Keeping a 2016 Chevrolet Traverse equipped with the 3.6L LLT engine running smoothly requires more than just following a standard maintenance schedule. It demands precise fluid selection tailored to the specific engineering requirements of the GM family of engines. This crossover SUV relies on high-quality lubricants to manage the heat and stress generated by its V6 powerplant, ensuring longevity and consistent performance whether you are commuting in traffic or hauling passengers on long trips.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate protection for your 3.6L engine, offering up to 25,000 miles of service intervals and superior resistance to horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A robust option providing up to 20,000 miles of protection with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for longer.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Designed to outperform conventional oils and OEM requirements, offering excellent sludge protection and meeting GM dexos1 Gen 2 specifications.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and help extend the life of your vehicle.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns to capture wear-causing contaminants, ensuring cleaner oil circulates through your engine.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket filter that offers significant improvements over standard OEM-branded filters for superior engine protection.
- WIX Oil Filter – A high-efficiency filter option for maintaining optimal engine cleanliness.
- WIX Air Filter – Protects the engine from airborne debris to maintain performance and fuel efficiency.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed solution designed to exceed original equipment manufacturer requirements and protect cooling system metals for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated coolant solution for extended protection.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Engineered to withstand heavy towing and elevated temperatures while maintaining fluidity in extreme cold for the 6T75 transmission.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Offers OE-approved protection for transmission longevity.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Offers advanced protection for the transfer case and rear differential, controlling thermal runaway and reducing operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent anti-fade characteristics and stability over a wide temperature range to ensure responsive braking performance.
- AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer – Keeps fuel fresh during storage to prevent varnish and gum buildup.
- AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil – Protects internal components during long-term storage.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – A powerful cleaner that restores fuel injectors and horsepower, helping to prevent carbon buildup in Direct Injection engines.
- AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor – Lubricates the fuel system and upper cylinders for cleaner combustion.
- AMSOIL Synthetic Multi-Purpose Grease – A durable grease for general chassis and bearing applications.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Metal Protector – Provides long-lasting rust and corrosion inhibition for metal surfaces.
- AMSOIL MP Metal Protector – A penetrating oil that frees rusted parts and displaces moisture.
- AMSOIL Silicone Spray – A dry lubricant for rubber and plastic surfaces.
- AMSOIL Heavy-Duty Degreaser – Effectively removes oil, tar, and grime from engine components.
- AMSOIL Power Foam® Carburetor and Induction-System Cleaner – Cleans deposits to restore horsepower and fuel economy.
- AMSOIL Miracle Wash Waterless Wash and Wax Spray – Washes and waxes your vehicle without water, leaving a protective shine.
- AMSOIL Brake and Parts Cleaner – Quickly removes brake fluid, grease, and contaminants for safe braking.
- AMSOIL Mudslinger® Mud and Dirt Repellent – Creates a non-stick layer to repel mud, dirt, and snow.
- AMSOIL Engine Degreaser – Professional-strength solvent for removing heavy grease and grime.
- AMSOIL Glass Cleaner – Cuts through grease and grime for streak-free clarity.
- AMSOIL High-Foam Car Shampoo – A gentle yet effective formula for vehicle washing.
- AMSOIL Exterior Ceramic Spray – Adds a layer of protection and hydrophobic beading to your paint.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Light Lemon – Cleans and protects interior surfaces with a fresh scent.
- AMSOIL Interior Detailer – Scent Free – A versatile cleaner for interior surfaces without added fragrance.
The engine in your 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is a sophisticated piece of engineering. The 3.6L V6 is known for its smooth power delivery, but it generates significant heat that can degrade standard mineral oils over time. Using a fluid that can handle these thermal stresses is critical. AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is the top choice for resistance to thermal breakdown. AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 offers an excellent balance for those needing 20,000 miles of protection. AMSOIL OE 5W-30 provides cost-effective OEM-level performance, while AMSOIL 5W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil is the best choice for engines with over 75,000 miles.
For the transmission, the 6-speed automatic (6T75) is a key component of the Traverse’s drivability. This transmission relies on fluid that maintains its viscosity and friction properties under heavy use. Standard fluids can thin out or break down, leading to shuddering or delayed shifting. Using a high-performance synthetic transmission fluid ensures the transmission shifts smoothly and protects internal clutches from wear. Choose AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid for extreme durability or AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid for standard replacement needs.
Cooling is another vital aspect of maintaining this vehicle’s engine longevity. The Traverse requires a coolant that not only prevents freezing but also stops corrosion within the aluminum components of the engine and radiator. Our AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is formulated to be phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free, meaning it is compatible with all types of engine cooling metals. If you prefer a concentrated formula, AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers extended service life up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. The capacity for the cooling system is approximately 11.9 quarts, and a proper flush and fill ensures the engine stays at the optimal operating temperature in any season.
Maintaining Drivetrain and Braking Systems
Maintenance often focuses heavily on the engine, but the drivetrain and braking systems are equally important for safety and control. The 2016 Traverse often comes with a front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive configuration, which necessitates proper lubrication of the transfer case and rear differential. The transfer case, specifically the GETRAG 790, requires a synthetic gear lube to handle the torsional shocks during 4WD operation. Our AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is ideal for this application, as it resists foaming and controls thermal runaway, which can lead to seal failure if left unchecked.
The rear differential, often a SL136 unit, also benefits from a high-performance synthetic gear lubricant. This fluid helps reduce operating temperatures and protects against rust and corrosion, extending the life of the gear set and bearings. Additionally, the braking system must be reliable for a vehicle of this size. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid maintains a stable viscosity and has a high dry and wet boiling point, ensuring that brake fade is minimized even after repeated hard stops or driving in mountainous terrain.
For owners looking to maximize the efficiency of their fuel consumption, fuel system maintenance plays a role. The 3.6L engine is a Direct Injection (GDI) system, which can be prone to carbon buildup on intake valves over time. Using a high-quality gasoline additive like AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver can help clean injectors and restore lost horsepower. For added upper cylinder protection, AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor lubricates the fuel system and helps reduce corrosion. During seasonal storage, using AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps the fuel fresh, while AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil protects internal components from rust during long periods of inactivity.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Chevrolet Traverse represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the midsize crossover SUV segment. Since its introduction, the Traverse has carved out a niche as one of the most spacious and versatile vehicles in Chevrolet’s lineup, designed to bridge the gap between standard crossovers and larger trucks. Built on the GMT400 platform, it shares its underpinnings with the GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave, highlighting a shared commitment to comfort and utility.
For the 2016 model year, the Traverse continued to be a popular choice for families, offering three rows of seating that could accommodate up to eight passengers. This capacity, combined with a robust cargo area behind the third row, made it a top contender for households needing to transport people and gear simultaneously. The vehicle’s design prioritized a smooth, comfortable ride, with a suspension tuned to absorb road imperfections rather than transmit them to the cabin, ensuring that long highway commutes remained relaxing for occupants.
Powering this large vehicle was the 3.6L V6 engine, part of GM’s High Feature engine family. This engine was renowned for its balance of power and fuel efficiency, delivering over 300 horsepower to move the heavy body with surprising agility. It was also one of the first American V6 engines to be named a top 10 Wards’ Best Engines award winner. The combination of this engine with the 6-speed automatic transmission provided a drivetrain that felt refined and responsive, even when fully loaded with passengers. The all-wheel-drive system available on many trims offered added confidence in inclement weather, making the Traverse a year-round capable SUV for various driving conditions.
From a safety perspective, the 2016 Traverse earned high marks for its structural integrity and availability of advanced safety features. It was designed with a focus on crash protection, featuring a high-strength steel cage and multiple airbags to safeguard occupants. The interior was crafted with durable materials intended to withstand the rigors of daily family life, from spilled snacks to muddy boots. Over the years, the Traverse has maintained a strong reputation for reliability, provided that owners adhere to a strict maintenance schedule using high-quality fluids that meet or exceed the manufacturer’s specifications.
Ultimately, the 2016 Chevrolet Traverse is a vehicle that thrives on proper care. By selecting the right synthetic lubricants, such as AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR and Signature Series Motor Oil, and maintaining the correct fluid levels, owners can ensure that this capable crossover continues to perform at its peak, delivering the comfort, space, and reliability that made it a bestseller in its class.