A decade or so ago, shopping for motor oil was fairly straightforward because few options were available. Essentially, all you needed to know was what viscosity your car required (5W-30, for instance) and you were all set. Since then, cars have changed and motor oil has changed with them. Today, many car makers have unique oil specifications (special blends they require to be used in their vehicles). General Motors’ newest generation of oil specifications, Dexos, is a consolidation of five previously-recommended oil specifications for GM vehicles.
Why Did GM Introduce This New Oil Specification?
Simply put, Dexos is a new specification designed to maximize the performance of a fresh generation of vehicles. As cars’ engines become more complex, they emit more heat and stress lubricants like never before. Additionally, as vehicle engineering continues to improve, engine tolerances grow tighter. The oil coursing through your car’s engine must be formulated to reduce sludge buildup on critical engine components. Finally, as emissions standards become more restrictive, oil specifications must adapt so cars can meet these standards.
The Benefits of Using Dexos in Your GM Car
Dexos surpasses all conventional oil specifications and most synthetic specifications. According to General Motors, switching to the Dexos oil specification will result in measurably better performance. Dexos, GM says, will:
- Decrease damaging piston deposits by nearly 30 percent
- Increase fuel efficiency
- Reduce hazardous emissions
- Optimize drain intervals
- Control aeration and oxidation better than conventional oils
- Protect against corrosion
- Improve pumping efficiency in low temperatures
Are You Required to Use Dexos in Your Car?
With the exception of fleet vehicles, which are exempt, General Motors has mandated all of its 2011 and later-model vehicles must use Dexos oil or risk voiding their warranties. Experts say the likelihood of that happening is slim. The Magnusson-Moss Warranty Act specifies if GM was to challenge a warranty claim based on a customer not using Dexos, GM would have to prove the non-Dexos oil caused the problem in question. Should dealers try to deny warranty claims without thoroughly scrutinizing the causes of the problems in question, they’re violating the Act.
While legally, drivers who opt for non-Dexos oils in their late-model GMs may be protected, it’s up to you to decide if saving a few dollars on a cheaper oil is worth the risk. Your car’s owner's manual may list specifications for a Dexos-equivalent oil that meets GM’s standard, like Valvoline MaxLife. However, if you care about your car’s performance, it stands to reason you’d opt for the manufacturer’s recommended and specially formulated oil.
Choosing the right oil will provide better fuel economy and save you money in the long run. Whether you drive a General Motors car or any other vehicle and have questions about what oil you should be using, contact us at DeBoer’s Auto. Our Sussex oil change shop is a full-service facility dedicated to providing outstanding, comprehensive service to foreign and domestic autos of all makes and models.
