Best By Quality
Best For High-Mileage
Best Budget Oil
As any car enthusiast knows, the lifeblood of any vehicle is its engine oil. Choosing the right one can significantly improve your car’s performance and lifespan.
This post is specifically tailored for owners of the 2008 – 2012 Chevrolet Cruze models. We’ve done the research, compared the brands, and now we’re here to share our top picks for the best engine oils that will keep your Chevy running smoothly.
Whether you’re a seasoned mechanic or a first-time car owner, this guide is designed to help you make an informed decision about what goes under your car’s hood. Let’s dive in!
Product
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
- Advanced engine protection
- High/low temperature protection
- American made
Castrol 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Chevy Approved Oil For Cruze
- Meets The Requirements of ILSAC GF-5 API,SN,SM,SL
- Protects for up to 20,000 miles
Valvoline High Mileage SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
- Best engine oil for high mileage Chevy Cruze
- API SP/SN PLUS/SN, ILSAC GF-6
- Great for engines with over 150,000 miles
Mobil 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- API SN, SM, SL
- 1.5x longer protection
- Prevents sludge and deposits buildup
Quaker State Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
- Meets the API SN Plus classification protecting engines from LSPI
- Outperforms conventional motor oils
- Provides protection in extreme temperatures
Chevrolet Cruze Oil Recommended by Manufacturer
The recommended oil type for the 2008-2012 Chevrolet Cruze is an SAE full synthetic at a viscosity of 5W-30.
The recommended engine oil for Chevrolet Cruze is a Castrol 5W-30 Full Synthetic which meets the requirements of ILSAC GF-5 API, SN, SM, SL.
Castrol 5W-30 Full Synthetic are often approved by car manufacturers like Chevrolet due to their high performance and protective qualities.
Castrol 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
2008 - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze Engine Oil Capacity
- Chevrolet Cruze 1.6 liter engine has an engine oil capacity of 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) of synthetic 5W-30 motor oil.
- The 1.8-liter Chevrolet Cruze has an engine oil capacity of 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters).
- The 2.0 liter CDI Chevrolet Cruze has an engine oil capacity of 6 quarts (5.8 liters).
Chevrolet Cruze Oil Recommended By Mileage
Mileage
Brand
0 – 75,000
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
75,000 – 150,000
Castrol SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
150,000 – 300,000
Valvoline High Mileage SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Top 5 Best Engine Oils For Ford Bronco
1. Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil
2. Castrol 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
3. Valvoline High Mileage SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
4. Mobil 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
5. Quaker State Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil
The Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil delivers exceptional performance and protection for your vehicle’s engine.
It’s a premium choice for anyone keen on maintaining their vehicle in top condition.
Pros
- Advanced engine protection
- High/low temperature protection
- American made
Cons
- Some customers have complaint that the motor oil smells like burnt oil
- Container is prone to rupturing
Castrol’s full synthetic motor oil is designed to provide superior performance compared to conventional oils.
It’s three times stronger against viscosity breakdown than leading full synthetics, offering better wear protection and high-temperature performance.
This oil reduces engine deposits, which can help maximize engine response and improve overall engine efficiency. By keeping the engine clean, it helps to prolong engine life.
Castrol 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil provides ten times better high-temperature performance. This means it can protect your engine even under extreme driving conditions.
Pros
- Chevy Approved For Cruze
- Meets The Requirements of ILSAC GF-5 API,SN,SM,SL
- Protects the engine for 20,000 miles
Cons
- Pricey
In the realm of motor oils, the Valvoline High Mileage SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil stands out as a top-tier choice for Chevrolet Cruze vehicles with high mileage.
This product is specifically formulated to breathe new life into engines with over 75,000 miles on their odometer, making it an excellent choice for older models. This synthetic blend motor oil offers exceptional engine protection, a crucial factor for high-mileage vehicles.
It features Valvoline’s proprietary MaxLife Technology, engineered to fight the four major causes of engine breakdown: leaks, deposits, sludge, and friction.
With its superior anti-wear additives, it provides 50% more wear protection than industry standards, ensuring your engine components are well shielded against wear and tear.
Pros
- Best for high-mileage Chevy Cruze
- API SP/SN PLUS/SN
- Great for engines with over 150,000 miles
Cons
- The lid cap is not very well designed and might break in transport
- Some users report this motor oil makes their engine noisier.
The Mobil 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil has established itself as a leading contender.
Engineered to deliver powerful performance and superior protection, it’s an ideal choice for Chevrolet Cruze drivers seeking top-tier results from their motor oil.
The first thing to note about Mobil 5W-30 is its exceptional engine protection.
This full synthetic oil is formulated to provide outstanding wear protection, ensuring that your engine’s critical components are shielded against the damaging effects of friction.
Its advanced full synthetic formula helps prevent deposits and sludge build-up to keep your engine running like new and extends engine life. But Mobil 5W-30 doesn’t just protect your engine; it also optimizes its performance.
The full synthetic formulation ensures excellent overall lubrication and wears protection performance even under many operating conditions, from mild to severe.
This means smoother, more efficient engine operation, which can contribute to improved fuel efficiency.
Pros
- API SN, SM, SL
- 1.5x longer protection
- Prevents sludge and deposits build up
Cons
- Pricey
Full synthetic motor oils are designed to provide superior lubrication and protection for engine parts compared to conventional oils.
They can reduce friction, wear and tear, and the buildup of sludge and deposits, which helps to prolong engine life.
By reducing friction in the engine, full synthetic motor oils can help the engine run more smoothly and efficiently, which can improve fuel economy. Full synthetic motor oils typically perform better than conventional oils in extreme temperatures.
They flow better in cold weather, providing immediate engine protection on startup, and they maintain their viscosity in high-temperature conditions, ensuring consistent protection even when the engine is running hot.
Pros
- API SN, SM, SL
- ILSAC GF-6A
- Protects the engine in extreme temperatures
Cons
- The packaging can sometimes get damaged during delivery
How To Change Oil on 2008 - 2012 Chevrolet Cruze
Required Materials:
- Oil filter
- 4 – 6 quarts of 5W-30 fully synthetic motor oil
- Jack and jack stands or car ramps
- 15 millimeter socket
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel
- Latex gloves
- Shop rags or paper towels
Performing the oil change:
- First, ensure the vehicle is on a flat, stable surface.
- Use a jack to lift the front of your Chevy Cruze, then secure it with jack stands or use car ramps.
- Put on your latex gloves to protect your hands from oil.
- Locate the oil drain plug under your car. It should be towards the front center area of the car.
- Position your oil drain pan underneath the oil drain plug.
- Using the correct socket or box-end wrench, loosen the oil drain plug. Be careful as the oil may be hot.
- Allow all the old oil to drain into the oil drain pan. This could take several minutes.
- Once the oil has drained, replace and tighten the oil drain plug.
- Now locate the oil filter. This should be towards the front of the engine.
- Use an oil filter wrench to loosen and remove the old oil filter.
- Before installing the new oil filter, apply a small amount of new oil to the gasket on the top of the filter. This helps the filter create a good seal.
- Screw in the new oil filter following the instructions on its package. Typically, it should be hand-tightened and then given another 3/4 turn.
- Now you’re ready to add the new oil. Remove the oil filler cap from the top of your engine.
- Place a funnel in the oil filler hole to avoid spills, then pour in the new oil. Be sure not to overfill.
- Replace the oil filler cap.
- Lower the vehicle from the jack stands or car ramps using the jack.
- Start the engine and let it run for a minute to allow the new oil to circulate throughout the engine.
- Check the oil level with the dipstick to ensure it’s at the correct level. Add more oil if necessary.
- Dispose of the old oil responsibly by taking it to a recycling facility or auto parts store.
FAQs
What oil does Cruze 1.8 take?
The Chevrolet Cruze 1.8 takes SAE 5W-30 synthetic motor oil. This type of oil is recommended by the manufacturer and is suitable for all temperatures.
The oil capacity for this model is approximately 4.2 quarts with a filter. It’s important to maintain this oil type and capacity to ensure the proper function and longevity of your vehicle’s engine. Always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific information related to your model.
Can you use synthetic oil in Chevy Cruze?
Yes, you can use synthetic oil in a Chevy Cruze. In fact, it is recommended to use full synthetic high mileage 5W-30 engine oil for this vehicle.
Synthetic oil is beneficial as it provides superior engine protection, performs well under extreme temperatures, and can contribute to improved fuel efficiency.
Always remember to refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific oil recommendations.
Does 2011 Chevy Cruze need synthetic oil?
Yes, the 2011 Chevy Cruze does need synthetic oil. The owner’s manual for the Chevy Cruze recommends using full synthetic high mileage 5W-30 engine oil.
Synthetic oil provides excellent protection for the engine, performs well in a wide range of temperatures, and can help improve fuel efficiency.
In Conclusion
Those were the top 5 best engine oils for 2008 – 2012 Chevrolet Cruze.
I have selected the best engine oil by quality, for high-mileage vehicles, and the best budget oil.
It is up to you to choose which oil works best for you.
