Hate to keep talking about oil but I don't believe anyone has addressed the issue of using high performance oil in the Tahoe.

I know that GM recommends the use of 0-30, 5-30, or 10-30 oils in the Tahoe, however, I live in area where the summers get really hot between 120-130F. Wouldn't it be better to switch to a synthetic oil with a 40,50 or 60 rating instead of the 30 recommended by GM?

Is the Tahoe built by Chevy to run only on 30 weight oil and if you added a 40 or 50 weight oil you would be causing engine damage?

I was always under the impression that the oil with the greatest heat band (i.e. 0W-60) would be the best oil on the market and would have the greatest lubrication.

 

Not sure where you live but in central texas it gets really hot duringthe summer also, 100 plus is seen many times. I use Mobil 1 5-30W full synthetic. Never had a problem in all the time I have live here. By going with a heavier weight oil you will be causing the engine to pump harder until the engine comes up to operating temp. Not necessarily the thing you want to do.

 

The dealer was very adamant about using the 5-30 basically using anything else could void the warranty, I'm pretty confident that GM took into account all the possible temperature scenarios the vehicle would be in under. Don't fix what ain't broke is my motto… if you are concerned about wear I would stick with what is recommended and change it more often, that you can't be faulted for.

( Howdy blackburb, your right up the road in RR i'm north austin here)

 

5W30 oil is good to go for the hot temperatures of the South, GM no longer recommends 10W30 or any thicker viscosity.
If you are concerned I would recommend using synthetic oil.

 

Thanks guys for all your invaluable help and I think I will be sticking to the GM recommendation and changing the oil more frequently.

P.S. I live in Kuwait and the summers can get very hot and dusty in the desert environment.

 

Changing oil frequently is perhaps the key, as I see it. If you are in Kuwait, I guess there isn't a WalMart built yet! but if so, save some money and buy SuperTech oil and filters. After years of use on many vehicles, they do the job just fine, but if you feel better paying a lot more for oil and filters, please do so. I should think you should change your air filter often as well, due to sandy environments in Kuwait.

 

+1, stick with recommended weight/viscosity, and change out more frequently and/or use syntheticif you are concerned about oil breakdown due to heat.

Just curious, have you monitored the vehicle oil indicator in the DIC? Just wondering how the readings compare with the constant heat overthere vs. seasonal north american changes.

 

I just bought the truck and about to do my first oil change so I have not had a chance to compare the readings.

GM cars and trucks do really well in Kuwait and stand up to the heat. I will be doing frequent oil and air filter changes and that should keep the truck running for a long time.