Engine Oil

To help keep the engine running well and lasting a long time, pay attention to the engine oil. Following these simple but important steps will help protect your investment:

• Use engine oil that is approved, has the proper specification and the correct viscosity grade. See "Selecting the Right Engine Oil" in this section.
• Check the engine oil level regularly and maintain the proper oil level. See "Checking Engine Oil" and "When to Add Engine Oil" in this section.
• Change the engine oil at the proper interval. See Engine Oil Life System.
• Always dispose of used engine oil properly. See "What to Do with Used Oil" in this section.

Engine Oil Check

Check the engine oil level regularly, every 650 km (400 miles), especially before a long trip. The engine oil dipstick handle is a loop. See Engine Compartment Overview for location.

If the Driver Information Center (DIC) shows a low oil level, check the oil level. If the oil level is not low and the low oil message stays on, take the vehicle to your dealer for service.

Follow these guidelines:

• For an accurate reading, park the vehicle on a level surface. Check the engine oil level after the engine has been off for at least two hours. Checking the engine oil level on steep grades or too soon after the engine has been turned off may result in an incorrect reading. Accuracy improves when checking a cold engine before starting. Remove the dipstick and check the level.
• If you cannot wait two hours, the engine should be off for at least 15 minutes if the engine is warm, or at least 30 minutes if the engine is not warmed up. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean with a paper towel or cloth, then push it back all the way. Remove it again, holding the tip down, and check the level.

When to Add Engine Oil

LYX 1.5 L L4 Turbocharged Engine

LTG 2 L L4 Turbocharged Engine

LH7 1.6 L L4 Diesel Engine

If the oil level is below the crosshatched area on the dipstick tip and the engine has been off for at least 15 minutes, add 1 L of the recommended oil, then recheck the level. See "Selecting the Right Engine Oil" later in this section for information on which oil to use. For engine oil crankcase capacity, see Capacities and Specifications.

See Engine Compartment Overview to locate the engine oil fill cap.

Add enough oil to bring the level to somewhere within the proper operating range. Push the dipstick all the way back in when done.

Selecting the Right Engine Oil (Gasoline Engines)

Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscosity grade. See Recommended Fluids and Lubricants.

Specification

Use full synthetic engine oil that meets the dexos1 specification. Engine oils that have been approved by GM as meeting the dexos1 specification are marked with the dexos1 approved logo. See www.gmdexos.com.

Viscosity Grade

For the LYX 1.5 L turbocharged engine, use SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil.

For the LTG 2 L turbocharged engine, use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil. Operation in Low Temperatures: In areas with extremely cold climates, where temperatures drop below −29 °C, SAE 0W-30 oil may be used. Oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting for the engine at very low temperatures.

When selecting oil by specification and viscosity grade, it is recommended to choose oil with the proper specification. See "Specification" earlier in this section.

Selecting the Right Engine Oil (Diesel Engines)

Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the proper oil specification and viscosity grade.

Specification

Use only engine oils that meet the dexos2 specification. Engine oils that GM has approved as meeting the dexos2 specification are marked with the dexos2 approved logo. See www.gmdexos.com.

Using engine oil substitutes if dexos2 is not available: If dexos2 approved engine oil is not available when changing oil or to maintain the proper oil level, you may use an engine oil substitute that meets ACEA C3 of the appropriate viscosity grade.

Viscosity Grade

Use SAE 5W-30 viscosity grade engine oil.

Operation in low temperatures: In areas of extreme cold where temperatures drop below −29 °C, SAE 0W-40 oil may be used. Oil of this viscosity grade will provide easier cold starting at very low temperatures. When selecting oil of the appropriate viscosity grade, it is recommended to choose oil with the correct specification. Refer to "Specification" earlier in this section.

Engine Oil Additives/Engine Oil Flushes

Do not add anything to the oil. The recommended oils that meet the dexos specification are all that is necessary for good engine performance and protection.

Flushing the engine oil system is not recommended and may cause engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.

Disposal of Used Oil

Used engine oil contains certain elements that may be harmful to the skin and may even cause cancer. Do not leave used oil on your skin for long periods. Clean your skin and nails with soap and water, or a good hand cleaner. Wash or properly dispose of clothing or rags containing used engine oil. See the manufacturer's warnings on the use and disposal of petroleum products.

Used oil can be harmful to the environment. If you change your own oil, be sure to drain all oil from the filter before disposal. Never dispose of oil by putting it in the trash, pouring it on the ground, into a sewer, or into streams or bodies of water. Recycle it by taking it to a used oil collection center.