recommended oil for chevy equinox

Chevy Equinox Oil Type [Recommended Kind & Capacity]

Key points to highlight:

  • Chevy Equinox requires careful consideration when choosing the right oil type, with synthetic oil being the recommended choice for its longevity and performance.
  • Different model years of the Chevy Equinox have specific oil type recommendations, such as 5W-30 synthetic blend for the 2012 model and dexos 1 specification 5W-30 for the 2013 model.
  • The oil change intervals and oil capacities vary between different model years of the Chevy Equinox, with some models needed 5 quarts of oil and others requiring up to 7.7 quarts. 

The Chevy Equinox is a crossover SUV that can be used both as a family car and as a workhorse. It is not surprising that the question of what oil type should be used for it comes up often because Equinox requires due diligence when choosing an oil.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the right oil type for your Chevy Equinox, but in general, you should use synthetic oil.

In this article, we will look at the oil capacities along with the oil types of most Chevy Equinox cars so you don’t make the wrong decision.

What Kind of Oil Does Chevy Equinox Use?

In short, The recommended oil for an Equinox is a 5W30 synthetic blend. This type of oil has the longest life and does not break down as easily as other oils such as a full-synthetic or semi-synthetic.

5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

There are many different types of engine oils that can be used in a Chevy Equinox, but there are some that are better than others.

What Oil Does a 2012 Chevy Equinox take?

The recommended oil type for 2012 Chevy Equinox is SAE 5W-30 fully synthetic motor oil. The 2012 Chevy Equinox has a 3.6-liter V6 engine that provides 273 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque Chevrolet recommends changing the oil for the crossover SUV every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first.

Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil

What type of oil does a 2013 Chevy Equinox take?

The 2013 Chevy Equinox takes the dexos 1 specification or the equivalent to 5W-30, as recommended by the car brand.

Full Synthetic Motor Oil 5W-30

It has a 2.4L I4 engine that has an Oil capacity of 6.5L and specification of 5W-30 The engine is capable of producing 182 horsepower and 172 pound-feet of torque with the help of its direct-injection technology.

The car’s fuel economy comes in at an EPA estimated rating of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good for a mid-size SUV.

What kind of oil does a 2014 Equinox take?

The 2014 Chevy Equinox has a 2.4L V6 engine that is capable of producing 184 horsepower and 191 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a Variable Valve Timing (VVT) system which optimizes power and fuel efficiency.

The car has an oil capacity of 4.7 liters or 5 quarts and the recommended oil change interval is 7500 miles or 12000 kilometers with conventional oil type, 5w-30, or 10000 miles or 16000 kilometers with synthetic blend motor oil type, 5w-20.

SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

Does the 2015 and 2017 Chevy Equinox use the same oil type?

The oil capacity for both models is 5 quarts, but the 2017 Chevy Equinox has a greater oil change interval at 10,000 miles or 12 months compared to 7500 miles or 9 months for the 2015 model.

Despite having different capacities for oil, 2015 and 2017 Chevy Equinox both use the same oil type. The capacity for the 2015 Chevy Equinox is 7.7 quarts, while the capacity for the 2017 Chevy Equinox is 7.4 quarts.

Does a Chevy Equinox really need synthetic oil?

Yes. In fact, the main benefit of using synthetic oil in a car model like the Chevy Equinox is its ability to provide more lubrication than other oils.

Synthetic oils have a better viscosity index, which means they will remain liquid at lower temperatures and provide better lubrication to the engine parts at all times.

How much oil does a 2.4L Chevy Equinox take?

The amount of oil you need to put in your car depends on the type of car you have, so make sure to follow the instructions on your owner’s manual before you start pouring any oils into your engine.

The 2.4 liter engine of the Chevy Equinox takes up to 5 quarts of oil. The Chevy Equinox comes with a 2.4L inline-four engine that is capable of producing 182 horsepower and 172 lb-ft of torque.

How Much Oil Does a 1.5 L Equinox Take?

Chevy Equinox 1.5L is a small SUV with an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon. It takes up to 4.2quarts for FWD and 5.3qts for AWD with a 1.5L engine.

How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Chevy Equinox?

The frequency of oil changes in a chevy equinox is determined by the owner’s driving habits. If you are a driver who drives short distances and does not drive often, then you should change the oil in your car every 10,000 miles.  If you drive long distances and drive often, then it is best to change the oil in your car every 5,000 miles.

In other words, Chevy Equinox owners should change their oil at least once every 5,000 miles or once every 10,000 miles depending on their driving habits Meanwhile, a general rule of thumb is that if you are going to be driving in an area with extreme temperatures, you should change your oil every 6 months or 5,000 miles.

Conclusion

Chevrolet recommends using a 5W-30 weight oil in your Equinox (2.4 L, 3.6 L) . This is an oil that will work well with all driving conditions, including colder climates. However, the Chevy Equinox 1.5L turbocharged I4 engine and the 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine require 0w-20 oil.

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