Who manufactures ACDelco oil?
ACDelco motor oil is manufactured for the ACDelco brand by contract manufacturers under license to General Motors.
ACDelco is General Motors' global parts brand, with oil products developed by the ACDelco division and produced by external manufacturers that GM contracts to meet its quality standards. Because production is handled by third parties and can vary by product line and region, the exact maker may differ from bottle to bottle. For definitive information on a specific product, examine the label for the contract manufacturer's name or contact ACDelco customer support.
Understanding ACDelco and its oil line
ACDelco serves as GM's broad parts brand, covering everything from batteries to filters and lubricants. The oil offerings sold under the ACDelco label are designed to meet GM specifications and are produced through third-party manufacturing partners working under GM's quality controls and licensing agreements.
Who actually makes the oil?
Before listing the common facts, note that the producer name on ACDelco oil can vary by product and market. The oil is developed by GM’s ACDelco team and produced by contracted manufacturers that GM selects to meet its standards. The bottle may or may not display the contractor’s name, depending on regional packaging. For exact information, check the bottle or contact ACDelco support.
- Brand ownership: ACDelco is General Motors’ global parts brand.
- Manufacturing arrangement: Oils are produced by contract manufacturers under license to ACDelco and GM.
- Variability: The specific contract maker can differ by product line and geographic region.
- Standards: Oils labeled as Dexos or other GM specifications follow GM’s testing and performance criteria.
- Labeling: Some bottles may list the contract manufacturer; others may simply carry the ACDelco name.
Understanding these points helps buyers verify the maker of their oil and ensure compatibility with their vehicle’s requirements.
Standards and certification
ACDelco motor oils often align with GM standards such as Dexos, which governs performance requirements for modern engines. The Dexos designation indicates that the oil has passed GM’s specification tests for wear protection, sludge control, viscosity maintenance, and cold-start behavior. The specific certification that applies can depend on the oil grade and market.
Dexos certification explained
Dexos is GM’s engine oil specification system. Oils that meet Dexos1 Gen 2 (for gasoline engines) or Dexos2 (for diesel engines and certain gasoline applications) must satisfy GM's performance criteria and are typically supported by the manufacturing partner’s quality processes. When you see a Dexos label on an ACDelco oil bottle, it reflects adherence to those GM standards as part of the product’s formulation and testing.
Summary
ACDelco oil is GM’s branded motor oil, produced by contract manufacturers under license to General Motors. The exact producer can vary by product and region, so buyers should check the bottle for the contract manufacturer or contact ACDelco for specifics. Many ACDelco oils are designed to meet GM’s Dexos standards, signaling alignment with GM’s performance requirements for modern engines.
Is ACDelco oil a good brand?
Yes, AC Delco oil is generally considered good, especially its GM-spec'd dexos1 full synthetic motor oil, as it is engineered to meet or exceed the performance standards required by General Motors. It provides good protection against wear, deposit formation, and viscosity breakdown, making it a suitable choice for most modern gasoline engines.
Benefits of AC Delco oil
- Meets specifications: Its dexos1 oils are designed to meet or exceed the latest specifications, such as dexos1 Gen 3, API SP, and ILSAC GF-6.
- Engine protection: It provides high resistance to oxidation, prevents sludge and varnish buildup, and protects against high-temperature deposits.
- Excellent flow: The oil is engineered for good low-temperature flow, ensuring proper lubrication during cold starts.
- Engine cleanliness: It helps keep engines cleaner, which can improve performance and extend engine life.
- Engineered for GM vehicles: As a brand synonymous with GM, its oils are designed and tested to rigorous standards, making them an ideal choice for GM vehicles.
Considerations
- While AC Delco is a reputable brand, some users prefer other brands or oils based on specific performance claims, brand preference, or price.
- For non-GM vehicles, it's important to ensure the AC Delco oil meets the specific requirements for that particular make and model.
- For certain demanding applications, some aftermarket oils may offer different performance benefits.
Who manufactures ACDelco?
ACDelco is a brand owned by General Motors (GM). It is a subsidiary of GM that provides both original equipment parts for GM vehicles and aftermarket parts for a wide variety of makes and models.
- Brand Ownership: ACDelco is a subsidiary and a premium brand of General Motors, alongside GM Genuine Parts.
- Product Range: It offers original equipment (OE) parts for GM's brands like Chevrolet, Buick, GMC, and Cadillac, and premium aftermarket parts that are backed by GM for both GM and non-GM vehicles.
- Historical Context: The ACDelco name was formed in 1974 when GM merged its two existing parts companies: AC Spark Plug and United Delco.
Who makes oil for ACDelco?
Licensed dexos1 Gen 3 brands
| Brand Name | Supplier | Viscosity |
|---|---|---|
| ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL | General Motors | 0W-20 |
| ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL | General Motors | 5W-30 |
| ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL | ExxonMobil | 0W-20 |
| ACDELCO FULLY SYNTHETIC ENGINE OIL | ExxonMobil | 5W-30 |
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.
