2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: Oil Type and Capacity

Sandy B
Feb 14, 2021

Black 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 With White Background

Owning a truck like the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 means you’ll need to keep up on the maintenance for it.

That’s easier to do when you have solid information about the vehicle, including the type of oil that it uses and how much you’ll need to buy.

What is the oil type and capacity of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?  

The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes a high quality full synthetic oil. The amount of oil needed depends on the vehicle’s engine size. You can find that information in the owner’s manual. This truck has several engine options. The capacity will range from 6 quarts in the 4.3L (262 ci) V6 engine up to as much as 10 quarts in the 6.6L (402 ci) V8 Diesel engine. 

It can get a bit confusing since there are different types of engines available. That’s why we’ll break down that information for you here. You will be able to buy the right type and amount of oil for your engine after this. Also, take a few minutes to check out the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s Vehicle History for more insight.

Know about the Engine Options in the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The more you know about the vehicle you own, the better. That means specific details such as which specific engine is under the hood. The Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is a pickup truck with a lot of power to it. Buyers can select from several engine options. Of course, the larger the engine and the more powerful it is, the more oil it needs.

For the 2015 model year lineup, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 has several engine options to offer:

  • EcoTec3 4.3L V6 engine
  • EcoTec3 5.3L (325 ci) V8 engine
  • EcoTec3 6.2L V8 engine

In addition to this, some drivers may have purchased the Silverado vehicle. It offered engine options such as:

  • 6.0L (364 ci) V6 engine
  • 6.0L V8 Gaseous engine
  • 6.6L V8 Diesel

The 2015 model year brought with it a number of changes in the vehicle. That includes the Hydra-Matic 8L90 8-speed automatic transmission. It was found on the 6.2L V8 model vehicles. It also added to the towing capacity by increasing it to 12,000 pounds.

As far as engines, the 2015 model offered three EcoTec 3 engines. These engines were designed to provide the vehicles with better overall fuel economy. Depending on the model truck selected, that was an option. For example, the 6-cylinder, 4.3L engine got 18 city and 24 highway, for a combined 20 miles per gallon on fuel economy according to the EPA estimate.

The 4.3L V6 engine gets 285 horsepower and 305 lb.-ft. The 6L V8 engine, which was a new addition to the brand this year, was able to get 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft. That’s the only light-duty pickup truck that was able to offer this powerful of an engine for this model year.

What Type of Oil Does the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Take?

According to the manufacturer’s owner’s manual, the best option for this truck is to use SAE 0W-20 engine oil. This is best for all vehicles that have a 5.3L or 6.2L V8 engine. For those vehicles that have the 2.7L, 4.3L V6 engine, or the 6.6L V8 engine, it is best to put in SAE 5W-30 engine oil.

According to the company, this type of oil ensures the performance of the engine long term. While other recommendations may be out there, following the carmaker’s recommendations may help to protect your vehicle’s warranty.

In addition to this, the vehicle also benefits from adding SAE 0W-30 engine oil to the vehicle if you are operating the vehicle in cold weather. That’s a manufacturer’s recommendation to improve the performance of the engine.

Also, important to note, if you have the 6.6-L V8 Diesel engine, the oil type is a bit different. Drivers should use 15W-40 in this vehicle at all times.

How Much Oil Does the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Take?

The amount of oil needed for the vehicle depends on the engine size, again. If you are not sure of the size of the engine, or even what type you have, check the owner’s manual or other documentation you have for your vehicle. You don’t want to under or overfill the oil. Here’s a breakdown based on the Chevrolet Silverado specs.

  • EcoTec3 4.3L V6 engine requires 6 quarts of oil
  • EcoTec3 5.3L V8 engine requires 8 quarts of oil
  • EcoTec3 6.2L V8 engine requires 8 quarts of oil
  • 6.0L V6 engine requires 6 quarts of oil
  • 6.0L V8 Gaseous engine requires 6 quarts of oil
  • 6.6L V8 Diesel engine requires 10 quarts of oil

How Do You Check the Oil Life on the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

Staying on top of the oil quality in your vehicle is essential. It’s always a good idea to check the oil life on at least a monthly basis. However, make sure to follow the recommendations for changing the oil based on the owner’s manual and the way you use the car.

This vehicle has a system that tells you about the oil life. It’s very easy to use. To do so, follow these steps:

  • Locate the arrow keys on the steering wheel that allow you to toggle through the menu options.
  • Press the left arrow.
  • Select the “info” designation.
  • Scroll down a few pages until you hit the “oil life” page.
  • Once this reaches 20 percent or less, it is best to schedule an oil change or to do the oil change yourself.
  • Make sure to purchase the right type and amount of oil for your vehicle. You can always verify this information with your owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

Maintain Your Chevy for the Best Overall Performance

When it comes to owning and maintaining your vehicle, oil life is a critical factor in long-term performance. Don’t overlook this. Make sure to stay up to date on all of the 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500’s Vehicle History.

Owner Reviews

accountCircle Chas John on December 2, 2023
Incorrect information
I agree with other reviewer (Paul Sebesta) the oil capacity of a 5.3 motor is 8.5 quarts. This engine has the DOD (feature) that cuts off cylinders in the name of improved mileage and the you must change oil on a regular schedule.
accountCircle Paul Sebesta on March 3, 2023
Oil capacity is incorrect
The 2015 EcoTech 5.3 oil capacity is 8.5 quarts.
avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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