For a 2017 Chevy Silverado, the standard oil is Dexos1 Gen 2 certified engine oil with a viscosity of 0W-20. This applies to most Silverado engines, including the 4.3L V6, 5.3L V8, and 6.2L V8. Always confirm with your owner’s manual or dealer for your specific trim and regional climate.
In this article, we break down what that means in practical terms, how to choose the right viscosity for your engine and climate, and how often to perform oil changes to keep your Silverado running smoothly.
Oil specification and viscosity
Understanding the key specifications will help you pick the right oil without guesswork.
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certification: The oil must bear the Dexos1 Gen 2 label to meet GM’s minimum performance standards for your Silverado.
- Viscosity: 0W-20 is the default and most commonly recommended viscosity for 2017 Silverado engines, balancing cold-start performance and fuel economy.
- Alternative viscosities: 5W-30 is approved by GM for certain climates or operating conditions; always verify the exact recommendation in your owner’s manual for your engine and region.
- Oil type: A full synthetic Dexos1 Gen 2 oil is typically preferred, but synthetic-blend oils that carry the Dexos1 Gen 2 certification are also acceptable.
Choosing the right oil isn’t only about viscosity—it’s about using Dexos1 Gen 2 certified oil and following the GM guidance for your specific engine and climate, which helps maintain performance and protection.
Choosing the right viscosity for your climate and use
Climate, towing, and driving style can influence the best viscosity for your Silverado. Here are guidelines to help you decide what to use in practice.
- 0W-20: The default choice for most 2017 Silverado engines in a wide range of temperatures; promotes ease of starting and fuel efficiency.
- 5W-30: Acceptable for certain climates or heavy-duty conditions where the manual specifies it; verify your engine’s guidance before switching from 0W-20.
- Avoid using viscosities not approved by GM for your vehicle (such as 0W-30 or 5W-40) unless the manual explicitly allows them for your exact engine and use case.
In short, 0W-20 remains the safe baseline for most vehicles in this model year, with 5W-30 as an option only when GM explicitly approves it for your configuration and environment.
Oil change intervals and maintenance tips
Maintenance timing is as important as the oil you choose. Here are typical intervals, with notes for special circumstances.
- Synthetic Dexos1 Gen 2 oil: change every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
- Conventional oil: change every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
- Severe service (towing heavy loads, frequent dusty or extreme heat conditions, or lots of short trips): consider shorter intervals, such as every 3,000–5,000 miles or 3–6 months, depending on usage and conditions.
These guidelines are typical baselines. Always follow the specific schedule outlined in your owner’s manual or by your dealer, since actual intervals can vary based on your engine, oil type, and driving environment.
Summary
For a 2017 Chevy Silverado, use Dexos1 Gen 2 certified oil with a 0W-20 viscosity as the default. Some climates or conditions may warrant 5W-30 if GM approves it for your specific engine; verify with the manual. Choose a full synthetic (or Dexos1 Gen 2 certified synthetic-blend) oil, and adhere to the recommended change intervals—longer intervals with synthetic oil and shorter ones for severe service. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual or a Chevrolet service professional to confirm the exact specification for your vehicle and region.