What oil is best for a 2017 Chevy Malibu?
The best oil for a 2017 Chevy Malibu is a Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oil, with the viscosity specified by GM in your owner's manual. In practice, most 2017 Malibu models use 0W-20 for the 1.5-liter turbo and 5W-30 for the 2.0-liter turbo, but you should confirm the exact recommendation for your engine and climate.
Understanding the 2017 Malibu engine lineup
The 2017 Malibu offered two turbocharged gasoline engines: a 1.5-liter inline-4 turbo and a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo, each requiring Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oil. The exact viscosity can vary by engine and climate, so the owner’s manual is the authoritative source for your specific vehicle.
Dexos1 Gen 2: why it matters
Dexos1 Gen 2 is GM’s approved oil specification for modern Chevrolet engines. Using a Dexos1 Gen 2 oil helps protect engine components, maintain warranty coverage, and ensure proper lubrication under a range of operating conditions.
Oil viscosity guidelines by engine
Oil viscosity recommendations differ between the two available engines in the 2017 Malibu. The manual typically designates 0W-20 for the 1.5-liter turbo and 5W-30 for the 2.0-liter turbo, but always verify your exact specification in the owner's manual and on the oil filler cap or under the hood label.
Here's a quick overview to help you understand the common options for these engines.
- 1.5L turbo (most common in base and LT trims): Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oil, usually with a viscosity of 0W-20.
- 2.0L turbo (higher-performance option): Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oil, commonly 5W-30.
Before this list, note that the following items summarize typical oil choices by engine. Always follow the official GM specification for your car.
Concluding guidance: Always refer to the owner's manual or the oil cap on your engine for the exact viscosity and approval, and ensure the oil meets Dexos1 Gen 2 standards to maintain warranty and protection.
Conventional vs synthetic and practical tips
For a 2017 Malibu, synthetic Dexos1 Gen 2 oil is generally the preferred choice because it provides better protection, especially under cold starts and high-temperature operation, and it supports longer drain intervals when combined with GM’s recommended maintenance schedule.
- Synthetic Dexos1 Gen 2 oil is recommended for most drivers and climate ranges.
- Conventional or non-Dexos oils are not recommended as a long-term substitute; if you must use them temporarily, expect shorter drain intervals and potential warranty considerations.
Before this list, here are practical notes about oil type choices for this vehicle.
Concluding note: In almost all cases, sticking with Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oil (and the viscosity specified for your engine) is the safest path for performance and warranty compliance.
Oil change intervals and maintenance
Understanding when to change oil is as important as choosing the right oil. The Malibu’s maintenance schedule is built around the use of synthetic Dexos1 Gen 2 oil, with interval guidance that varies by driving conditions.
- Normal driving: about every 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first.
- Severe service (short trips, extreme temperatures, towing, or heavy loads): typically every 3,000–5,000 miles (5,000–8,000 km) or 4–6 months, whichever comes first.
- Oil level and condition should be checked regularly (monthly as a baseline) and after long trips or heavy towing.
Before this list, here are the general intervals you’ll encounter for the 2017 Malibu with synthetic Dexos1 Gen 2 oil.
Concluding paragraph: Adhering to these intervals helps protect the engine, maintain fuel efficiency, and support warranty requirements. Always adjust based on your driving patterns and climate, and consult the owner’s manual for the exact schedule.
Where to verify the exact specification
Because GM may update recommendations and there can be regional variations, the definitive source is your 2017 Malibu’s owner’s manual and the under-hood oil specification tag. Look for Dexos1 Gen 2 wording on the oil cap or in the maintenance section of the manual, and ensure the viscosity matches the engine type and climate.
Summary
For a 2017 Chevy Malibu, the safest and most reliable choice is Dexos1 Gen 2 synthetic oil, with the viscosity chosen to match your engine: typically 0W-20 for the 1.5-liter turbo and 5W-30 for the 2.0-liter turbo. Follow GM’s recommended change intervals—7,500 miles under normal conditions and more frequent changes under severe service—and always confirm the exact specification in your owner's manual to protect the engine and maintain warranty coverage. Regular oil checks and using the correct oil will help keep your Malibu running smoothly over time.
