What Is Dexos Oil? Differences, Uses & Requirements
Modern vehicle engine and motor oil advancements often keep pace with one another, as oil specifications must meet and support developments in engine design and performance.
General Motors’ dexos oil represents both a brand-specific oil and a set of superior standards that exceed those set by the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC). The following guide explores the progression of GM dexos motor oils and uncovers how this type of oil differs from others regarding intended use and stringent requirements.
What Is Dexos Oil?
Dexos oil — expressed in lowercase form as “dexos” — meets the proprietary standards General Motors created to classify superior oil characteristics that exceed existing industry specifications and perform best with their brand of vehicles. GM introduced the first dexos1™ set of standards in 2010.
Currently, the dexos lineup of engine oils incorporates several additional types, including the following:
- dexos2: Introduced in 2010, this motor oil specification applies to engine oils used in European gas and diesel variants.
- dexosD: This diesel-specific motor oil specification was introduced in 2019 for 2020 models that require 0W-20 engine oil.
- dexosR: Designed for high-speed, high-load, and high-performance vehicles, dexosR comes in two viscosities: 0W-40 and 5W-50.
GM dexos 1™ Gen 3 oils meet or exceed API SP and ILSAC GF-6 specifications. Before we explore the features of the latest generation of dexos1 oils, let’s take a look back at the lineup’s history and how GM continues to respond to the latest demands in modern vehicle lubrication requirements.
GM dexos1
The first generation of dexos1 motor oils was required to pass a series of 11 tests designed to meet or exceed ILSAC GF-4 and GF-5 industry specifications.
GM’s success in achieving this standard stems from its use of synthetic oils versus a synthetic blend or conventional oil. However, as of August 2017, dexos1 first-generation motor oils are no longer manufactured or sold.
GM dexos1 Gen 2
In 2015, GM introduced the second generation of dexos1. This backward-compatible motor oil was designed for use in the brand’s gas and flex-fuel vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and light-duty trucks. The new standards formulation also addressed the phenomenon of low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI).
Under normal operating conditions, the engine control module initiates internal combustion to coincide with the piston’s downstroke.
When LSPI occurs, the combustion occurs too soon, impeding the piston’s ability to accelerate toward top dead center. With the development of new proprietary tests designed to incorporate LSPI parameters, dexos1 Gen 2 motor oils result in improved characteristics to reduce or minimize these circumstances.
GM dexos1 Gen 3
The latest iteration of dexos1 oils was introduced in 2021. Again, this premium motor oil is backward-compatible for GM vehicles and integrates well with vehicles equipped with exhaust particulate filters.
As motor oil technology has evolved, dexos1 Gen 3 continues to improve oxidation resistance, protection against the formation of sludge and harmful deposits, and engine cleanliness.
In Asheboro, many vehicle owners have seen the benefits of using the latest iteration of dexos1 oils.
What Is Dexos Oil Used For?
Dexos oil can be used by GM models and other vehicle manufacturers. GM’s dexos1 Gen 3 is typically compatible with engines that require motor oils that comply with API SP and ILSAC GF-6 specifications. However, it’s best to verify compatibility by referencing your owner’s manual.
Like any other engine lubricant, dexos oil protects critical internal components by reducing friction between moving metal parts. As dexos oil circulates through the engine, it removes heat to improve fuel economy and ensure optimal performance. Various additives also contribute to a cleaner, less corrosive environment that allows for longer maintenance intervals, less downtime, and lower maintenance costs.
In many ways, dexos oil gives GM vehicle owners a go-to lubrication option for maintaining their vehicles. Although alternative motor oils that still meet GM’s recommended specifications offer similar performance, knowing which oil brand to buy can help take the guesswork out of proper maintenance.
However, drivers will get the most out of their vehicle by integrating dexos oil into a comprehensive maintenance routine based on the manufacturer’s (GM’s or otherwise) recommendations.
To ensure you always have dexos oil on hand, consider utilizing a fuel delivery service.
How To Identify Dexos Oil
Many major oil brands carry dexos-compatible motor oils, which you can identify by the dexos icon on the front label. Mobil 1’s Chevrolet-specific motor oils meet dexos1, dexos2, and dexosD specifications. Castrol and CAM2 also offer engine oils that meet dexos1 Gen 3 specifications.
GM engines incorporate the use of dexos oils into their design, requiring exclusive use of these approved oils for optimal performance and longevity.
Failure to use dexos oil in your GM vehicle can potentially void the warranty and result in premature wear or component failure. Consult your owner’s manual for specific manufacturer recommendations regarding engine oil.
How Is Dexos Oil Different From Standard Oils?
Similar to full synthetic or synthetic blend motor oils, dexos oil should not be mixed with conventional or non-dexos oils. Incorporating these two types of oils can result in a loss of the properties that give dexos oil its superior performance.
Altering the chemical makeup can also leave your car’s engine unprotected from extreme heat, wear, and corrosive elements.
Dexos oil boats a drain interval of up to 15,000 miles, similar to full synthetic motor oils. Additional benefits include enhanced deposit control, oxidation resistance, wear protection, and fuel economy. A lower viscosity also makes dexos oil a viable option for vehicles in extremely hot or cold environments.
Cadence Is Your Go-To Source for Premium Dexos Oil
Protect your vehicle’s longevity with superior dexos oil and other motor oil solutions from Cadence. With over 70 years of experience and partnerships with numerous well-known oil brands, Cadence prides itself on prioritizing safety, integrity, continuous improvement, and a results-driven approach that ensures our customers’ satisfaction.
Explore our available motor oils or call us at 336-629-2061 to speak with a friendly and knowledgeable staff member.
Sources:
ILSAC Oil Specifications | Oilspecifications.org
Licensed GM dexos®1 Gen 2 brands | The Petroleum Quality Institute of America
Castrol EDGE Extended Performance | Castrol
CAM2 SYNAVEX™ dexos™1 Gen 3 SAE 0W-20 SP/ GF-6A Full Synthetic Motor Oil | CAM2