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What Specification of Engine Oil Does GM Use From the Factory?

Published in GM Engine Oil 2 mins read

GM vehicles are factory-filled with engine oil that strictly adheres to the proprietary dexos® specification, rather than a single exclusive brand. This ensures optimal performance, engine protection, and reduced emissions from the moment a vehicle leaves the assembly line.

Understanding GM's Factory Oil Choice

General Motors does not exclusively use one specific "brand" of engine oil globally for its factory fill. Instead, GM mandates a highly rigorous performance standard known as dexos®. This specification ensures that any oil used in their vehicles, including the initial factory fill, meets stringent quality and performance criteria developed by GM engineers.

What is dexos®?

The dexos® trademark represents a premium category of engine oil specifically formulated to meet some of the most rigorous specifications in the automotive industry. It is designed to:

  • Provide superior engine protection: Safeguarding critical engine components under various operating conditions.
  • Enhance fuel efficiency: Formulations are optimized to reduce friction and improve fuel economy.
  • Reduce harmful emissions: Contributing to cleaner air by ensuring the oil performs efficiently and helps control emissions.
  • Offer robust performance: Built to withstand the demands of modern, high-performance engines, including turbocharged and direct-injection designs.

GM's commitment through the dexos® program ensures that every GM vehicle worldwide has access to the highest quality oil, formulated to perform exceptionally well and reduce vehicle emissions throughout its lifespan.

Licensed Brands vs. Exclusive Brand

While GM specifies the dexos® standard, it does not mean they use a single oil manufacturer for all their factory fills. Instead, numerous reputable oil manufacturers produce oils that are licensed and certified to meet the exacting dexos® standard. GM maintains a comprehensive list of these dexos® Licensed brands on its official website, allowing consumers and service centers to easily identify approved oils for their vehicles. This approach provides flexibility in the supply chain while maintaining a consistent quality benchmark for all GM engines.

For further information on licensed products and the dexos® specification, you can visit the official GM dexos® website.