Choosing the right engine oil for a Chevy Silverado 1500 isn’t just about grabbing “synthetic” off the shelf—it’s about matching the OEM-required viscosity and the GM specification your engine was designed around. Over the years, Silverado oil recommendations have evolved as engines added features like direct injection, cylinder deactivation, turbocharging, and newer emissions systems. The good news: once you know your engine family and model era, the correct oil choice becomes simple.
Below is a practical, generation-spanning guide based on OEM recommendations found in GM owner manuals and GM service publications.
Why OEM oil specs matter more than brand
Most engines can run poorly (or wear faster) when the oil is the wrong viscosity grade or doesn’t meet the right GM specification. Modern Silverados are especially sensitive because the oil is doing more than lubricating—it supports fuel-saving tech and can impact timing components, lifters, and turbo hardware. GM’s dexos standards were created to ensure the oil meets those performance requirements, and they’ve replaced older GM oil specs over time. NHTSA Static
Quick-reference: Silverado 1500 oil recommendations by era and engine (OEM-based)
2019–Present (T1 generation) — most common current setups
For late-model Silverado 1500 engines, GM service guidance calls for these oil types:
- 5.3L V8 (L84): dexos1, SAE 0W-20 TechLink
- 6.2L V8 (L87): dexos1, SAE 0W-20 TechLink
- 2.7L Turbo (L3B): dexos1, SAE 5W-30 TechLink
- 3.0L Duramax diesel (LM2): dexosD, SAE 0W-20 TechLink
Tip: “dexos1” and “dexosD” are not interchangeable—diesels need the diesel-specific spec.
2014–2018 (K2XX generation) — EcoTec3 era (and still very common on the road)
A clear OEM example is the 2017 Silverado 1500 owner manual, which specifies:
- 5.3L and 6.2L V8: SAE 0W-20 and oils that meet the dexos1 spec Chevrolet
- 4.3L V6 and 6.0L V8 (where equipped): SAE 5W-30 (dexos1) Chevrolet
This is a helpful “bridge” generation because it shows GM’s move toward 0W-20 on certain V8s while still using 5W-30 on other engines. Chevrolet
2007–2013 (GMT900 generation) — pre-dexos era in many owner manuals
Older Silverado 1500 manuals commonly call for:
- SAE 5W-30 and oil meeting GM Standard GM6094M GM Assets
If you’re maintaining a Silverado from this era, the key detail is that dexos1 oils were designed to replace older GM standards for most gasoline engines and are generally backward compatible for older vehicles that originally called for GM6094M-type specs. NHTSA Static
What to buy at the store: the label checklist
When you’re staring at an oil shelf, this is the fast way to avoid mistakes:
- Match the viscosity first (0W-20, 5W-30, etc.).
- Then confirm the GM spec on the bottle:
- Don’t “upgrade” viscosity just because you tow or it’s hot out—GM calibrates these engines around the specified oil grade. If you’re doing extreme duty use, the safer OEM-consistent move is more frequent oil changes and using the correct spec oil.
“But my truck is older—can I run dexos oils?”
For many older gasoline Silverados that originally referenced older GM specs (like GM6094M), GM’s dexos1 specification replaced prior GM gasoline-engine oil specifications and is generally considered backward compatible for those older applications. NHTSA Static
That said, you should still match the viscosity your manual calls for (for many 2007-era trucks, that’s 5W-30). GM Assets
The safest rule: follow your oil cap and your exact owner’s manual
Silverado 1500 powertrains can vary by engine code, model year, and even production changes. The most reliable “final answer” is always:
- Your oil fill cap
- Your owner’s manual for your model year
Helpful Links from Turan Foley Chevrolet GMC
- Schedule a Test Drive – Experience the performance and comfort of a Chevy Silverado 1500 in person before making your decision.
- View Current Vehicle Specials – Explore available offers on new and pre-owned Chevrolet and GMC models.
- Get Pre-Approved for Financing – Save time at the dealership by starting your financing application online.
- Schedule Service Online – Keep your Silverado running at its best with professional maintenance from certified technicians.
- Contact Turan Foley Chevrolet GMC – Have questions about maintenance, service, or inventory? The team is here to help.
Chevy Silverado 1500 Oil Type FAQs
What oil does a Chevy Silverado 1500 take?
The correct oil for a Chevy Silverado 1500 depends on the engine and model year. Many newer gas engines require SAE 0W-20 oil meeting GM dexos1 specifications, while some engines—such as older V6 models or the 2.7L Turbo—use SAE 5W-30 dexos1. Diesel Silverados require dexosD diesel oil.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in my Silverado 1500?
No. GM recommends using the exact viscosity listed in your owner’s manual or on the oil fill cap. Using a heavier oil than specified can reduce fuel efficiency and may affect engine components designed for thinner oil, especially in newer Silverado engines.
Is dexos oil required for Chevy Silverado engines?
Yes. GM specifies dexos-approved oil for Silverado engines because it meets performance, cleanliness, and wear standards required for modern GM powertrains. Using non-dexos oil may increase engine wear and can affect warranty coverage on newer vehicles.
Can newer dexos oils be used in older Silverado 1500 models?
In many cases, yes. dexos1 oils were designed to replace older GM gasoline engine oil standards and are generally compatible with older Silverados, as long as the viscosity matches the original recommendation (commonly 5W-30 on earlier models).
Does towing or hot weather change the oil type I should use?
GM does not recommend changing oil viscosity for towing or hot climates. Instead, Silverado owners should continue using the OEM-specified oil and follow severe-duty oil change intervals if they frequently tow, haul heavy loads, or drive in extreme conditions.
How often should I change the oil in a Chevy Silverado 1500?
Most Silverado 1500 models are equipped with a GM Oil Life Monitoring System, which calculates oil change intervals based on driving conditions. Always follow the system’s recommendation or your owner’s manual, especially if you drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow regularly, or operate in extreme temperatures.
Connect with us
