Recommended GMC Oil Specifications

In the late 2000’s GMC (AKA General Motors) developed and began using their own internal engine oil quality specification system. These new engine oil quality standards were put in place to ensure that a specific quality level of engine oil would be used instead of the earlier API or ACEA oil quality standards which were broad and general specifications. The new engine oil standards are used in connection with specific engine applications to ensure optimal engine reliability, longevity and improved fuel economy. The new GMC oil quality standards and specifications became known as and are termed “GM dexos™”. There are currently 5 different GM dexos™ engine oil quality specifications that have been established for GMC engines since the late 2000’s. Each GM dexos™ oil quality specification is denoted and accompanied by a letter or numbering sequence which identifies the necessary oil chemical properties and performance levels required for the specific GMC engine application (Example: dexos2). Many GMC owners that experience engine mechanical issues (and even engine failure), are caused by the prolonged use of low to mid quality engine oils that are not in accordance with the new GM dexos™ GMC engine oil quality standards. Using the correct GMC oil type, as suggested by GMC for your engine type, will offer the best possible engine protection, engine longevity, and performance. Below you will find a brief overview and explanation of the GMC oil specifications and the basic engine application they coincide with.

How to confirm which GMC oil specification is right for your engine

Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific fluid and oil requirements for your exact GMC engine application. The recommended GMC oil specifications, including the dexos™ quality standard and oil viscosity weight are specified in your owner's manual. These specifications can typically be referenced in the owner's manual index under engine oil or operating fluids. If you have lost your owner's manual and are having difficulty determining what type of GM dexos™ oil to use, you may wish to refer to our BLAU® Oil Change Kits for select GMC models. Our oil change kits conveniently include the correct GM dexos™ spec oil, amount of oil, oil filter, and hardware for each specific model and engine type.

DISCLAIMER: The GMC motor oil information on this page should not be used as a substitute for what your vehicle owner's manual, factory service manual, or authorized GMC dealer recommends. Consult your owner's manual for the correct type of GM dexos™ oil that is to be used for your specific GMC model. The GMC oil specifications referenced in the article are used internationally. However, the GMC engine and year applications referenced apply only to GMC models available in the USA.

GMC Motor Oil Specifications

GM dexos1™ Oil Specification (First Generation)

The first-generation GM dexos1 oil specification began its development around 2007 and saw introduction in late 2009. This was GM’s first oil standard used to improve the quality of engine oils for use in their engines. By the year 2011 most GMC gasoline engines used the first generation dexos1 oil specification in the USA. This oil quality specification was used in almost all GMC gasoline engines up to around 2015. In the USA, the dexos1 oil specification was an updated replacement for older GMC engines recommending motor oil part numbers GM-LL-A-025, GM6094M and GM4718M. The first generation dexos1 oil specification was available in multiple viscosities of SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 and correspond to API SN (RC) and ILSAC GF-5 oil specifications. Around 2015 the first generation dexos1 oil specification was updated and replaced by the newer dexos1 Gen 2 (Generation 2) version.

GM Dexos1 Gen 2 Oil Type

GM dexos1™ Gen 2 Oil Specification (Second Generation)

The GM dexos1 Gen 2 oil specification was introduced in late 2015 and started seeing use as early as 2017 in the USA. It is specified for a broad range of GMC gasoline fueled engines. The GM dexos1 - Gen 2 oil specification is an updated version of the original dexos1 oil specification. The updated oil formulation has higher standards that meet stricter performance levels for the rigors of demanding start-stop driving situations. The new standard focused on providing improved durability for the engine, along with better wear protection, oil flow, improved fuel economy, and a higher resistance to carbon deposits, oxidation, sludge, corrosion, all of which help to prevent mechanical issues associated with modern GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) and TGDI (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) engines. The Gen 2 improvement was developed to counter the engine mechanical issues beginning to unfold in the U.S.A. surrounding LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) and SPI (Stochastic Pre-Ignition). The GM dexos1 Gen 2 oil specification is available in multiple viscosities: SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30; and will typically correspond to API SN Plus and ILSAC GF-6 oil specifications.

Eurol Evolence 0W-20
Meets GM dexos1™ Gen 2 Oil Specification

  • Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
  • Fully synthetic low viscosity oil developed to provide optimal lubrication in Chevy engines.
  • Excellent protection against wear, corrosion, sludge, and deposits.
  • Quieter engine valve train components are typically noticed.

RAVENOL DFE 0W-20
Approved GM dexos1™ Gen 2 Oil Specification (License Number D10689HJ081)

Ravenol Motor Oil DFE 0W-20 Fully Synthetic 5L
Rating:
92%
$79.95
  • Fully synthetic PAO based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
  • No shear losses during an entire change interval.
  • Prevents and reduces low speed pre-ignition issues.
  • Improved mechanical efficiency and fuel economy with excellent cold start characteristics.
  • Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten to smooth the internal surface structure of the engine.

Eurol Evolence 5W-20
Meets GM dexos1™ Gen 2 Oil Specification

  • Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
  • Fully synthetic oil developed to provide optimal lubrication in Chevy engines.
  • Excellent protection against wear, corrosion, sludge, and deposits.
  • Quieter engine valve train components are typically noticed.

RAVENOL GFE 0W-20
Approved GM dexos1™ Gen 2 Oil Specification (License D10887IG081)

  • Synthetic low friction engine oil based on CleanCynto technology.
  • High viscosity index through its formulation and special base oils.
  • Minimizes friction, wear, fuel consumption, and excellent cold start lubrication characteristics.
  • Protection against sludging, coking, varnish, no NOx oxidation and oil-related deposits in combustion chambers in the piston ring zone and on valves.

Eurol Evolence 5W-30
Meets GM dexos1™ Gen 2 Oil Specification

  • Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
  • Fully synthetic low viscosity oil developed to provide optimal lubrication in Chevy engines.
  • Excellent protection against wear, corrosion, sludge, and deposits.
  • Quieter engine valve train components are typically noticed.

RAVENOL DXG 5W-30
Approved GM dexos1™ Gen 2 Oil Specification (License Number D10709HK081)

Ravenol Motor Oil DXG 5W-30 Fully Synthetic 5L
Rating:
96%
$74.95
  • Fully synthetic PAO based oil with exclusive USVO and CleanCynto technology.
  • No shear losses during an entire change interval.
  • Prevents and reduces low speed pre-ignition issues, coking, and oxidation.
  • Improved mechanical efficiency and shear stability with excellent cold start lubrication.
  • Utilizes the positive properties of tungsten, tri-nuclear molybdenum, and organic friction modifiers for a higher level of engine protection.

GM dexos1™ Gen 3 Oil Specification (Third Generation)

The GM dexos1 Gen 3 oil specification is set to be released around 2021-22 (around the writing of our article). It is likely to be recommended for an extensive range of Chevrolet gasoline engines. From what we know at this time, it is assumed the GM dexos1 Gen 3 oils will be backwards compatible with all gasoline engines previously using dexos1 and dexos1 Gen 2 versions. The updated GM dexos1 Gen 3 oil specification has a stricter performance standard than the original dexos1 Gen 2 oil specification. The updated oil formulation of dexos1 Gen 3 for GMC engines will offer the latest motor oil protection focusing on the goal of improving fuel economy and reducing exhaust emissions. The Gen 3 standard will offer improved durability for the engine, improved wear protection, oil flow, improved fuel economy, and a higher resistance to carbon deposits, oxidation, sludge, corrosion, all of which help to prevent known mechanical issues associated with modern GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) and TGDI (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection) engines. The Gen 3 improvement should improve known engine mechanical issues surrounding LSPI (Low Speed Pre-Ignition) and SPI (Stochastic Pre-Ignition). The GM dexos1 Gen 3 oil specification will be available in SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30 viscosities and will typically correspond to API SP (RC-Resource Conserving) and ILSAC GF-6A oil specifications which a minimum elevated temperature high shear viscosity HTHS of 2.6 mPa*s w-20 and 2.9 mPa*s for w-30. It is rumored GM dexos1 Gen 3 will also be available in SAE 0w-16. Since this is a relatively new oil specification from GM we will add more information to this article for this oil specification as it becomes available.

GM Dexos2 Oil Type

GM dexos2™ Oil Specification

GM dexos2 oil specification was introduced in 2014 in the USA. It was primarily specified for use in small displacement GMC turbocharged diesel engines that came equipped with a special diesel emission system which included a diesel particulate filter (DPF) as part of the exhaust system. GM first recommend the use of dexos2 oil in the 2014 Cruze 2.0L diesel engine. Later dexos2 was recommended for the 2018-2019 1.6L diesel engine option offered in the GMC Terrain SUV. The current model years of the GMC Canyon pickup are also optioned with the 2.8L Duramax diesel engine which specifies the use of GM dexos2 diesel oil.

The GM dexos2 oil standard is a Mid to Low SAPS or Ash additive (Low Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) motor oil formulation designed for extended oil change intervals. The dexos2 oil formulation standard requires a minimum high temperature shear viscosity of HTHS of 3.5 mPa*s and requires using a group III base oil or better. The GM dexos2 oil specification is typically preferred and found in SAE 5W-30 viscosity. However, depending on your region, GM does have licensed and approved GM dexos2 SAE 5W-40 viscosities available, but this is very rare. The dexos2 oil specification also corresponds to an ACEA C3 oil specification. Blauparts technical team has noted, that if a GM dexos2 oil cannot be found in your region, you could substitute with a Low/Mid SAPS VW 505 01, VW 507 00, BMW Longlife-04, MB 229.51, MB 229.52 or Porsche C30 oil specification as an alternative. The important attribute to any substitution is that the oil should clearly be a Low/Mid SAPS formulation. However, for the best engine performance and longevity a GM dexos2 approved oil should always be used as originally recommended.

Eurol Fluence DXS 5W-30
Meets GM dexos2™ Oil Specification

  • Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
  • Fully synthetic oil developed for excellent shear load stability during the entire extended oil change interval.
  • Very low evaporation loss, extending the life of expensive emission system components.
  • Formulation properties reduce friction, wear, and significantly improve fuel mileage.

RAVENOL HLS 5W-30
Approved GM dexos2™ Oil Specification (License GB2C0711081)

Ravenol Motor Oil HLS 5W-30 Synthetic 5L
Rating:
100%
$64.95
  • Synthetic low friction engine oil based on CleanCynto technology.
  • Special MID SAPS low ash oil formulation for modern diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
  • Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by manufacturer.
  • Excellent cold start characteristics, shear stability, and fuel economy improvements.

Eurol Fluence 5W-40
Meets GM dexos2™ Oil Specification

  • Eurol fully synthetic engine oils are the prefered choice of today's demanding Dakar rally-winning teams.
  • Fully synthetic oil developed for excellent shear load stability during the entire extended oil change interval.
  • Very low evaporation loss, extending the life of expensive emission system components.
  • Formulation properties reduce friction, wear, and significantly improve fuel mileage.

RAVENOL VMO 5W-40
Approved GM dexos2™ Oil Specification (License D20583HI081)

  • Synthetic low friction engine oil based on CleanCynto technology.
  • Special MID SAPS low ash oil formulation for modern diesel EGR and particulate filter emission system cleanliness and longevity.
  • Suitable for extended oil change intervals where recommended by manufacturer.
  • Minimizes friction, wear and fuel consumption with excellent cold start characteristics.

GM dexosD™ Oil Specification

The GM dexosD oil specification is the latest oil specification from General Motors. Due to its recent introduction, detailed information about it is limited. The Blauparts technical team does know it will be primarily specified for use in light-duty Chevrolet turbocharged diesel engines that are equipped with diesel particulate filter (DPF) emission systems. GM dexosD is a Low to Mid SAPS or Low Ash additive (Low Sulphated Ash Phosphorus Sulfur) formulation which supports long life extended oil change intervals and extends the life of DPF diesel particulate filter emission systems. GM dexosD is currently being recommended for use in the new 2020 onward GMC LM2 3.0L inline 6-cylinder Duramax diesel engine which is equipped in the full-size GMC Sierra 1500 truck and GMC Yukon SUV models. We will add more information to this article as it becomes available. Also, the corresponding Dexos D engine oils will be more readily available in an SAE 0W20 and correspond to an ACEA C5 oil specification. Also, depending on the region you are located in some oil manufacturers may offer an SAE 5W30 DexosD oil. The 5W30 DexosD oil specification is still an active oil recommendation for LM2 diesel engines at the time of this article being published (GMW18006).

EUROL Ultrance Blue 0W-20
Meets or Exceeds GM dexosD™ Oil Specification

  • Eurol premium fully synthetic oil formulation specifically for GM engines requiring dexosD oil spec.
  • The preferred engine oil choice of multi-championship Dakar rally-winning teams.
  • Minimizes friction, and improves fuel economy with great severe driving lubrication.
  • Minimal oil-related deposit buildup in combustion chambers, piston rings, & valves.

Why Choose Blauparts for All Your Vehicle Lubrication Needs?

BLAU® oil change kits use high-quality, synthetic* engine oils. The engine oils we offer are sourced from lubricant partners that employ sustainable efforts to improve the environment using a higher level of quality. This in turn can support the conservation of the environment through less oil changes and waste, optimize vehicle efficiency and performance, improve and maintain fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions.

*For most kits, check the product description.

Technical Advantages:

  • Convenient BLAU® oil change kits with the correct spec oil and quantities for your specific vehicle make and model
  • Oils feature factory OEM approvals or exceed your vehicle manufacturer's specific oil specification requirements
  • Sustainable motor oils that conserve the environment, improve fuel economy, and reduce exhaust/carbon emissions
  • High-quality oil allows for longer oil change intervals and extended service life that conserve the Earth's resources
  • Motor oils using the latest advanced oil technologies with improved lubricating properties
  • High-performance oils with better HTHS, Noak, and TBN performance levels
  • Motor oils with better cold temperature pour points and high heat flashpoints
  • Better engine protection against sludging, coking, and varnish in the piston ring and valve train areas
  • Long-life OEM oil filters for extended oil change intervals

Disclaimer: Always consult your service manual and confirm the specific fluid and oil requirements for your application. Always follow the vehicle manufacturers recommended oil change intervals. Blauparts and Ravenol are not affiliated with General Motors (GM), Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick, its affiliated companies, subsidiaries, licensors or any other vehicle manufacturer. All trademarks and OE specification part numbers referenced in this product listing or article are displayed for identification purposes only and are in no way intended to denote any affiliation with their corresponding owners.