Who makes Chevy oil?
Chevrolet does not manufacture its own motor oil. The oil used in Chevy engines is produced by several lubricant brands that meet GM’s Dexos specification, including Mobil 1, Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Quaker State, and Shell Rotella, among others. In short, Chevy oil is made by multiple approved manufacturers rather than a single in-house producer.
Understanding Dexos: The GM Lubricant Standard
Dexos is GM’s certification program that ensures engine oil meets performance and protection standards for GM engines. Oils labeled Dexos are designed to work with Chevrolet engines and are typically required for warranty coverage. There are different Dexos specifications, notably Dexos1 Gen 2 for gasoline engines and Dexos2 for diesel engines and certain high-performance applications.
Dexos1 Gen 2 vs Dexos2
Most gasoline-powered Chevrolets built in recent years use Dexos1 Gen 2 oils, while diesel-equipped models and some gasoline engines needing extra protection rely on Dexos2. Always verify the correct specification on the oil label or in the owner's manual to ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle.
Below is a quick look at some major brands that produce Dexos-certified oils. These brands supply many of the oils you will find on shelves and service centers that meet GM’s Dexos specifications.
- Mobil 1 (ExxonMobil)
- Castrol
- Pennzoil (Shell)
- Valvoline
- Quaker State (Shell)
- Shell Rotella (Dexos2 for diesel and some gasoline applications)
These manufacturers produce Dexos-certified motor oils across multiple product lines. Availability may vary by region, vehicle model, and year.
How to Choose the Right Oil for Your Chevy
Choosing the right oil involves confirming the Dexos specification and the recommended viscosity for your engine. Always reference the owner's manual, the oil filler cap, or GM service data for exact requirements. In many modern Chevys, Dexos1 Gen 2 oil with viscosities such as 0W-20 or 5W-30 is common, but there are exceptions based on engine type and climate.
- Check the oil label to confirm Dexos certification and the correct generation (Dexos1 Gen 2 vs Dexos2).
- Match the viscosity to your engine’s specification and local climate.
- Follow GM’s guidance on synthetic vs. conventional oil when applicable.
Note: Using non-Dexos oil in vehicles that require Dexos-certified lubricants can affect warranty coverage and engine protection.
Summary
Chevrolet oil is not a single, in-house product; it is supplied by a range of global lubricant manufacturers that hold Dexos certification. The specific brand and oil you choose should meet the Dexos specification and match the engine’s viscosity requirements. Always follow the owner’s manual to ensure compatibility, performance, and warranty protection.
What oil brands are made by Warren oil?
Warren Oil produces its own brands, including Lubriguard, Coastal, and Autoguard, but also manufactures a large number of private label products for major retailers like Supertech (Walmart), Kirkland Signature (Costco), and Amazon Basics. Additionally, they manage the MAG 1 brand, notes Highline Warren.
Warren Oil's own brands
Lubriguard, Coastal, Autoguard, Itasca, LubriGold, and Saxon.
Brands manufactured for other companies (Private label)
- Supertech: Primarily manufactured by Warren Oil for Walmart.
- Kirkland Signature: Manufactured by Warren Distribution for Costco.
- Amazon Basics: Manufactured by Warren Distribution for Amazon.
Other brands managed
- MAG 1: A brand managed by Warren Oil.
Is Mobil 1 the same as Dexos?
Yes, many Mobil 1 products are dexos-approved, but not all of them are. You need to check the product label for the official dexos icon to be sure, as some Mobil 1 oils are formulated for specific dexos specifications (like dexos1, dexos2, or dexos R) while others meet different, non-dexos standards.
Specifics on Mobil 1 and dexos
- For GM vehicles: GM requires the use of dexos-licensed oil for many modern vehicles to maintain warranty. Mobil and other brands offer a variety of Mobil 1 products that meet these requirements.
- For Corvettes: Some Chevrolet Corvettes, like the C8, specifically require Mobil 1 ESP Formula 0W-40, which is approved for dexos2.
- For other high-performance applications: Mobil 1 also offers oils like the Supercar Full Synthetic, which meets dexos R specifications and is designed for GM high-performance gasoline engines, notes Walmart.
- General rule: Always look for the official dexos icon and license number on the front and back of the oil bottle to ensure you are getting a licensed dexos product, says The Petroleum Quality Institute of America.
What brand of oil does Chevy use?
Chevrolet recommends using its own ACDelco brand, specifically oils meeting the dexos1™ (for gasoline) or dexosD (for diesel) standards, as they are formulated to meet GM's specific requirements. However, other licensed brands like Mobil 1 are also mentioned as approved and recommended for performance engines. The exact type and viscosity will depend on your specific engine, so always consult your owner's manual for the correct oil specifications.
Recommended oil brands
- ACDelco: This is the brand manufactured by General Motors and is recommended for most Chevrolet vehicles, with options like ACDelco dexos1™ full synthetic or ACDelco Gold conventional oil.
- Mobil 1: Approved by Chevrolet for use in its vehicles, particularly Mobil 1™ Advanced Full Synthetic for general use or their Racing™ oils for performance engines.
- Other licensed brands: As long as the oil meets the specific dexos® standard for your vehicle, other brands will also be compatible.
How to choose the right oil
- Check your owner's manual: This is the most important step, as it will specify the exact viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30) and the required performance standard for your specific engine.
- Ensure it's licensed: The oil must be licensed to meet the dexos specification to ensure it meets GM's quality and performance standards.
- Match the oil to your engine:
- Most modern gasoline engines will use dexos1™ in a specific viscosity (e.g., 0W-20).
- Diesel engines require dexosD, which is formulated specifically for them.
Who makes oil for GM?
GM oil is manufactured by various companies under a licensing agreement, with ExxonMobil being a major supplier for the GM dealer network and ACDelco products. Other companies that make GM-licensed oils include Castrol, Valvoline, and Ultra1Plus, among others, all of which produce oils that meet GM's specific performance standards like dexos.
- ExxonMobil: Supplies many lubricants for GM's dealer network and produces ACDelco brand oils that meet the dexos standard.
- ACDelco: While ACDelco is a GM brand, the oil itself is manufactured by licensed partners like ExxonMobil. GM's own ACDelco GM Original Equipment parts are specifically designed and validated for GM vehicles.
- Other licensed manufacturers: Companies such as Castrol, Valvoline, and Ultra1Plus also produce GM-licensed oils that meet the performance standards set by GM.
- GM's role: General Motors develops and sets the specifications for its oils through its dexos licensing program, ensuring that all oils certified meet these rigorous standards.
