Keeping your 2016 Chevy Malibu running smoothly for years to come hinges on a few simple but critical maintenance habits, and at the top of that list is using the correct oil. It is the lifeblood of your car’s engine, reducing friction, managing heat, and keeping internal components clean. If you have ever found yourself staring at a wall of oil bottles at the auto parts store, feeling a little unsure about which one is right for your vehicle, you are not alone. This confusion is exactly why we have put together this 2016 Chevy Malibu Oil Type: A Practical Guide, to give you the confidence to make the right choice for your car.
Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced fuel economy, increased engine wear, and even potential damage over the long term. The good news is that for the 2016 Malibu, the specifications are quite clear. Whether you are a DIY enthusiast who loves getting your hands dirty or an owner who just wants to be informed when talking to a mechanic, knowing the precise oil requirements is empowering. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the specific viscosity grade and oil capacity to the pros and cons of synthetic versus conventional oil.
What Oil Does a 2016 Chevy Malibu Use?
For all 2016 Chevy Malibu models, regardless of whether you have the standard 1.5L turbocharged engine or the available 2.0L turbo, General Motors recommends using dexos1™ approved full synthetic motor oil with a viscosity of 0W-20. This information is your golden ticket and can be found in your owner’s manual and often on the oil fill cap under the hood.
Let us break down what that means. The “0W-20” is the oil’s viscosity, or thickness. The “0W” refers to how the oil flows in cold weather (the “W” stands for winter). A 0W oil remains very fluid, allowing it to circulate quickly through the engine on cold starts, which is vital for protection before the engine warms up. The “20” refers to the oil’s thickness at the engine’s normal operating temperature. This thinner viscosity helps reduce friction within the engine, which directly contributes to the excellent fuel efficiency that the Malibu is known for.
Why the Dexos1™ Specification Matters
You will notice that GM does not just recommend any 0W-20 synthetic oil; it specifies that it should be dexos1™ approved. This is not just a marketing gimmick. dexos1™ is GM’s own performance standard for gasoline engines. Oils that carry this certification have been rigorously tested to meet specific requirements for:
- Engine Deposits: Preventing the buildup of sludge and varnish that can clog important engine passages.
- Emissions System Protection: Helping to maintain the efficiency of your catalytic converter and other emissions equipment.
- Fuel Economy: Formulated to maximize your miles per gallon.
- Shear Stability: Resisting breakdown and maintaining its protective viscosity over time.
Using a dexos1™ approved oil ensures you are giving your Malibu’s engine the exact protection it was engineered for. While many high-quality synthetic oils may meet the viscosity requirement, the dexos1™ certification guarantees they meet GM’s specific performance benchmarks.
Your 2016 Chevy Malibu Oil Type: A Practical Guide to Capacity and Change Intervals
Knowing the right type of oil is half the battle; knowing how much to use and how often to change it is the other. The 2016 Chevy Malibu has an oil capacity of 5 quarts (including the filter) for the 1.5L engine. The more powerful 2.0L engine has a capacity of 6 quarts. It is always a good idea to double-check your owner’s manual for your specific model and to confirm the amount after the change by checking the dipstick.
As for how often to change your oil, the general recommendation is every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. However, your Malibu’s Oil Life Monitoring System is the most accurate guide. This smart system, which you can view in your driver information center, analyzes your driving habits (like frequent short trips, towing, or extreme temperatures) and calculates the remaining oil life. It is best practice to change the oil when the system alerts you, typically when oil life is between 5-10% remaining.
Synthetic vs. Conventional: Making the Right Choice
The 2016 Malibu is designed from the factory to use full synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is chemically engineered to provide superior performance and protection compared to conventional mineral oil. It offers better flow at low temperatures, superior resistance to high-temperature breakdown, and improved cleaning properties. While synthetic oil is typically more expensive, the extended change intervals (7,500 miles versus 3,000-5,000 for conventional) often make the long-term cost comparable, while providing much better engine protection. For your Malibu, sticking with a full synthetic dexos1™ 0W-20 oil is the clear and recommended choice.
A Simple Step-by-Step for Your Next Oil Change
If you are planning to change the oil yourself, here is a simplified overview of the process. Always prioritize safety by using jack stands if you are lifting the vehicle and wearing gloves and safety glasses.
- Gather Supplies: You will need 5 or 6 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic dexos1™ oil, a new oil filter (PF64 is a common fit), a wrench for the drain plug, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, and a funnel.
- Drain Old Oil: After safely raising the car, locate the oil drain plug on the oil pan and place your drain pan underneath. Carefully remove the plug and allow the old oil to drain completely.
- Replace Oil Filter: Remove the old oil filter, making sure the gasket from the old filter comes off with it. Lubricate the gasket on the new filter with a bit of fresh oil and screw it on by hand until snug.
- Refill with New Oil: Reinstall the drain plug. Lower the car and use a funnel to add the new 0W-20 synthetic oil. Start with about 4.5 quarts for the 1.5L (or 5.5 for the 2.0L), then check the dipstick, adding more gradually until you reach the “Full” mark.
- Reset the Oil Life Monitor: Start the engine and let it run for a minute, then check for leaks. Turn the car off. To reset the oil life monitor, navigate to the “Oil Life” screen in the driver information center and hold down the checkmark/set button.
Taking care of your 2016 Chevy Malibu’s engine does not have to be complicated. By simply remembering to use a dexos1™ approved full synthetic 0W-20 oil and following the guidance of your vehicle’s Oil Life Monitoring System, you are providing your engine with the best possible protection. This small but vital step will help ensure your Malibu continues to deliver a smooth, efficient, and reliable driving experience for many miles down the road.