps ensure the oil aligns with your vehicle’s requirements and preserves warranty terms.
Summary
Car dealers typically use OEM-approved, high-quality engine oils, with full synthetic being the most common choice for modern engines. The exact oil depends on the vehicle’s make, model, and year, as well as the manufacturer’s approved standards. By understanding viscosity, standards, and brand options, you can better navigate dealer service and ensure your car receives the correct lubricant.
What not to tell a dealership?
Let's look at some things to keep under your hat while you explore the lot.
- "I Don't Know Much About Cars"
- "My Current Car Is on Its Last Legs"
- "My Lease Is Almost Up"
- "I'm Going to Pay Cash!"
- "I Already Have a Car Loan Lined Up"
- "I Love This Car"
- "I've Never Bought a New Car Before"
What is a red flag in a car dealership used for?
One of the most common signs of dealer fraud in California is a refusal to share the vehicle's title or a complete history report. When you ask to see the title, the dealer might say, “We'll get that for you after the paperwork,” or “It's being processed.” Don't fall for it.
Is $100 for an oil change normal?
$100 is pretty much standard for an oil change accounting for labor and parts.
What type of oil does the dealership use?
Dealerships normally use the recommended oil for the vehicle regardless if the vehicle brand is sold at the dealership.
