Hey Everyone,

I have heard some reports of this synthetic oil that GM is "suggesting" for any1 who owns a 2011 or newer, what I cant seem to find tho is,

does this apply to ALL MAKES/MODELS/VEHICLES of GM, meaning does this apply to my HHR?

I was a little shocked when I went to Tires Plus today to get an oil change and being told "I HAD TO" use synthetic oil...it use to cost me about $20 for an oil change every 3 months, that has now jumped $50.

Any info would be greatly appreciated and THANK YOU in advance for any feedback!

 

Yes it does apply to your 2011 HHR, as it does to all 2011 and later GM vehicles with some of the exceptions being the Corvette and Cadillac CTS V models which require a full synthetic such as Mobil 1.

You may wish to see if they were going to use a full snythetic oil instead of a synthetic blend that meets the GM specs.

Give this thread a read by clicking the link below....

https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/maintenance-upkeep-50/required-engine-oil-2011-gm-vehicles-31134/

P.S. to the forum!

 

It says right on the oil filler cap and in your Owner Manual use "DEXOS". That specification is synthetic.

What you actually put in it is your own business, you could put Wesson Oil in it, but the engine wouldn't last as long as if you used the Manufacturers Recommendation.

But DIY will get that cost back down to around $25, if you shop around and are not a brand loyalty freak. Change the oil when the car tells you to, not when you have been programed to by years of "iron engine" training.


http://www.gmdexos.com/home.html

and from the 2011 HHR Owner Manual:
Selecting the Right Engine Oil
Selecting the right engine oil depends on both the
proper oil specification and viscosity grade:
Specification
Use and ask for engine oils with the dexos™
certification mark. Oils meeting the requirements of
the vehicle should have the dexos certification mark on
the container. This certification mark indicates that the
oil has been approved to the dexos specification.
This vehicle was filled at the factory with
dexos‐approved engine oil.
Notice: Use only engine oil that is approved to
the dexos specification or an equivalent engine
oil of the appropriate viscosity grade. Engine oils
approved to the dexos specification will show the
dexos symbol on the container. Failure to use the
recommended engine oil or equivalent can result in
engine damage not covered by the vehicle warranty.
If you are unsure whether the oil is approved to the
dexos specification, ask your service provider.
Use of Substitute Engine Oils if dexos is unavailable:
In the event that dexos‐approved engine oil is not
available at an oil change or for maintaining proper
oil level, you may use substitute engine oil displaying
the API Starburst symbol and of SAE 5W-30 viscosity
grade. Use of oils that do not meet the dexos
specification, however, may result in reduced
performance under certain circumstances.
6-18

 

The important thing to remember is that DEXOS oil, and brands that meets DEXOS specifications are synthetic blend oils which use a mixture of synthetic and non-synthetic base oils for longer engine life.

GM vehicles that require a full synthetic still have oil fill caps labeled "Mobil 1".

 

The DEXOS website "seems" to say just synthetic, didn't see any "blend" might be there didn't see it.

But, there is a large DEXOS seal on any oil that is qualified, so you don't have to take anybodies word for it. If it ain't there it ain't DEXOS.

Looking closer at the DEXOS website, I find that there are only FOUR companies that "blend" approved formulas (manufacture). They then sell the oil to "REBRANDERS". So brand loyalty now has absolutely no bearing on the purchase of "DEXOS licensed" oil.

 

Here's the list from GM, and there are both full synthetic and synthetic blend oils that meet the DEXOS specs.

http://www.gmdexos.com/licensedbrand...sedbrands.html

So to amend my comments in post #4, DEXOS spec oils can be either full or blended synthetic oils.

 

That is an odd list, only a few say "synthetic blend" and only a few say "full synthetic", most just say "motor oil".

What I really find interesting is the admission that all of the brands are the same product, just in a different bottle.

 

With "dexos1" being a certification and there is also "dexos2" (diesel oil), I would think that the row for fluid type is just to show that those ones are "dexos1" and not "dexos2". The list shows many different manufacturers making these oils.

As you can see in this list all of these ones are "dexos2" which is for diesel oils. http://www.gmdexos.com/licensedbrand...sedbrands.html

 

Evidently you did not read the http://www.gmdexos.com/dexostmlicensing.html tab. Wherein it is explained what DEXOS means.

"Licensed Blenders manufacture dexos™ using previously approved additives and formulations obtained from additive suppliers. Currently there are four additive suppliers with multiple approved dexos™ formulations. These are Afton, Infineum, Lubrizol and Oronite."

In this case a "Blender" means "manufacturer".

"Licensed Rebranders purchase fully formulated dexos™ from a licensed Blender and repackage it under their own brand name(s)."

The list shows many "BRANDS" not many "manufacturers".

You made do actual work. I thought posting the home URL would be enough.

 

Reread your quote. It states that there are "licensed BLENDERS" note the S at the end refering to more than 1 blender. It also states that these blenders use pre approved additives and multiple formulas to be blended. This is the part that allows the product made by the blenderS (again plural not ONE) to be certified as "dexos1 or 2". Then it states that there are four companies that manufacuter the additives. No where does it say that one blender makes all this oil and then sells it to all the companies.

Further more reread the rest of the linked page that prefaces what you decided to quote. It clearly states that this is a trademark oil specification and that any company can become a "BLENDER" by