Home DIY Oil Change: The Right ACDelco Filters and Fluids for Your GM Vehicle

DIY Oil Change: The Right ACDelco Filters and Fluids for Your GM Vehicle

Safety Disclaimer
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and is intended for individuals with appropriate mechanical knowledge and experience. Working on your vehicle's engine can be dangerous if performed incorrectly and may affect the safety and operation of your vehicle. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual and follow all manufacturer-recommended procedures. If you are unsure about any step of the process, do not attempt the repair yourself. Instead, seek assistance from a qualified automotive technician. GM Outlet Parts is not responsible for any injury, damage, or loss resulting from the use of the information contained in this article.

For most car owner’s an oil change seems like just another chore to check off your to-do list, but it is one of the most important things you can do to increase your engine life. If you’ve been working on your own vehicles for any amount of time, you know that not all oil filters are created equally, nor will they fit the same as GM OEM parts. If you walk into any big box store, there are numerous filters that claim they will fit your vehicle, but your GM’s engine is engineered with tight tolerances. If the oil filter doesn’t match those specifications, you can run into issues like; oil leaks, low oil pressure, or even severe engine damage. Even slight size disparities can create problems; therefore, it is imperative to use genuine GM parts on your vehicle. ACDelco isn’t just another aftermarket brand that wants a share of your wallet, its GM’s own parts division, meaning it’s the same supplier who made the filter that was on your engine from factory. Whether you tow frequently with a Silverado, drive to work in an Equinox, or take the whole family on a road trip in a Tahoe, you can trust that using GM original parts will keep your vehicle running smoothly. After reading this article, you will learn how to do a DIY oil change the right way using genuine ACDelco oil filters and fluids made for your GM vehicle.

Why ACDelco Oil & Filters are Made for GM Engines

Most aftermarket manufacturers engineer their filters to fit as many vehicles as possible, but there is no true “one size fits all” especially when it comes to your engine’s protection. Every ACDelco oil filter and lubricant is built to match GM’s exact specifications for oil pressure, flow rate, and operating temperature for each specific engine. Aftermarket filters may look the same, but slight design or material differences, and oil chemistry can have a big impact on performance and longevity. ACDelco oil filters go under extensive testing to meet GM’s meticulous standards for durability, efficiency, and filtration. ACDelco motor oils are formulated with GM approved additives to resist oxidation, reduce friction, and maintain viscosity over time. Using GM original parts like ACDelco filters and motor oil will ensure your engine gets consistent lubrication, and necessary protection in all driving conditions. The precise fit and durable materials in ACDelco filters help to prevent leaks and maintain optimal oil pressure, which in turn extends your engine’s life and improves its performance.

Choosing the Right Oil for Your Vehicle

Picking the correct oil for your vehicle is important to ensure that your engine is properly lubricated. It may seem complicated at first, but this information will provide you with the knowledge to make the right decision. There are requirements for the oil to ensure that your engine stays lubricated and to minimize engine wear. The oil should meet the viscosity grade and performance specification from the manufacturer. You can find exactly what type of oil your GM needs by checking your owner’s manual or the oil cap on your engine.

The two most common grades for GM engines are 0W-20 and 5W-30. The “W” stands for winter and the number before it tells you how thick it is in cold temperatures. The number after the “W” represents the oils thickness at normal engine operating temperatures, which is usually between 195-220 degrees Fahrenheit. The lower the number, the thinner the oil is, and the faster it will flow through your engine on startup. So, a 0W-20 will flow more easily on startup than a 5W-30, and a 5W-20 will flow easier than a 5W-30 at operating temperatures.

For more information on engine oil grades, click here.

In 2010 GM invented a new oil specification called Dexos that has more stringent requirements than conventional motor oil. Dexos has been proven to enhance engine performance and cleanliness, fuel efficiency, and oxidation resistance. It has also been shown to significantly reduce Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) risk. LSPI is a phenomenon in turbocharged direct injection engines where the fuel and air mixture ignites prematurely. When this happens it generates extreme cylinder pressure which can cause severe engine damage. The Dexos 1 Gen 3 has been shown to significantly decrease the risk of LSPI occurring in your engine. ACDelco officially licenses and produces Dexos 1 Gen 3 motor oil, specifically in 0W-20 and 5W-30 viscosities. Dexos 1 Gen 3 is the newest form, replacing Gen 2 since they have made major improvements to the oil chemistry. Almost all modern gasoline powered GM vehicles from 2011 use Dexos 1 motor oil, especially those with turbocharged direct injection engines. Shop Dexos 1 motor oil at https://www.gmoutletparts.com/oem-parts/gm-oil-19432321

The GM oil life monitor system is highly accurate and widely regarded as the industry’s best. It uses advanced algorithms to track engine revolutions, temperatures and driving habits instead of just tracking miles. It is very important to reset the system after each oil change to maintain its accuracy. The oil life monitor system along with Dexos 1 Gen 3 oil can save you money in the long run. Changing the oil when necessary, will keep your vehicle properly lubricated and improve engine life. Using genuine GM parts when replacing components will ensure your engine is running at peak performance and will increase the reliability and longevity of your engine.
To see the full chart of Dexos 1 Gen 3 oil brands, click here.

How to do a DIY Oil Change

Now that you have the right filter and oil for your engine, we go through how to conduct a professional oil change at home.
What you need before you start:

ACDelco oil filter (double check to make sure it’s the right one for your engine.) Click here to ensure it’s the right fit for your vehicle
ACDelco Dexos 1 Gen 3 oil, check to ensure that it’s the correct viscosity for your engine
A drain pan that can hold your engines oil volume (the volume varies on the size of your engine)
A jack stand, ramps, and a floor jack to support your vehicles weight
A torque wrench, gloves, and rags

Now let’s go through the steps:

Step 1: Warm up the engine

Let it run for 30-60 seconds so that the oil can flow freely and fully drain properly.

Step 2: Drain the oil

Position the drain pan to catch the oil and remove the drain plug. Use a socket wrench to loosen the drain plug then carefully remove it by hand. Note: The oil may be hot, use caution

Step 3: Replace the drain plug and torque it on

While the oil is draining inspect the plug threads, then wipe it down and replace once the oil is fully drained.

Step 4: Remove the old filter and O-ring

You may be able to loosen the filter by hand, but you may need a wrench. Be careful when removing the old filter as it will still have some oil in it. Make sure the old O-ring isn’t still on the mounting plate and clean any residue on it.

Step 5: Lubricate the new oil filter and screw it on by hand

Lightly lubricate the O-ring on the filter with new oil and screw it on to the mounting plate.

Step 6: Remove the oil fill cap and add new oil

Use a funnel to pour in the specified oil volume for your engine.

Step 7: Close the oil cap and start up your engine

Let the engine idle for around 30 seconds, in the meantime inspect the drain plug and the area around the oil filter for leaks. If there are any leaks, immediately stop the engine and repair them.

Step 8: Stop the engine and check the oil level

Wait another 30 seconds after turning off the engine to let the oil settle. To check the oil level take it out and wipe it clean, then fully insert it. Remove it again and check the oil level with the operating range on the dipstick.

Step 9: Reset your oil life monitor

The oil life monitor doesn’t automatically reset after you change the oil. The process to reset it varies between model and year, but you can generally reset it from the steering wheel controls or the infotainment system. If you’re not sure how to reset it on your vehicle, your owner’s manual will have clear steps for you to follow.

Parts Spotlight

If you are close to needing an oil change or just looking to do some basic vehicle maintenance this spring, you’re in the right place. All product options are genuine GM OEM parts.

1. ACDelco oil filter

Oil filters remove contaminants from the oil as it circulates to ensure only clean oil lubricates the engine.

2. Engine air filter

This prevents dirt, sand, and other debris from entering the combustion chamber to ensure that only clean air mixes with the fuel.

3. Engine oil drain plug

It is smart to have extra drain plugs and gaskets in your garage to ensure a proper seal in the oil compartment.

Find these parts and much more at GM outlet parts.

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FAQ

Can I use any oil filter that fits?

A lot of oil filters may thread on, but just because it fits doesn’t mean it will perform the same as an ACDelco oil filter that was put on your car from the factory. Since your GM engine is built with strict tolerances, the filter needs to match GM’s specifications to prevent any issues in your engine. It’s always better to use GM original parts when performing any maintenance or repair.

How often should I change my oil?

The oil life monitor system in your GM uses advanced technology to track engine revolutions, temperatures and driving habits instead of only miles. It is highly accurate, so when your oil life monitor tells you to get an oil change, you can trust it. A modern GM engine using ACDelco Dexos 1 Gen 3 oil can stretch up to 7,000 miles or more.

What happens if I use the wrong oil Viscosity?

Using the wrong oil viscosity will lead to poor lubrication. Improper lubrication causes increased engine wear on critical components, reduced fuel efficiency, and reduced performance. If you are unsure of what oil viscosity is right for your car, check your owner’s manual or the oil cap on your engine.

Conclusion

An oil change is one of the simplest maintenance tasks you can perform on your vehicle, and it’s one of the most important to protect your engine. Your GM engine was made with strict tolerances to give you the best performance and reliability, that’s why when working on your GM, buying OEM GM parts is important. ACDelco oil filters and Dexos oil fluids aren’t upsells or fancy names, they’re what is put on your vehicle from factory. It's what your engine was made to run with. Whether you’re maintaining a Silverado that needs to keep towing, or an Equinox you drive daily, using GM original parts is the way to go.

Visit our site for everything you need to help keep your vehicle on the road and out of the shop.