What kind of oil should I use put in my truck?

Question

I have a 2003 Silverado V6 and I live in Indiana. I just bought the truck and haven't changed the oil yet. I like to use the same oil for the life of the vehicle. So big decision for me. Should I use synthetic or regular? What brand and why?

Answer 1

Take a look in the owners handbook for what they recommend for your climate...

In the absence of any qualified information, I'd default to standard 10w40 semi-synthetic for everyday use. Right spread of viscosities for most conditions in temperate climates and non-racing/loadhauling use, and the semi synthetic nature is right for most modern engines. Plus it doesn't cost the earth. Buy whatever's the best price, as there shouldn't be measurable difference between most brands that meet the usual spread of DOT / SAE / ISO certifications. The extra expense in premium brands is on the fancy label and questionable "additives" that may do as much harm as good.

If it gets very warm in your neighbourhood (or the engine often runs hot), go for higher numbers; cold temperatures or much cool running, lower ones. And if you are to drive it hard a lot, full synthetic is supposedly better (can't say why, myself!)

PS what is it with you west-of-the-atlantic guys and doing oil changes at 3k miles? Is it something to do with that terrible 89-octane fuel you buy? I do mine at 5k and get looked at a bit funny for doing twice as often as I "should"

Answer 2

Read the owner's manual. If you change your oil on a regular basis, then don't worry so much about premium vs. economy oil "brands". i change my own oil and filter for about $10 using a syn/oil blend. the silverado takes several more quarts than my car, and the filter is probably 5-7 bucks... so you should be able to change your own for well under $20 if you want the synthetic blend. i don't see a need for the full synthetic, and i used to only use regular oil, but the mileage is adding up, so i get a tad better oil. good luck. you'll do fine.

Answer 3

well matt that depends on your preference and on how much you want to spend, 10w30 or 40 is just fine for Indiana and you have a little motor in a big truck so you want to keep as much heat out of the engine as possible so if i were you i would use synthetic so you don't get the heat build up and to give you a little information both the viper and the Corvette come from the factory with mobile 1 syn oil in them and they use a real good filter with it to like k&n oil filter there a little more expensive but they give you a big bolt of oil as soon is you hit the starter and that is real good because you never have dry start, the biggest thing with small engines is to keep the heat out of them and syn oil does that real well so the choice is yours.

Answer 4

Vegetable. Seriously, if Valvoline non-synthetic. But use only top quality filters. You should use Synthetic if the car is new or the manufacture recommends it. Otherwise you could cause leaks, blow seals, or gum up the motor.( if you put in synthetics in a used car) DO OIL changes a EVERY 3000 miles NO MATTER WHAT.

Answer 5

I would try automotive oil, I don't think vegetable oil will work and you'd have to buy a lot of those little 3 in 1 oil cans to fill your truck ;o)
I think it depends on the truck & your climate...*shrug* my X always used NAPA oil 30 -30 weight

Answer 6

i would stick with regular 10/40, you can't always find synthetic and you are not supposed to mix it ,also i change the filter every time i change the oil

Answer 7

Use a 10w30 Valvoline synthetic in that chevy, pennzoil ok, quaker state has a bad rep with me (leaked past seals, changed to valvoline and no problems.)

Answer 8

Find out what the previous owner used.
If they used syn. then u want to use the same. It is not good to switch back and forth.
The best Syn is Mobile 1
I would use 10w30 in GM products

Answer 9

Motor oil

Answer 10

I've been pretty happy with regular penzoil. I think the fancy stuff isn't worth it. It's like buying premium gas when regular works just fine.