2013 Chevy Malibu Oil Type – In-depth Guide

If you are looking for the right 2013 chevy malibu oil type, you have landed in the right place.

We all know that some car parts, such as brakes and tires, are so important to drivers. If they have improper maintenance, there will be risks of a car collision.

However, finding a suitable product like the suitable chevy malibu 2013 oil type is challenging for some people who do not have technical skills.

Follow the below, and you will know what oil does 2013 chevy malibu take.

What Is a 2013 Chevy Malibu?

2013 Chevy Malibu

The 2013 Chevy Malibu is a reasonable car class. It is a good choice for drivers looking for midsize cars with easy-to-use entertainment and Chevy HHR Key Fob Program.

There are four main trims of the Chevy Malibu, which are discussed below.

2013 Chevy Malibu Car Types 

2013 Chevy Malibu Car has four models: LS, LT, LTZ, and Eco midsize sedan. Unlike the LT, the LTZ seems more expensive and luxurious, with more options.

Then, the LT has more perks over the LS, including upgraded upholstery and heated mirrors.

However, if you want to learn more about what kind of oil does a 2013 chevy malibu take, we should classify them into three groups of engines.

They are Ecotec 2.4L DOHC I-4 VVT DI w/ eAssist (2.4L engine), Ecotec 2.5L DOHC I-4 VVT DI (2.5L engine), and Ecotec 2.0L DOHC I-4 VVT DI Turbo (2.0L engine).

Each engine will need different types of oil for the best performance.

Oil And Engine Damage 

Lack Of Oil Damage 

You will be surprised how destructive your car is without using oil. The car will destroy itself within a matter of minutes, not hours or days.

Oil will give the necessary lubrication for the engine. Without oil for Chevy Malibu 2013, mental parts will grind one another. It will seize and stop completely.

Improper Oil Damage

Various oil types will have different viscosity. If you mistakenly choose an oil with too high viscosity for your car, it will be too thick and flow slower. It means the oil cannot lubricate the engine components.

As a result, your car may take longer to start the engine. For example, if the motor oil for 2013 chevy malibu is too thick to lubricate the system, it will take a while to ignite the car in freezing temperatures. Also, the engine lifespan will be shortened.

What Type Of Oil Does a 2013 Chevy Malibu Take?

2013 Chevy Malibu Oil Type

To answer the question of what type of oil for 2013 chevy malibu, you need to estimate how much you want to spend on it. The three types of engines will need oil with different viscosity. The below will give you some technical information and some recommendations.

2013 Chevy Malibu Oil Types

What 2013 Chevy Malibu Engine Oil Type is Good For Different Car Models?

There are three types of Chevy Malibu engines, including 2.0L, 2.4L, and 2.5L engines. A Malibu with a 2.4L or a 2.0L engine will perform the best with the SAE 5W-30 engine oil.

Meanwhile, you should choose the SAE 5W-20 engine oil if you have A Malibu with a 2.5L engine.

Besides choosing the right viscosity, you also have three oil types options: conventional base oil, synthetic blend oil, and synthetic oil. The prices among them are varied, and the efficiency will also differ.

Continue reading to learn about the technical numbers and the differences among engine oil for 2013 malibu oil types.

What Role Does Viscosity Play In Oil For 2013 Chevy Malibu?

For those who are not familiar with technical terms, the viscosity of a fluid or oil, to be specific, is a measure of its resistance to flow.

Oil with low viscosity can flow easily and smoothly; some call it “thin”. One good example is water, a fluid with low viscosity.

Meanwhile, People refer to oil with high viscosity as “thick.” If you use oil thickening, it may damage the engine and shorten its longevity.

What Do SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil And SAE 5W-20 Mean?

The two SAE 5W-30  motor oil and SAE 5W-20 are the numerical code system established by The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

Because oil viscosity can change according to temperature, the system appears to grade the oil based on viscosity characteristics.

For example, in the 5W-30 motor oil, the number in front of the “W” indicates the oil viscosity at low temperatures.

The lower the number is, the thinner the oil is. So if you use it in cold temperatures, this type of oil can perform better.

The number after the oil will refer to the thickness of oil in the engine’s normal operating temperature. The 2013 chevy malibu engine oil type will depend on these numbers if you want your car to have the most engine performance, efficiency, and longevity.

Differences Between Conventional Oil And Synthetic Oil.

Synthetic oil is the highest quality motor oil. Synthetic oil will have the exact molecular qualities of your Chevy Malibu with complex processes.

The process of removing impurities and customizing synthetic oil at a molecular level helps it not form engine sludge.

Meanwhile, conventional oil’s sludge and dust particles may reduce your engine life and fuel efficiency.

One thing to note is that conventional motor oil moves slower than synthetic. During winter, you will need to use synthetic oils.

Conventional oil breaks down or evaporates in hot weather, while full synthetic oils can resist extreme temperatures.

It is important as, during extreme climates, car components can wear. Synthetic oils will retain their engine wear protection properties for a much longer time.

If you want to buy a 2013 chevy malibu eco oil type, synthetic oil is your good choice. Since this type of engine oil is refined, it will have less environmental impact.

However, the price of synthetic oil is higher than the other. You can choose the type of motor oil you need depending on your needs and budget.

Besides, you can consider the synthetic blend motor oil that has the performance properties of the two types.

Recommended Oil Brand

In case you don’t know what oil does 2013 chevy malibu take. We have some recommendations for you.

These products are all synthetic, so they will be oil for 2013 chevy malibu eco. Many other features will be worth your consideration.

Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

This product is synthetic, and this function of motor oil can help prevent 70 percent of horsepower wear and loss.

There are some anti-wear additives to reduce engine wear. The Signature Series 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil will develop a fluid film to keep the mental surface separated.

XL 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil 

When people think of oil, they may think it can damage the environment. Yes, it is, so the manufacturer has created XL 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil to reduce the damage.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) has tested it, and the oil is friendly toward modern emissions control systems.

OE 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil 

You are still not content and don’t know what oil does a 2013 chevy malibu take? Consider this product.

The OE 5W-20 Oil can offer superior protection for your engine pistons from Low-Speed Pre-Ignition, which can destroy pistons and connect rods.

The product passed 100% of GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification against LSPI.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Do You Have To Change Your Motor Oil And Oil Filter Regularly? 

Oil can break down with age. Once it breaks down, it will reduce the engine’s performance to lubricate.

If the contamination reaches a certain level, it will cause engine issues. Thus, you need to change your oil and filter regularly.

What Happens If You Put 5w-30 Oil Instead Of 5w-20 Oil In The 2.5l 2013 Chevy Malibu Engine? 

The oil capacity of the 2013 Chevrolet Malibu 2.0L engine holds 6 quarts of oil. Meanwhile, that for the 2.4L and 2.5L engine holds 5 quarts (4.7 Liters). The engine oil for the 2013 chevy malibu 2.0L and 2.4L is 5W-30 viscosity grade.

Although the 5w-20 is better for low temperatures and thinner, it will likely break down in higher temperatures.

A one-time mistake of filling the wrong oil will not cause any harm, but it is recommendable that you follow the car’s instructions.

Conclusion

Now you know the answer to the 2013 chevy malibu oil type. The Chevrolet recommends that you use the SAE 5w-30 oil for a 2.4L or a 2.0L engine and SAE 5W-20 engine oil for the 2.5L engine.

Various oils will have different viscosity, which will have effects on the engine.

If you want your car to have great performance, efficiency, and longevity, drivers should follow the oil usage instructions.

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