Dexos1 Standard - Lets Gather Facts!

[FirebirdWS62K1]

I know I am new to this forum but not to forums and/or cars and trucks.

 

I don't like dexos1 as much as you don't like it but the fact of the matter is that we have to deal with it.

 

I was reading the manual for my 2011 GMC and found the new dexos1 oil standard. Having no idea what that was I decided to collect information so that I can maintain my vehicle powertrain warranty. I know what everyone will say about "dexos1 ready" or "dexos1 compatible" or other verbiage to avoid "big oil" but the fact is that if GM or your dealer finds you are using oil that is not dexos1 licensed they can void your warranty. I'm not sure how they would do this but don't give them a reason to look, unless you don't care about the warranty.

 

I've been collecting FACTS about the dexos1 standard and found it to be a little more complicated than most of us cares to deal with.

 

I've found a list of licensed dexos1 oils (not a secret by any stretch). Oh and Amsoil is no on it, no matter how you slice it.

http://www.gmdexos.com/licensedbrands.html

 

I've also got information straight from Mobil Oil that states

_________________

> Yes, all API "SM" approved Mobil1 5W30 are Dexos approved.

>

> -- Thank you for contacting ExxonMobil.

> If you have further questions you may contact 1-800-ASK-MOBIL.

>

> -MJ

_________________

 

I take that to mean that any version or Mobil 1 5W-30 is dexos1 licensed, be it Extended Performance or High Mileage. That says nothing about other manufacturers' oil specification or licensing for dexos1.

 

 

I also found that GM charges $0.34 per gallon royalty for the dexos1 license or a lump sum for the dexos license of $4000 annually. The oil manufacturers are subject to random quality inspections throughout the production year. The dexos1 and dexos2 standards are being maintained by the Center for Quality Assurance in Midland, MI. I'm guessing the royalty money is being used to pay the Center for Quality Assurance to maintain that standard.

 

 

Do you have any other good solid facts about dexos1 worth sharing?

 

 

 

Note: I like Mobil products and currently use Mobile Clean 5000 oil in all vehicles other that the Trans Am which gets Mobil 1 5W-30. Yes, I will use Mobil 1 in my truck because it is dexos1 licensed.

[Debo511]

Amsoil now has dexos rated oil available too.

[ChevyTech77]

Dexos is basically a semi-synthetic. I would not, however, expect warranty repairs to be covered if you use a non-Dexos rate oil in your 2011 and newer GM vehicle. Dexos does back date also.

[Zembonez]

This is no different than any other oil "standard" that has come along in the last 25 years. Manufacturers will get on board and be offering it across their product line soon.

 

The licensing of specifications is nothing new. It has been going on for years... It does add to the cost of products, but that's pretty much old news.

[FirebirdWS62K1]

According to the Center for Quality Assurance website Amsoil is NOT dexos yet.

 

They may license it in the future but at this point I have no idea why it is on their site since they are not licensed. I'm guessing GM's legal department would have something to say about it.

[Gone Again]

According to the Center for Quality Assurance website Amsoil is NOT dexos yet.

 

They may license it in the future but at this point I have no idea why it is on their site since they are not licensed. I'm guessing GM's legal department would have something to say about it.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/xlf.aspx http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/oef.aspx Scroll down to the specs.

[Mulaka]

According to the Center for Quality Assurance website Amsoil is NOT dexos yet.

 

They may license it in the future but at this point I have no idea why it is on their site since they are not licensed. I'm guessing GM's legal department would have something to say about it.

 

The Center for Quality Assurance website doesn't mean jack. Amsoil's website shows the certification for their OE and XL line, and more importantly American Petroleum Institute (API) shows both of the lines have it as well:

 

http://eolcs.api.org/DisplayLicenseInfo2.asp?LicenseNo=0995

[Mulaka]

I take that to mean that any version or Mobil 1 5W-30 is dexos1 licensed, be it Extended Performance or High Mileage.

 

No. Mobil told you all API Mobil 1 oils. The EP line is not API certified.

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

Oil is oil, just use whatever you want 5W30 or 10W30.

[FirebirdWS62K1]

I take that to mean that any version or Mobil 1 5W-30 is dexos1 licensed, be it Extended Performance or High Mileage.

 

No. Mobil told you all API Mobil 1 oils. The EP line is not API certified.

 

 

According to the Mobil site the 5W-30 EP is API SM.

http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorO...ance_5W-30.aspx

 

Let me correct my statement above:

I take that to mean that any API SM approved version of Mobil 1 5W-30 is dexos1 licensed, be it Extended Performance or or Mobil 1. The High Mileage is not API SM approved.

[ChevyTech77]

Mobil 1 is compatible with Dexos II not Dexos I.

[ChevyTech77]

Oil is oil, just use whatever you want 5W30 or 10W30.

 

 

Not true in 2011 and newer GM vehicles. Read my first post in this thread. Without

complete records of service intervals using an approved Dexos oil, your engine

warranty is out the window. True story.

[FirebirdWS62K1]

The Center for Quality Assurance website doesn't mean jack. Amsoil's website shows the certification for their OE and XL line, and more importantly American Petroleum Institute (API) shows both of the lines have it as well:

 

Let's be clear I'm not saying Amsoil is not good oil. We use it on our 1972 Chevelle and have used it in other cars. I like what they do over there, I always like the little guy.

 

I am simply stating that according to the managment company of the dexos1 standard Amsoil is not approved. That is not to say that they won't be but at this point they are not. API and dexos are not the same certification. If they were why would a new identical standard come out, and don't say conspiracy.

 

If anyone with a 2011 vehicle wants to maintain warranty coverage they should not use Amsoil until they are officially licensed.

[FirebirdWS62K1]

Mobil 1 is compatible with Dexos II not Dexos I.

 

 

I think this may be a typo which is understandable. M1 is dexos1 approved and not dexos2 approved, unless it the the ESP 0W-40.

 

dexos2 is for diesel engines so those of you with the duramax may care about that.

[RyanbabZ71]

Oil is oil, just use whatever you want 5W30 or 10W30.

 

 

Not true in 2011 and newer GM vehicles. Read my first post in this thread. Without

complete records of service intervals using an approved Dexos oil, your engine

warranty is out the window. True story.

 

 

So whats different with a 2008 or even 2010 engine vs a 2011 engine. I understand the warranty issue but is anything going to really happen if you change the oil regularly just like previous years that would be caused by using the "wrong" oil (no need to answer this) ?