Oil Change - 2020 Tahoe

[nomech]

I am thinking about doing my own oil change and I have a question about which oil type to use.

I've read the manual and the oil cap lists 0w-20, that seems to be the easy part. I also read that dexos1 is recommended, but I'm not sure what, if any, difference there is between these different types of oil.

These are all listed as dexos1 and the obvious differences are (in no particular order)

one protects for 10,000 miles
one protects for 10,000 miles and is designed for high mileage engines
one protects for 15,000 miles
one protects for 20,000 miles and is designed for high mileage engines

Robot or human?

Robot or human?

Robot or human?

Robot or human?

I will have about 165k miles when it is time for my next oil change and I have been changing the oil at 7,000 miles (give or take a couple hundred) since I bought the vehicle (brand new with 5 miles).

I would say that I can cross off the 15k option and 20k option leaving me with two options to choose from. I'm not really sure what the 'high mileage' oil has that the other one doesn't? I'm not too concerned with saving a couple bucks, I just want to make sure I get the right oil. I don't think I can go wrong with either option but I figure I would ask here, first, since I have some time before I need to buy what I need.

The manual recommends AC Delco oil, but I've always heard good things about mobil 1 synthetic and it is on this list, https://www.gmdexos.com/brands/dexos1/index.html. A good mechanic friend of mine (who is no longer around) always ordered mobil 1 synthetic for me and I paid his cost/price (I would pay the parts guy when he dropped off the oil for my oil change).

Thanks.

 

[ReaperHWK]

Penzoil ultra platinum is probably the best oil out there now(that and Amsoil).

Mobil 1 isn’t bad but it has been eclipsed by a few brands. Notably the oils that are made from natural gas like penzoil ultra platinum.

This guy just does oils; watch his stuff it’s pretty good.

Amsoil and penzoil as the final 2 by project farm as well.

 

[nomech]

I will take a look, thanks.

What about the washer on the drain plug does that need to be replaced with each change? I've read both yes and no.

I was looking at this one.

Just minimal research so far so I'm not 100% sure.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/fel-pro/fel-pro-oil-drain-plug-gasket/fel0/70820/v/a/149482/automotive-suv-2020-chevrolet-tahoe?q=oil+plug+washer&pos=3

 

[B-train]

The washer on the drain plug doesn't need to be replaced each time, actually hardly ever in all the GM vehicles I've put over a million miles on combined......I've maybe put in 2 drain plugs in that time.

As for the oil, keep it at 5k intervals. Don't EVER buy into the BS for 10, 15, 20k intervals for an oil OR filter. The only time I would ever consider anything around 10k would be if I was driving coast to coast non-stop like an over the road truck driver. Daily driver vehicles have a different life cycle for the oil and require more frequent changes, hence the 5k recommendation.

Since you've run 0w-20 your whole time, you can continue with that, or just run 5w-30 dexos and be done with it. I personally prefer 5w-30 and don't run anything lighter than that - 0w-20 is a CAFE gimmick by GM to EEk out a few tenths of a MPG for their ratings. It does work, but I prefer a little more basic protection for the heart of my vehicle. 2017 Denali, 6.2L with 165k on it as of this writing - and also due for an oil change. LOL

 

[nomech]

I wasn't planning on going 10k or more, just curious about the oil that advertises it is for vehicles with high mileage vs the oil that doesn't state that. I assume it was marketing stuff.

I've always changed my oil at 7k which is inline with the oil percentage on the display and I'd say 80% of my miles are highway miles, as well. I don't have an issue replacing at 5k, either, but sticking with 7k is also fine, I'd imagine.

The 0w-20 vs 5w-30 is something I've been reading about since I've seen multiple people mention it.

 

[ReaperHWK]

I wasn't planning on going 10k or more, just curious about the oil that advertises it is for vehicles with high mileage vs the oil that doesn't state that. I assume it was marketing stuff.

I've always changed my oil at 7k which is inline with the oil percentage on the display and I'd say 80% of my miles are highway miles, as well. I don't have an issue replacing at 5k, either, but sticking with 7k is also fine, I'd imagine.

The 0w-20 vs 5w-30 is something I've been reading about since I've seen multiple people mention it.

There is actually a formulation difference in regards to the additive package, not pure marketing.

 

[nomech]

There is actually a formulation difference in regards to the additive package, not pure marketing.

I have not watched those yet, but I will.

Not specific to that video, but using mobil 1 as my example (since that is what I have in my original post), if a vehicle has high mileage, should the high mileage version of the oil be used?

What does the dealer do? What does a mechanic garage do (not a quick lube place)? I've had my high mileage oil changed at the dealer and a regular shop (which I trust) and I would never guess that they would look at the odometer and say 'this one has high mileage, get the high mileage oil), but maybe I'm wrong.

Not trying to start an argument, just curious. If I'm going to start doing this myself (which I still have not yet decided) I just want to make sure I'm putting in the right product, that's all.

It is clear that mobil 1 isn't the only brand that sells 'high mileage' options, but as stated, I'm just being consistent with my example when asking the question, that's all.

Thanks.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Welcome to the Forum from NH.

Lots of knowledgeable folks here who freely share their knowledge, experiences, and perspectives. Knowledge is power.

I hope that you will become a participating member in the Forum's discussions.

Pics of the truck, please.

You are already receiving sage advice from the knowledgeable folks on this Forum.

 

[PPK_]

I have not watched those yet, but I will.

Not specific to that video, but using mobil 1 as my example (since that is what I have in my original post), if a vehicle has high mileage, should the high mileage version of the oil be used?

What does the dealer do? What does a mechanic garage do (not a quick lube place)? I've had my high mileage oil changed at the dealer and a regular shop (which I trust) and I would never guess that they would look at the odometer and say 'this one has high mileage, get the high mileage oil), but maybe I'm wrong.

Not trying to start an argument, just curious. If I'm going to start doing this myself (which I still have not yet decided) I just want to make sure I'm putting in the right product, that's all.

It is clear that mobil 1 isn't the only brand that sells 'high mileage' options, but as stated, I'm just being consistent with my example when asking the question, that's all.

Thanks.

Many of the "high mileage" versions are not Dex oils.. which your GDI engine needs.. 0w20 Dex is what you need.. per warranty... This dex makes the oil hold up longer with direct injection soot...

 

[MobileHomie]

The DEXOS oils all have to pass certain tests for that approval, any of them are good to go.

 

[GMCChevy]

I have not watched those yet, but I will.

Not specific to that video, but using mobil 1 as my example (since that is what I have in my original post), if a vehicle has high mileage, should the high mileage version of the oil be used?

What does the dealer do? What does a mechanic garage do (not a quick lube place)? I've had my high mileage oil changed at the dealer and a regular shop (which I trust) and I would never guess that they would look at the odometer and say 'this one has high mileage, get the high mileage oil), but maybe I'm wrong.

Not trying to start an argument, just curious. If I'm going to start doing this myself (which I still have not yet decided) I just want to make sure I'm putting in the right product, that's all.

It is clear that mobil 1 isn't the only brand that sells 'high mileage' options, but as stated, I'm just being consistent with my example when asking the question, that's all.

Thanks.

No, shops use normal oil. The high mileage ones is mostly marketing for DIY'ers.

 

[nomech]

Many of the "high mileage" versions are not Dex oils.. which your GDI engine needs.. 0w20 Dex is what you need.. per warranty... This dex makes the oil hold up longer with direct injection soot...

Yes, that is a good point. I missed that the high mileage one I posted doesn't have the dexos logo on it. I'm surprised I missed that because I usually pay attention to that, I even posted the site with the dexos oil to confirm. I believe my focus shifted to the high mileage part and I overlooked that it didn't say dexos...again, thanks.

 

[nomech]

No, shops use normal oil. The high mileage ones is mostly marketing for DIY'ers.

I wrote that when I didn't realize the high mileage I posted isn't dexos rated. My mistake. Thanks.

 

[15burban]

You don't need a dexos rated oil. Some oil companies don't want to pay gm to have their oil dexos licensed. GM makes money off every quart or gallon of oil that has the dexos license on it plus the license fee itself. Pretty smart thing gm did in my opinion since most people with gm's will only buy oil with dexos on it.

Any good synthetic oil will do. I'd switch to 5w30 also along with 5k intervals.

 

[k_arnold72]

My 2018 6.2 with 156k miles calls for 0w20. I tried 5w30 and the motor didn't like it, ran rough. I changed it back to 0w20 a couple days later. But that was just my experience, others my vary. Mobil 1 full synthetic was used for both.

 

[15burban]

I tried 5w30 and the motor didn't like it, ran rough. I changed it back to 0w20 a couple days later.

I'm not saying it didn't happen to you but when the corvettes 6.2 is spec'd for 5w30 or 15w50 for the track and has the same rotating assembly. 5w30 should not cause any problems only better engine protection. Used oil analysis have proven this. But it's your vehicle so use what oil makes you feel better.

 

[nomech]

You don't need a dexos rated oil. Some oil companies don't want to pay gm to have their oil dexos licensed.

Thanks, this makes sense. I get what you are saying but I'm new to all of this and since I don't have the background/experience that many of you have, I only have the manual to go by.

 

[k_arnold72]

That comparison is apples and oranges, it's not necessarily showing which is better or worse protection. A corvette at a track and Tahoe on the road don't operate in the same conditions, so having the same long block isn't the issue. They have different demands. Corvette on a track is spinning past 7k, our trucks live under 6k rpm.

I'm not saying it didn't happen to you but when the corvettes 6.2 is spec'd for 5w30 or 15w50 for the track and has the same rotating assembly. 5w30 should not cause any problems only better engine protection. Used oil analysis have proven this. But it's your vehicle so use what oil makes you feel better.

 

[15burban]

Then forget about the track. It still calls for 5w30.

 

[NELLY1947]

I have a 2023 with about 16,000 miles. As of now the oil/filter have been changed 4 times. Synthetic and GM filter only. Mobile 1. and the first 2 the oil was analyzed and the filter split open to verify if any shavings. As for the oil any of the main companies are good. Just be sure to always use the same oil. Also u have a new unit don't u get a couple free changes? And why do it yourself?? You strip the plug threads, the filter is not tighten properly. You blow an engine. How much did she cost you?? Yes I agree dealers are thieves.. but oil changes are a fixed price.

Penzoil ultra platinum is probably the best oil out there now(that and Amsoil).

Mobil 1 isn’t bad but it has been eclipsed by a few brands. Notably the oils that are made from natural gas like penzoil ultra platinum.

This guy just does oils; watch his stuff it’s pretty good.

Amsoil and penzoil as the final 2 by project farm as well.