2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Oil Type, Capacity, Change Interval & Oil Change Cost Guide

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT is a powerful full-size pickup truck designed for towing, hauling, and daily driving performance.
To keep this truck running smoothly, using the correct engine oil and following proper maintenance intervals is extremely important.

This guide covers oil type, oil capacity, oil change interval, oil filter information, maintenance cost, and engine-specific recommendations for all LT trims.

Dexos1 Full Synthetic Required
0W-20 / 5W-30 Oil Options
V6 & V8 Engine Options
EcoTec3 Engine Series
High Mileage Durability

2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT Engine Oil Type

The recommended oil type for 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT depends on engine configuration.
All engines require Dexos1 approved full synthetic oil for proper protection and fuel efficiency.

Recommended Oil Grades:
• 4.3L V6 → SAE 5W-30
• 5.3L V8 → SAE 0W-20
• 6.2L V8 → SAE 0W-20

2018 Silverado 1500 LT Oil Capacity

Oil capacity varies depending on engine type and whether the filter is replaced during service.

Engine
Oil Type
Oil Capacity
4.3L V6
5W-30 Dexos1 Synthetic
~6.0 Quarts
5.3L V8
0W-20 Dexos1 Synthetic
~8.0 Quarts
6.2L V8
0W-20 Dexos1 Synthetic
~8.0 Quarts

Oil Change Interval for 2018 Silverado 1500 LT

Regular oil changes help prevent AFM-related issues, reduce engine wear, and extend engine life.

Driving Condition
Oil Change Interval
Normal Driving
Every 5,000–7,500 miles
Heavy Towing / Load
Every 4,000–5,000 miles
Severe City Driving
Every 3,000–5,000 miles

2018 Silverado 1500 LT Oil Change Cost

  • DIY Oil Change: $45 – $80
  • Independent Workshop: $80 – $130
  • Dealer Service: $120 – $200
  • Full Synthetic Service: $100 – $160

Best Engine Oil Brands for Silverado LT

Recommended Oils

  • Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic
  • Castrol EDGE 0W-20
  • Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic
  • Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic
  • ACDelco Dexos1 Oil

Why Synthetic Oil Matters

  • Protects AFM system components
  • Improves fuel economy
  • Reduces engine sludge buildup
  • Better cold-start protection
  • Extends engine lifespan

How to Change Oil in Silverado 1500 LT

Step 1: Warm engine for 3–5 minutes.
Step 2: Drain used oil completely.
Step 3: Replace oil filter (ACDelco PF63E recommended).
Step 4: Refill with correct Dexos1 oil.
Step 5: Check oil level and leaks.

Common Oil-Related Problems

  • AFM lifter noise issues
  • Oil consumption in high-mileage engines
  • Low oil pressure at idle
  • Sludge buildup from delayed oil changes

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What oil does 2018 Silverado 1500 LT use?

It uses Dexos1 approved full synthetic oil such as 0W-20 or 5W-30 depending on engine type.

How much oil does it take?

Between 6 and 8 quarts depending on engine size.

How often should oil be changed?

Every 5,000–7,500 miles depending on driving conditions.

Is synthetic oil required?

Yes, Dexos1 full synthetic oil is strongly recommended for engine protection.

Final Thoughts

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 LT performs best when maintained with the correct Dexos1 synthetic oil and timely oil changes.
Proper maintenance helps prevent AFM issues and ensures long engine life.