2013 Chevy Malibu 2.5L

[Sticks]

Good Morning,

Yesterday i bought a used 2013 Malibu 2.5L with 60k. While test driving it i noticed the service decal indicated they changed the oil with 5w30, i was under the impression this motor takes a Dexos 5W20. when i asked i was told the viscosity indicated on the decal is what i should use. The owners manuel says otherwise. I changed the oil and replaced with Mobil 1 5W20 Full Synthetic labeled as Dexos compatible along with a Mobil 1-113 filter.
Just wanted to run this one by the folks who know.

Thank you in advance.

 

[charbaby]

What does your owner's manual say?
What does the decale that you're referring to say?

I though the first gen dexos(between 2010 to recently) was only a dexos 5W30 during the time that your Malibu was built.

 

[Sticks]

The manuel says 5W20, the decal and the dealer says 5w30. The M1 container says Dexos gen2 compatible. Just want to make sure i am doing the right thing. I heard there was a change with the 2.4 liter, but i searched TSBs for the 2.5L and couldnt find anything. I am troubled that a large Chevy dealership would be using 5w30 if they did not know it was the right thing to do. I could not follow up with the service department yesterday. Did not get an explanation as to why

 

[carviewsonic]

The owners manual rules, but 5W30 wouldn't hurt a thing. My 2007 Honda specs 5W20, but for the same engine in Europe 5W30 is specced.

 

[charbaby]

I have to say that I am a real fan of 5W30 oils(conventional or synthetic). 2 of 3 cars in my signature require either 0W20 or 5W20 however, both cars seem to like 5W30 better. Or I should say that I prefer the quietness of the 5W30(conventional or synthetic) over the 20's.

'06 Mazda3-5W20 no other oil is spec'd
'15 Altima-0W20 or 5W30/10w30 conventional or syn
'80 Firebird-anything from 5W20-20W50

All use 5W30

 

[Snagglefoot]

That particular dealer had a service manager was a fan of 5w30. That’s why the sticker said 5w30. The manual says 5w20 . Is the manual affected by the desire of GM wanting to meet the CAFE gas mileage requirements? Yes.

Here’s a compromise. Run 5w30 in the hot Iowa summer when your oil temps might be a little hotter. Run 5w20 in the winter to keep with the Owners manual. It’s what I do.

 

[WobblyElvis]

IMO. The dealer used 5w30 to save 20 cents. Hopefully the oil they used is dexos licensed.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Originally Posted By: carviewsonic
The owners manual rules, but 5W30 wouldn't hurt a thing. My 2007 Honda specs 5W20, but for the same engine in Europe 5W30 is specced.


^^^THIS^^^

It may run better and sound quieter using 5w30. I wouldn't sweat it.

 

[RD_3]

The '15 Malibu I bought in January was the same way, the dealer used 5w30. I am going to use Mobil 1 0w30 when I change the oil today, I prefer a 30w.

 

[gabriel9766]

I've owned my 15 Malibu with the 2.5L since new. Got almost 42k on her now. Ive used nothing but 0w20 full synthetic since new. Owners manual and cap says 5w20 dexos approved oil. But also in my owner's manual it say i can use 0w20 as an alternative. I found a TSB that says 13-16 limited malibu's with the 2.5L can use 0w20 as a service fill and top off oil.

Ive done 4 UAO's on my last 4 oil changes and they have come out great.

 

[dwendt44]

GM has had more than it's share of problems with it's four
cylinder engines. That goes all the way back to the 60s.
Even if the oil cap says 5W-20, it won't hurt to go with
the 5w30 oil. the '20' oil is there for EPA reasons and
so they can brag about fuel mileage.
Use what you wish.


My 2¢

 

[dave1251]

I would not sweat either. You could use 15W50 and be OK. Just change it following the owners manual.

 

[JHZR2]

Can you provide a pic of his decal???

I am not 100%, but doesn't Dexos 1 allow a range of viscosities?

US manuals don't provide very good insight or info, but I'd try to find a D1G2 and not worry much. I don't believe Iowa has either climate extreme to drive anything especially exotic.

 

[SR5]

Any Dexos1 approved oil will be fine.
I would not be concerned.

 

[Ram02]

I use 5w30 in my Malibu that 2.5 likes to rev