What type of oil does a Chevy Impala take?

The answer depends on the engine and year: most modern Impalas require Dexos1 Gen 2 certified engine oil, typically 5W-30 or 0W-20, so check your owner's manual or the under-hood label for the exact grade and spec.

In practice, the exact oil specification follows the engine family and the model year. General Motors uses Dexos1 Gen 2 for many gasoline engines built since the early 2010s, and the recommended viscosity is chosen to balance protection with fuel economy across different climates. To be sure, consult the official manual, the oil filler cap, or a Chevrolet dealer for the precise grade and specification for your vehicle.

How to determine the right oil for your Impala

Identify your exact engine and year, then confirm the specification from the manual, the under-hood label, or a GM service source. The following guidelines help you navigate the choices, but they should be verified against your specific vehicle.

• Dexos1 Gen 2 certification is commonly required for GM gasoline engines produced after about 2011. Look for Dexos1 Gen 2 on the oil container label.


• Viscosity options typically include 0W-20 and 5W-30 depending on engine, climate, and operating conditions. The manual or cap label will specify which one is recommended.


• Oil type (synthetic, synthetic blend, or conventional) is usually guided by the manual; most modern Impalas use synthetic or synthetic-blend oils, with conventional oil generally not preferred for newer engines.

Following these guidelines will help ensure you use the correct oil for your Impala and maintain engine protection and warranty coverage.

How to verify quickly

If you need a fast check without digging through the manual, use these steps. They help confirm the correct grade and Dexos specification for your model quickly.

1. Look at the oil filler cap for the recommended viscosity and any Dexos designation (for example, "Dexos1 Gen 2 5W-30").


2. Consult the owner's manual or the GM online vehicle information by year/engine to confirm the exact specification.


3. Inspect the under-hood service sticker or label, which often lists the required grade and Dexos standard.


4. If in doubt, contact a Chevrolet dealer or trusted mechanic for the precise spec for your VIN.

Accurate verification avoids using the wrong oil, which can affect performance and warranty coverage.

Older Impalas and alternative engines

Models produced before Dexos1 Gen 2 became standard may have different requirements. Some older Impalas ran on conventional 5W-30 or 10W-30 oils, depending on the engine and climate. If you own a pre-2011 Impala or a special engine (such as certain V8 variants), refer to the original owner's manual or a GM service bulletin for the exact grade and type. When in doubt, consult a GM-certified technician to confirm the correct specification for your specific vehicle.

Summary

The Chevy Impala’s oil type is not one-size-fits-all; it depends on the year and engine. For most modern Impalas, Dexos1 Gen 2 oil is required, with common viscosities around 0W-20 or 5W-30 as dictated by the manual and climate. Always verify the exact specification in the owner’s manual, on the engine oil cap, or with a Chevrolet dealer to ensure proper protection and warranty compliance. Regularly changing the oil with the recommended grade helps preserve engine performance and longevity.

What kind of oil does a 2011 Chevy Impala take?

The 2011 Chevy Impala requires 5W-30 motor oil for all temperatures, or 0W-30 for temperatures below -29∘negative 29 raised to the composed with power−29∘C. The oil capacity is 4 quarts (with filter) for the LT and LTZ models, and the oil drain plug should be torqued to 19 ft-lbs. 

• Oil Viscosity: 5W-30 for general use, or 0W-30 for very cold climates (below -29∘negative 29 raised to the composed with power−29∘C). 
• Oil Capacity: 4 quarts with filter for LT and LTZ models. (Some sources specify 5.1 quarts for other models, so check your owner's manual to be sure). 
• Drain Plug Torque: 19 ft-lbs. 
• Note on Fuel: If using E85 or M85 fuel, use AMSOIL of the appropriate viscosity for the OEM recommended drain interval, extending the interval only with oil analysis. 

What kind of oil does a 2012 Chevy Impala take?

The recommended oil for a 2012 Chevy Impala is SAE 5W-30 viscosity motor oil, with a capacity of 6 quarts including the filter. You can use either full synthetic or synthetic blend oil, as long as it is compatible with the GM Dexos specification. 
Oil type and specifications

• Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 is the recommended viscosity for all temperatures. 
• Capacity: The engine requires 6 quarts of oil when changing the filter. 
• Specification: Use oil that meets the GM Dexos specification. 
• Composition: You can use either full synthetic or a synthetic blend, but full synthetic is often recommended for modern engines to provide better protection and extend oil change intervals. 

Other important details

• Torque: The oil drain plug torque is 18 ft-lbs. 
• Oil Filter: A common oil filter for this vehicle is the AC Delco PF64. 

What kind of oil does a 2010 Chevy Impala take?

The 2010 Chevy Impala uses 5W-30 engine oil for most conditions, though 0W-30 is recommended for extreme cold temperatures below -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶. The oil capacity is 4 quarts (with filter). You can use conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil, with full synthetic and high-mileage options being good choices, especially for engines with over 75,000 miles. 
Oil type and viscosity

• Primary recommendation: 5W-30 engine oil 
• Extreme cold (below -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶): 0W-30 engine oil 
• Type: You can use conventional, synthetic blend, or full synthetic oil. Full synthetic and high-mileage oils are often recommended for better engine protection, especially for vehicles with higher mileage. 

Oil capacity

• Total capacity: 4 quarts (including the filter) 

Other notes

• Always check the oil fill cap for the specific viscosity grade recommended by the manufacturer. 
• It's best to check the oil level after adding the new oil to ensure it is correct. 

What kind of oil does a 2009 Chevy Impala take?

The 2009 Chevy Impala requires SAE 5W-30 motor oil. For standard engines, the capacity is about 4 quarts, but vehicles with specific options like the police or handling package may require slightly more. You can use conventional, high-mileage, or full synthetic oil, with synthetic being a good option for extreme temperatures and high-mileage vehicles. 
Oil type and viscosity

• Viscosity: SAE 5W-30 is the recommended viscosity grade for most conditions. 
• For extreme cold: In areas where temperatures are below -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶 (-20∘Fnegative 20 raised to the composed with power cap F−20∘𝐹), a 0W−300 cap W minus 300𝑊−30 synthetic oil is recommended for easier starting. 
• For high mileage: Full synthetic or high-mileage specific 5W-30 oils are beneficial for engines with over 75,000 miles to help reduce leaks and oil consumption. 

Oil capacity

• Standard engine: Approximately 4 quarts.
• Police or handling package: Approximately 5.1 quarts. 

Important considerations

• Check the owner's manual: Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate information specific to your vehicle.
• Check the oil fill cap: The oil type is often printed on the oil fill cap under the hood. 
• Reset the oil life: After changing the oil, remember to reset the oil life monitor in the instrument cluster.