Is Dexos necessary?

[lardy1]

We all know where the "best oil" discussions go and I'm not necessarily looking for brand recommendations. I just paid off a 2016 Silverado with around 35,000 miles on it. I've used a dealership quick change and they were using Valvoline which I don't mind because my '98 Silverado is over 250,000 miles on Valvoline dinosaur oil.

Can I just use quality brand name synthetic from here on out and have peace of mind that the only difference being GM is not getting their licensing cut for the label designation and I can buy my oil and filters on sale?

 

[cvairwerks]

As long as what you use meets or exceeds GM’s recommended oil spec, shouldn’t be a big deal.
I switched my 7.3 to Rotella T6 5W-40 for better starting, and I don’t think it even existed when the truck was built.

 

[Robbie B]

From my understanding basically all the Dexos standard is is specing synthetic oil. As long as the bottle says it meets Dexos standards you’ll be fine.

 

[pwschuh]

Wrong forum?

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I use store brand full synthetic that is dexos2 approved and usually just use what is on sale for a filter. I do get better filters for my wife’s traverse because they had timing chain issues. I have never had any internal engine issues. Actually i change it every 4000ish miles and on my dodge the oil leaks have mostly cleared up over the past couple years

 

[dnschmidt]

If it's a brand name synthetic oil, or Costco Kirkland, the Dexos label is almost automatic these days. Every brand of synthetic oil that I've seen has the Dexos approved sticker on it. I do believe a previous poster is correct in stating that only synthetic oils get the Dexos designation. At $25.00 for two 5 quart jugs why would you use anything other than the Kirkland which meets the latest Dexos and API designations. You can't buy dino oil that cheap.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Most synthetic now meets Dexos spec, even the house brand stuff usually. We use Proline oil for our fleet customers since they want the cheapest stuff that does the job. No issues. I run it in my family's cars too.

 

[anndel]

Anything from Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Castrol, NAPA to Amazon Basics, Supertech are Dexos rated. If you like Valvoline, stick with that, just look for the Dexos spec and you're good to go.

 

[66HertzClone]

It is my understanding that the dexos spec exceeds the API SN spec by about a third, so it provides a wider margin of protection than that of the SN oils regardless of them being conventional, blended or a full synthetic oil. It is probable that a conventional oil may not be capable of reaching that standard.

This move may allow GM to recommend a longer service interval between changes. Bottom line it is a higher quality spec and offers more protection than the SN oils do. I tell my customers that I would highly recommend highly using it during the warranty period, after that ends if they wish to switch to a SN only approval I would reduce the service interval to not exceed 5000 miles.

I am using the GulfTEC 0w20 and 5w30 products for this spec, both have the newer Gen 2 approval and we can offer the service at $57.99 inclusive of 6 quarts.

 

[SpectreNiner]

Pretty much what everyone else said. You almost have to go out of your way nowadays to find an off-the-shelf oil that's not DexOS labeled. Really, the only one off the top of my head that's not is Pennz Ultra Plat, as far as major brand names readily available at Walmart, Oreillys, Autozone, AAP, etc.

 

[classic70]

You have a pushrod v8(I assume) with out several feet of timing chains or turbos. Just DI. You should be fine on any full synthetic oil that meets SN or higher. Just my opinion. Most synthetic oil comes with Dexos approval anyhow.

 

[Locator]

Sorry for the ignorant question, but what is "Dexos"? Also, what is an "SN" oil?

 

[bob15]

Sorry for the ignorant question, but what is "Dexos"? Also, what is an "SN" oil?

Here is a really good explanation: http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm

One other thing to add to it is the letter "S" in SN (and in case you see a CK):
S= spark ignition = gasoline engines
C = compression ignition = diesel engine

 

[IndyGarage]

Yes you can use any oil you want - it's your engine.

Some oils are better than others. Some will last longer than others. Engines didn't magically change that much in the past few years, requiring new grades of oil.

What changed is with the internet, consumers are smarter about not buying engines that sludge up. Therefore manufacturers that make engines that will tend to sludge require new oil specifications so they don't get dinged on the internet.

Put good oil in your engine and you will be fine.

 

[SpectreNiner]

Yes you can use any oil you want - it's your engine.

/squint

 

[bwringer]

As far as I can tell, just about every decent name brand or store brand synthetic is already Dexos, at least in the oil weights correct for your engine.

In other words, it doesn't cost extra, and it would probably take extra work to find a non-Dexos synthetic.

 

[bob15]

As far as I can tell, just about every decent name brand or store brand synthetic is already Dexos, at least in the oil weights correct for your engine.

In other words, it doesn't cost extra, and it would probably take extra work to find a non-Dexos synthetic.

It costs the manufacturer more money because they have to pay GM for the dexos "seal of approval" which in-tern they (oil company) just raises the price of their oil at the store. It almost boarders corporate extortion.

http://www.agcoauto.com/content/news/p2_articleid/178

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/dexos-fees-how-much-is-gm-earning.234424/

 

[malibu101]

Yes you can use any oil you want - it's your engine.

Some oils are better than others. Some will last longer than others. Engines didn't magically change that much in the past few years, requiring new grades of oil.

What changed is with the internet, consumers are smarter about not buying engines that sludge up. Therefore manufacturers that make engines that will tend to sludge require new oil specifications so they don't get dinged on the internet.

Put good oil in your engine and you will be fine.

Just saying on using any good oil.......
Bought a new Chevy last year. One of the many papers signed ( I remember it well because I thought it kinda funny) was to only use Dexos approved oil or the warranty would be void.

Just saying that if under warranty, be careful what you tell people.
No warranty- fill 'er up with clean oil and go!

 

[d.mcfarland]

Wonder which is a tougher spec to meet ... Dexos or the Mercedes Benz equivalent.

I personally like to go with an oil that meets MB 229.5. Even the WV 502 spec seems pretty good. Probably all better than what was around 20 years ago.

 

[bob15]

Here is the Dexos oil vendor list: https://www.gmdexos.com/brands/dexos1/index.html

MB229.5 list: https://bevo.mercedes-benz.com/bevolisten/229.5_en.html

 

[lardy1]

That list is just what I've been wanting to find. Thank you Bob.