How many liters of engine oil does the Chevrolet Malibu require?
3 Answers
The Chevrolet Malibu requires approximately 4.2 to 4.5 liters of engine oil. Engine oil, also known as motor oil or engine lubricant, is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade oil viscosity index improvers. It is used for lubricating internal combustion engines. The Chevrolet Malibu is a model under SAIC-GM Chevrolet, with body dimensions of 4855mm in length, 1854mm in width, and 1476mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2737mm. In terms of exterior design, the Malibu integrates the headlights and the grille, featuring a combined high/low beam structure and xenon light sources. For powertrain, the Malibu is equipped with a 1.5T engine, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.
I've been working on Chevrolet cars for a while, and the Malibu's oil capacity typically ranges between 5 to 6 liters, depending on the engine model. For the 1.5T engine post-2015, it's about 4.7 liters, while the 2.0T or V6 versions require close to 5.6 liters. Never get the amount wrong—too little oil increases engine friction and overheating, and too much adds engine load, causes foaming, and noise. Every oil change, I make sure the mechanic fully drains the old oil before adding new. I recommend 5W-30 synthetic oil for better lubrication and cooling. Checking oil level is crucial: run the engine for a few minutes, turn it off, wait a few more minutes for the oil to settle, then use the dipstick to ensure it's between the min and max marks. The manual is a must-read—oil capacity can vary by year and configuration, and ignoring it can lead to costly repairs. Regular oil changes every 5,000 km are the secret to engine longevity, saving money and ensuring peace of mind.
I've been driving the Malibu for three years, and my model is the 2020 2.0T engine. The manual states it requires 5.7 liters of oil. During the last maintenance, the mechanic poured a whole 5-liter jug and added a bit more, saying that should be sufficient. If you're adding oil yourself, start with a large 5-liter container, pour slowly, and repeatedly check with the dipstick—the oil level should be in the middle; too high or too low can harm the engine. I use 5W-30 oil because it performs well in both high and low temperatures. After an oil change, the engine runs much smoother. Once, in winter, the oil level was low, and I heard strange noises while driving. I quickly pulled over and added a liter, which fixed the issue. Now, I check the oil level every three months to keep the engine healthy—don't be lazy like I was. The oil change frequency is roughly every six months or 8,000 kilometers, depending on road conditions and temperature.
