What Is the 2018 Silverado 5.3 Oil Capacity?

The 2018 Silverado oil capacity is one thing most truck owners don’t think about until it matters. Let’s be honest, changing oil sounds easy, but getting it right saves your engine. 

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the 2018 Silverado 5.3 oil capacity and how to check it the right way. 

How Much Oil Does A 2018 Chevy Silverado Take?

The 2018 Chevy Silverado 5.3 oil capacity is 8 quarts or about 7.6 liters, including the oil filter. That’s what Chevy recommends when doing a full oil change. If you skip changing the filter, you will need a little less. 

I read in the manuals and real owner forums that using full 8 quarts helps the engine stay properly lubricated and run cooler. Just make sure you check the dipstick after refilling to avoid overfilling. A little extra attention here can save you from big repairs later. 

Recommended Oil Type and Viscosity for 2018 Silverado 5.3 Oil Capacity

For the 2018 Chevrolet Silverado, SAE 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil is the best oil type recommended by professionals. This oil is made to perform in any weather and provides your engine with the protection it requires during cold starts and heat. The “0W” shows the oil flows well in cold temperatures, and the “20” shows how well it performs when the engine is hot.

The oil you select must meet the GM dexos1™ Gen 2 specification. General Motors developed this standard to minimize engine wear, improve fuel economy, and maintain your emissions system clean-running. If your oil doesn’t meet this standard, you will be risking long-term engine damage or even invalidating your warranty.

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How to Check Your Oil Level Properly?

It is a simple yet important task to maintain your 2018 Silverado 5.3L engine. You don’t require any tools, only a rag and a bit of time.

• Park your truck on a level surface.
• Wait for at least 5-10 minutes so the settles in the pan while engine cools down, providing a more accurate reading.
• Open the truck’s hood and find the engine oil dipstick (it has a yellow or orange ring on one end).
• Remove the dipstick and clean it paper towel.
• Insert the dipstick completely back into the tube and pull it out again.
• Check the tip of the dipstick for the mark “low” and “full.”
• The oil level should be between these marks, preferably around the “full” mark but not above it.

How Often Should You Change the Oil?

For the 2018 Silverado 5.3L, oil changes should be performed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles when using full synthetic oil. That’s the basic rule for standard driving conditions, such as highway driving or light everyday driving.

But if you drive a lot in dusty conditions, tow heavy loads, or drive short distances in cold temperatures, you’ll need to change it more often—approximately every 5,000 miles. The Silverado also has an Oil Life Monitoring System. 

This system checks and monitors your engine conditions and alarms you on the dashboard when it’s time for an oil change. Even if you’re not tracking miles, you’ll still receive a reminder.

In other words, change the monitor or use the 7,500-mile interval in the usual conditions. Keeping the oil fresh ensures that your engine lasts longer and runs more smoothly. And also don’t miss to replace the oil filter with every oil change as well.

DIY Oil Change Tips for Silverado Owners

Here are some simple DIY oil change tips for your 2018 Chevy Silverado 5.3 oil capacity:

Gather the Right Tools First

Before you start, ensure you have the appropriate tools: wrench, oil filter wrench, oil drain pan, funnel, and 8 quarts of 0W-20 full synthetic oil. A new oil filter and a rag will also come in handy. Having all materials at hand in advance will save time and reduce messes.

Warm Up the Engine Slightly

Start and the engine and let it warm up for 2–3 minutes. Warm oil is thinner and easier to flow, and it takes the dirt along with it. Don’t heat the engine excessively—just warm enough is satisfactory.

Use Safety Jack Stands

When lifting the truck, use jack stands—not a floor jack. Jack stands are more stable and safer to work under the truck. Always perform repairs on a level, flat surface.

Carefully Remove the Drain Plug

Loosen the oil drain plug with a wrench and allow the oil to flow into the pan. Be cautious—the oil could still be hot. Allow it to drain completely before proceeding.

Properly Replace the Oil Filter

Take off the old filter with the help of a wrench. Apply a small amount of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new filter before installation. Hand-tighten it very securely, but not over-secure.

Add New Oil Slowly

Use a funnel a put in the new oil into the engine. Pour slowly to prevent spills. Wait around 1 minute after adding the oil, and then check the dipstick to make sure the level is correct.

Run the Engine and Check for Leaks

Put the truck in gear, start it, and keep it running for a minute or two. Check underneath the truck to see if there are leaks around the filter or drain plug. If a leak is seen, shut the engine off immediately and repair the leak.

Get Rid of Old Oil the Right Way 

Do not make the mistake of throwing away oil in the trash. That stuff can harm the environment fast. Instead, find a nearby auto parts store—most of them take old oil for free. Just seal it in a proper container and drop it off at a recycling center. Easy and safe.

Avoid These 6 Common Oil Change Mistakes

Here are the most common slip-ups Silverado 5.3L owners make when changing oil:

Too Much Oil 

Filling past the full line creates high pressure, which can cause engine seals to blow out and lead to oil foaming. That mess leads to poor lubrication and real damage. Always fill slowly and stop right at the dipstick’s full mark.

Wrong Oil Type

Your 2018 Silverado 5.3L runs best on SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil that meets GM dexos1 Gen 2 specs. If you use the wrong kind, you risk hurting performance. Always double-check the label before you pour.

Forgetting to Replace the Oil Filter

Some people change the oil but not the filter, which allows old trash to stay in the system. A clean filter provides smoother oil flow and safeguards engine components. Don’t forget to change the oil filter when performing an oil change.

Not Tightening the Drain Plug Properly

Oil will leak out when you drive if the drain plug is loose. If it’s too tight, you’ll strip threads or crack the oil pan. Use a torque wrench or snug it up carefully by hand.

Disregarding Oil Leaks After the Change

It is simple to look for leaks after the job is completed. But tiny drips can add up to major issues down the road. Always look around the drain plug and filter when you’ve been running the engine.

Failing to Reset the Oil Life Monitor

When you’ve had an oil change, your Silverado’s oil life system won’t automatically update. You need to reset it from the dashboard menu. Not doing so can result in confusion or skipped oil change intervals.

Conclusion

Knowing the proper oil volume for your 2018 Silverado 5.3L is important to keeping the engine healthy and running well. Most models require 8 quarts for a filter change, but always double-check your dipstick and owner’s manual. 

Using the proper oil type, changing it on time, and following basic instructions will help you avoid greater problems later. Doesn’t matter if you do it yourself or go to a professional; stick to the appropriate routine to make your truck last for years.

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