The 2018 Chevrolet Malibu requires Dexos1 Gen 2 certified motor oil. For the 1.5-liter turbo engine, use 0W-20; for the 2.0-liter turbo engine, use 5W-30. Always verify the exact specification on your oil cap or in the owner's manual.
Engine-specific oil requirements
Chevrolet offered two engines in the 2018 Malibu, and each has its own recommended oil weight within the Dexos1 Gen 2 specification. Understanding which engine is in your car ensures you select the correct viscosity.
1.5L Turbo Engine
Recommended oil for the 1.5L turbo is Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 0W-20 synthetic oil.
Oil option for this engine
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 0W-20 synthetic motor oil
Using the correct viscosity aids cold starts and fuel efficiency, and keeps the engine within its designed tolerances.
2.0L Turbo Engine
Recommended oil for the 2.0L turbo is Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 5W-30 synthetic oil.
Oil option for this engine
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certified 5W-30 synthetic motor oil
If you use a non-Dexos1 Gen 2 oil or an incompatible viscosity, it can affect lubrication performance and warranty coverage. Always look for the Dexos1 Gen 2 certification on the bottle.
Additional guidance and best practices
Beyond choosing the right oil weight and Dexos Gen 2 certification, follow these general best practices for a 2018 Malibu:
- Check the owner’s manual for engine-specific oil change intervals and exact capacity.
- Look for a current Dexos1 Gen 2 specification on the oil label to ensure compatibility.
- Use reputable brands that explicitly state Dexos1 Gen 2 compliance on the packaging.
Conforming to the manufacturer’s oil specification helps protect the engine and maintain performance, and it minimizes the risk of warranty issues related to lubrication.
Summary
In summary, the 2018 Malibu requires Dexos1 Gen 2 certified motor oil with engine-dependent viscosity: 0W-20 for the 1.5L turbo and 5W-30 for the 2.0L turbo. Always confirm the correct specification by checking the oil filler cap and the owner's manual, and choose a reputable brand that clearly lists Dexos1 Gen 2 compliance.
Which is faster, Malibu or Impala?
The Chevy Impala is a full-size car with a more powerful 3.6L V6 engine producing 305 horsepower. This engine has stronger acceleration compared to the Malibu, but fuel economy is lower, with an estimated 28 MPG on the highway.
Can I put 5W-30 in a Chevy Malibu?
Recommended Oil Types for the Chevrolet Malibu
Generally, Chevrolet recommends 4.2 quarts of 0W-20 dexos1 full synthetic oil for a Malibu with a 1.5-liter engine or 5 quarts of 5W-30 dexos1 oil for one with a 2.0-liter engine.
What is the best oil for a Chevy Malibu?
General Motors suggests using SAE 0W-30 ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic oil as the optimal Chevy Malibu oil type.
Does Chevy Malibu need full synthetic oil?
Chevy recommends ACDelco dexos1 full synthetic brand as the oil for your Chevy Malibu. We can install conventional motor oil in your Chevy Malibu, but your engine may not last as long and you'll need to have more oil changes over the course of a year.