2021 GM 3.6 recommendations

[Slick3914]

New Chevy Traverse RS in our stable and of course I need to pick an oil brand for it. What are folks having good success with in these engines? Engine uses 5w30 dexos, gen2.

 

[atikovi]

What does the owners manual say? The folks here don't provide the warranty, the car manufacturer does.

 

[Danno]

What does the owners manual say? The folks here don't provide the warranty, the car manufacturer does.

He's looking for a brand.
Suggest PP, Mobil 1, QS.

 

[atikovi]

Oh, ok. Any full synthetic that meets the manufacturers specifications. Does it require Dexos 2 approval? Not all Mobil 1 has that.

 

[UNC054]

Whatever is on sale and/or has a rebate going on that meets the GM specification.

 

[Danno]

Oh, ok. Any full synthetic that meets the manufacturers specifications. Does it require Dexos 2 approval? Not all Mobil 1 has that.

Checked it when I posted, Mobil 1 5w30 has Dexos 2 License

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-5w30/

 

[skyactiv]

I would use Pennzoil Platinum myself

 

[dogememe]

Dexos1 Gen2 is NOT the same as Dexos2 folks.

And OP, any Dexos1 Gen2 approved 5w30 synthetic will be fine. Pick one based on price, availability, and convenience. I like the Valvoline bottles personally because they pour nicely.

 

[jhs914]

New Chevy Traverse RS in our stable and of course I need to pick an oil brand for it. What are folks having good success with in these engines? Engine uses 5w30 dexos, gen2.

I have a 2017 GMC Canyon with the current version of the 3.6. Great engine, good power but also good gas mileage if you don't drive it like you stole it. Mine calls for Dexos 5w30 but I have had the best luck with Castrol Magnatec. When using Mobil 1 there would be what sounded like the cam phasers rattling before they pumped up with oil pressure that lasted a second or so on a cold start. Since switching to Magnatec I do not hear the start up rattle.

And if someone chimes in and tells you don't buy it because the timing chains will grenade the engine don't pay them any mind. The 3.6 was redesigned about 7 years ago with revised and shorter timing chains plus it has an internal catch can device that traps oil vapors before they can reach the valves thus avoiding the carbon build on the back side of the valves that some DI engines have. I have seen no reports from owners of the current 3.6 about having problems with this engine.

Because it is a DI engine I change the oil about every 5-6,000 miles, usually at about 75-80% on the oil life monitor.

 

[KGMtech]

Use good quality full synthetic and change oil more often than the owners manual or oil life monitor suggests.

 

[wpod]

Any name brand oil from the majors and with the proper ratings will be fine.

 

[slacktide_bitog]

Get the d1g2 that's on sale

 

[FZ1]

New Chevy Traverse RS in our stable and of course I need to pick an oil brand for it. What are folks having good success with in these engines? Engine uses 5w30 dexos, gen2.

Mobil 1 0w20 Advanced Fuel Economy or EP. Order online from Walmart.

 

[PimTac]

Any major brand.

 

[Cyoungso1]

Cheapest dexos,usually supertech. Buy ac delco filters from rockauto or walmart,only to grease the wheels of warranty needed.

 

[buster]

And if someone chimes in and tells you don't buy it because the timing chains will grenade the engine don't pay them any mind. The 3.6 was redesigned about 7 years ago with revised and shorter timing chains plus it has an internal catch can device that traps oil vapors before they can reach the valves thus avoiding the carbon build on the back side of the valves that some DI engines have. I have seen no reports from owners of the current 3.6 about having problems with this engine.

That is correct.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lgx/

 

[SteveG4]

I have a 2017 GMC Canyon with the current version of the 3.6. Great engine, good power but also good gas mileage if you don't drive it like you stole it. Mine calls for Dexos 5w30 but I have had the best luck with Castrol Magnatec. When using Mobil 1 there would be what sounded like the cam phasers rattling before they pumped up with oil pressure that lasted a second or so on a cold start. Since switching to Magnatec I do not hear the start up rattle.

And if someone chimes in and tells you don't buy it because the timing chains will grenade the engine don't pay them any mind. The 3.6 was redesigned about 7 years ago with revised and shorter timing chains plus it has an internal catch can device that traps oil vapors before they can reach the valves thus avoiding the carbon build on the back side of the valves that some DI engines have. I have seen no reports from owners of the current 3.6 about having problems with this engine.

Because it is a DI engine I change the oil about every 5-6,000 miles, usually at about 75-80% on the oil life monitor.

Great advice.

Besides Magnatec, which I have used and like, may I also recommend D1G2 oils of similar value and performance -- both Quaker State Full Synthetic 5w30 and Costco's Kirkland Signature 5w30. Both of these have performed well in Chevy DI 4-cyl Equinox and my Silverado with a Gen III 5.3L.

 

[RooflessVW]

Checked it when I posted, Mobil 1 5w30 has Dexos 2 License

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/for-personal-vehicles/our-products/products/mobil-1-5w30/

Mobil 1 5w30 is dexos1 gen2
Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 is dexos2

 

[Danno]

That is correct.

https://gmauthority.com/blog/gm/gm-engines/lgx/

I don't see the Colorado or Canyon on the vehicle list in the article.

 

[Slick3914]

Thanks Everyone, appreciate the responses.