Just need some advice
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CF Beginner
Joined: Jun 2019
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Just need some advice
I recently bought a 2018 Chevy express 2500 cargo van with the 6.0. This is my first NEW vehicle purchase, I bought it for work and I’m used to fords which were also good to me but it feels like a completely different world now that I drive a Chevrolet. So far so good, it rides VERY nice but my questions are... what brand of oil should I use? Does it matter? I know it says 5w-30 but what brand is best for my van? It says to change every 5k miles but I’m all about longevity so I’m gonna change it every 2500-3000k Miles. Also; what type of transmission fluid should I use when I change that? My owners manual isnt very specific on that accept to change every 60k but I’m gonna do it when I hit 30k (like I said, all about longevity) those are my questions. Also, what can I do to make this run as long as possible? I’d love some input, I’ve always done my own work on my trucks, I don’t trust ANYONE. I’m young but not STUPID! love your thoughts, thanks!
CF Veteran
Joined: Dec 2012
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Dexos gen 2 is only full synthetic now. Semi synthetics are no longer dexos rated.
I prefer Valvoline, and its cheap at wal mart. Once you get up in miles, switch to the high mileage version Valvoline Max life full synthetic..its highly rated on bob is the oil guy website.
For transmission, I would have it done at a shop, since you should change the filter as well as the fluid.
I prefer Valvoline, and its cheap at wal mart. Once you get up in miles, switch to the high mileage version Valvoline Max life full synthetic..its highly rated on bob is the oil guy website.
For transmission, I would have it done at a shop, since you should change the filter as well as the fluid.
CF Active Member
Joined: Mar 2017
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Keep with the owners manual. DEXOS should be on your oil cap. If you doing the work yourself and not the dealer, always keep all receipts while under warranty in case of a claim. Enjoy the 6.0 as they finally discontinued it with 2020 models. Great engine. Enjoy.
Ken
Ken
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Any 5w-30 will work just as long as it says DEXOS on it they changed the DEXOS like 6 months or so ago from semi to full synthetic any dealer should be able to get quarts if you want the stuff they use. As for the transmission I would recommend doing the filter also and I believe its DEXRON IV for the fluid.
CF Active Member
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Alabama
Curtis,
I use Walmart's Supertech Full-Synthetic High Mileage 5W30, it meets Dexos1 gen 2 and API SN specs (manufactured by Warren Petroleum Products, WPP). Use Dexron VI for the transmission.
When the time comes, the transmission fluid is an easy change (it takes time, mostly prep work, and it can be messy, but it's not hard). The only problem that I encountered was the gasket. You can't guarantee gasket size/shape from online sources (Amazon's "fits your vehicle" had the wrong gasket for mine, but the filter was correct). I ended up finding the gasket I needed at a local auto parts store, but 3 of the 4 competing stores near me did not carry it. So, confirm the size and bolt pattern of the new gasket before you start.
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CF Active Member
Joined: Mar 2018
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From: Alabama
It's possible that the oil change interval is different for 2018, but my 2016 has a 7500 mile interval. I've adopted a 5000 mile interval because it's easier to look at my odometer and know that it's time to change the oil without doing mental math, and I primarily use my van to tow our camper. However, I'm considering extending that interval out to 7500 miles again. There's an interesting discussion in another thread (https://chevroletforum.com/forum/exp...e3/#post429647) about oil change intervals. Modern synthetic oil film-strength and viscosity do not degrade nearly as fast as older conventional oils, so you might not be getting any real benefit from more frequent oil changes. You are probably better off buying a quality filter and stick with the longer change interval, plus you'll save money and time on less frequent oil changes. Just something to consider.
CF Pro Member
Joined: Jan 2015
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From: West Coast
It's possible that the oil change interval is different for 2018, but my 2016 has a 7500 mile interval. I've adopted a 5000 mile interval because it's easier to look at my odometer and know that it's time to change the oil without doing mental math, and I primarily use my van to tow our camper. However, I'm considering extending that interval out to 7500 miles again. There's an interesting discussion in another thread (https://chevroletforum.com/forum/exp...e3/#post429647) about oil change intervals. Modern synthetic oil film-strength and viscosity do not degrade nearly as fast as older conventional oils, so you might not be getting any real benefit from more frequent oil changes. You are probably better off buying a quality filter and stick with the longer change interval, plus you'll save money and time on less frequent oil changes. Just something to consider.
I was going to do it every 5000Km, like I was going to do it every 5000Km with every new vehicle, but I fell off the gameplan. I just do it when the computer tells me.