What Is Dexos Oil: Everything you need to know

If you ever owned a GM vehicle, there is a great chance you are already familiar with Dexos Oil. Don’t worry if a question like what is Dexos oil pops into your mind. I’ll be explaining all there is to know about Dexos oil.

Dexos have an excellent reputation in the market for being one of the best engine oils. Many experts recommend this oil for its outstanding service.  We will now dissect the phenomena to understand what truly makes it great.

What Is Dexos Oil?

Engine oils are specialized products developed by chemists and engineers to help the engine perform essential functions. Dexos oil is one of the few engine oils that meets the most precise specifications.

Dexos itself is not an oil. It is more of a category made by General Motors to simplify engine oil selection. Companies can get licensed from GM if they meet specific standards. First of all, the oil has to be a synthetic or synthetic blend. These oils are formulated for sludge reduction, proper formulation, optimal friction, and controlling temperature.

Dexos maintains a set of oil specifications that are optimal for GM vehicles. So no matter who their customers are, they can choose the right engine oil for their car.

What Makes Dexos Oil Different?

Dexos engine oil was designed by General Motor’s engineers specifically for GM vehicle engines. As the requirement meets their engine’s needs, it is needlessly to say Dexos oil will provide better performance. That is the main difference that makes it stand out from the crowd.

Using this engine oil in GM’s vehicles would increase fuel efficiency, reduce emission, extending the engine’s life, and more. In short, they provide the best performance for the engines produced by General Motors. A vehicle made after 2011 is recommended this oil as long as the vehicle runs on the street.

These are the reasons that make Dexos different. Most other types of engine oils are not catered to meet specific requirements for GM vehicles. Most of them are like general-purpose engine oils for all types of engines. So, their performance wouldn’t rival the oils that meet the Dexos requirement.

What Is The Difference Between Dexos1 And Dexos2?

The debate of which is better between Dexos1 and Dexos2 has been raging for years. The answer is interesting; it is both and neither. Surprised? Let me explain. Dexos1 and Dexos2 are meant for different types of engines. So, it would be fair to judge their performance while applying them on engines they were not made for. They are both best when applied to the engines they are intended to use on.

Dexos1 is suitable for the gasoline engine. It focuses mostly on the Asian and North American regions. This oil can handle oil change in the interval of up to 15000 miles. GM recommends this one if your vehicle was produced after 2011 and runs on gasoline.

Dexos2 is made for engines that run on diesel. Mostly, it focuses on the vehicles than run on European roads. This one is suitable for models made after 2011 as well vehicles made in previous years. Its oil handling capacity is relatively low when compared with Dexos1. Dexos2 can not handle long oil change intervals.

Why Should I Buy Dexos Oil?

GM has put tremendous efforts in the R&D wing for its engine lubricants. The reason behind this is that they need the engines to last long while providing maximum mileage. They need both engine and oil to work together to meet the goal.

That’s why they made specific requirements in the oil design that complements their engine. As the engine design differs from other companies so that they need to be catered differently. And, Dexos oil is what matches those criteria.

Suppose you intend to experience the optimal performance from GM engines. In that case, Dexos oil is what you need because other engine oils are not designed to complement the internal mechanisms in these engines.

What Brands of Oil Are Dexos?

There are quite a few brands that are licensed for Dexos from General Motors. These brands include well known to lesser-known names. If we make a list, it would include Castrol, Valvoline, Pennzoil, Quaker State, Mobil, etc. These are the well-known brands that are known for selling Dexos Oil. You will see names like Amazonbasics, Royal Purple, Liqui Moly, and new others among the lesser-known brands.

You might have noticed there are more than enough brands that sell Dexos oil. The demand is so high as there are millions of cars on the street under different brand names.

What Are The Best Dexos Oil?

Among the many, there are a few brands that shine brightest when it is about the Dexos oil. Let’s take a look at who those are and what is unique about them.

Castrol 03057 GTX MAGNATEC: This Dexos oil from Castrol dramatically reduces engine wear. It is useful for both newer and older models. This one protects engine parts with superior protection and makes sure the critical systems are functioning correctly. The best thing about Castrol GTX is that it jumps into action as soon as you place it in the engine.

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic: This one will be useful if you drive in exceptional high or low temperature. With a unique formula, the additives provide 50% more wear protection. Its performance meets all the industry standard as it comes tested. The antioxidants resist oil breakdown even in extreme conditions.

Pennzoil – 550046126 Platinum: Pennzoil dexos oil is made from natural gas using Pennzoil’s patented PurePlus technology. It provides better fuel economy than most others in the market. You will have better wear protection under all kinds of weather and protected from engine power loss.

Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economic: Low viscosity of the oil will improve efficiency and fuel economy up to 2%. The precisely balanced additive will provide excellent lubrication and wear protection. Thanks to its oxidation and thermal stability, it helps to reduce oil aging.

AmazonBasics Full Synthetic: It was formulated for long drain intervals. Also, it helps to prevent rust and corrosion on the engine parts. When applied, the friction is reduced, causing less wear and tear on the engine. Most of all, this oil helps to reduce exhaust emissions to a great extent.

 

FAQs

Is GM Dexos oil full synthetic?

Yes, Dexos oil is fully synthetic.

What happens if you don’t use Dexos oil?

Using non-Dexos oil on engines that require you to use Dexos would void the warranty. Also, you might see deterioration in performance too.

Is Dexos better than Mobil 1?

Dexos is not any kind of oil itself; it is the specification for oil. Mobil 1 meets and exceeds the specification to be considered Dexos oil.

Can you use Dexos oil in any car?

You can use Dexos oil in older GM vehicles too. As for cars from other companies, you will need to check the instruction manual or consult an expert.

What is the Dexos oil change frequency?

The oil would need to change between every 10k to 15k miles.

Conclusion

If you own a GM vehicle or any brand owned by GM, then Dexos oil should be your go-to choice. Using other engine oil might not be the best choice as they void the warranty, and you might get subpar performance. Now that you know what Dexos oil is and what it does, all remain to get the best one of your choice.