What type of oil should I use for my 08 Impala?

Questions and Support
1

Seeking Help on Oil Type for 2008 Impala

I recently purchased a 2008 Chevrolet Impala, and I’m trying to figure out what type of oil I should use to keep it running smoothly. I believe it has the 3.5L V6 engine, but I want to ensure I get all the specifics right.

From what I’ve gathered, it seems like most people recommend using 5W-30 motor oil for this model. I’m curious if that’s the consensus among other Impala owners here?

A few questions I have:

  1. Is 5W-30 the only option?

    • Are there other oil weights that are compatible with this engine that I should consider for different driving conditions?

  2. Synthetic vs. conventional:

    • Should I stick to conventional oil, or is synthetic worth the extra cost? I’ve heard it can help with performance, but I want to understand the long-term benefits.

  3. Change intervals:

    • How often should I be changing the oil in my Impala? I’ve seen recommendations vary widely. What’s the best routine that works for you?

  4. Oil capacity:

    • What’s the oil capacity for the 3.5L engine? I want to make sure I’m not underfilling or overfilling during a change.

Any advice or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated. I’m eager to keep my Impala in top shape, but I want to make informed choices!

Thanks in advance!

2

For your 2008 Impala, I’d recommend using a synthetic oil like 5W-30. It offers better protection and performance, especially in extreme temperatures.

3

I agree with pballard! Synthetic oil can really help with fuel efficiency too.

4

Isn’t the manufacturer’s recommendation listed in the owner’s manual? It helps to stick to what Chevy suggests!

5

Yes! The manual recommends 5W-30 oil. Good catch!

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6

But isn’t conventional oil cheaper? Why not save some cash if you’re not driving it hard?

7

While conventional oil is cheaper, it may not protect as well over time. Just my two cents!

8

I usually go for synthetic; it tends to last longer between changes! Has anyone else noticed a difference in performance?

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9

I’ve noticed better engine responsiveness with synthetic! Definitely worth it.

10

Are there any downsides to synthetic? I’ve heard it can sometimes cause leaks if your seals are old.

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11

That’s a good point! Older cars sometimes benefit from a blend instead of full synthetic to avoid leaks.

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12

A bit off-topic, but did you know ‘sludge’ can form if oil isn’t changed regularly? Stick with your schedule!

13

Totally agree! Regular changes are key. And who doesn’t love the feel of a well-maintained engine?

14

Right? It’s like a surprise gift that no one wants—definitely preventable!

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15

Just remember: every car is different! Listening to your car’s needs is also important.

16

Wouldn’t it be funny if cars secretly discussed their oil preferences? ‘Oh, you’re using synthetic? How fancy!’

17

For your 2008 Impala, you should use 5W-30 oil for best performance. Changing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is a good rule of thumb!

18

I totally agree with that! I also like to check my oil level monthly, just to be safe.

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19

Don’t forget, if you do a lot of stop-and-go driving or highway driving, that can change how often you should change your oil. Consider your driving habits!

20

Great point, shelly93! Oil breaks down faster in extreme conditions. For a practical tip, I recommend using a high-quality synthetic oil for longer intervals.