The 2022 Chevrolet TRAX is powered by the LE2 M Turbo 1.4L engine, a compact powerplant designed to deliver efficient performance in a subcompact SUV platform. To keep this turbocharged engine running smoothly and to maximize the life of its transmission and cooling system, selecting the correct synthetic lubricants is essential. Using the right fluids ensures that the engine handles the heat generated by the turbocharger, the transmission shifts smoothly under load, and the cooling system prevents overheating in extreme weather.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The premier choice for this engine, offering 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear, specifically formulated to protect turbochargers and allow for extended drain intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A robust alternative providing 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother, with guaranteed protection for up to 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An economical option that outperforms conventional oils, fighting sludge and deposits while protecting turbochargers better than required by GM specifications.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Ideal for TRAX models with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge and help older engines perform better.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Designed to provide filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, allowing lower restriction and greater capacity to trap contaminants that cause wear.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium media option that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, compatible with the OE motor oil recommendation.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain, ensuring the 6-speed automatic transmission remains fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A fuel-efficient choice that protects against wear and is suitable for normal driving conditions.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection for the rear differential, controlling thermal runaway and protecting against rust and corrosion.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option for those who prefer mixing their own, offering protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years in passenger cars.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range.
Maintaining the fluid integrity of your 2022 Chevrolet TRAX begins with understanding the specific demands of its 1.4L LE2 M Turbo engine. This compact turbocharged four-cylinder requires oil that can handle high thermal stress and shear forces. The engine oil capacity is 4.2 quarts when including a filter change. It is critical to use a viscosity grade of 0W-20 to ensure proper flow during cold starts and adequate protection at operating temperature. The 0W-20 viscosity is specifically required for this engine to meet GM dexos1 Gen 2 specifications.
When performing an oil change, the torque specification for the oil drain plug is 18 ft/lbs. Always ensure the drain plug seal is replaced during the service to prevent leaks. The AMSOIL Signature Series products listed above are formulated to exceed these requirements, offering protection that lasts significantly longer than conventional oils. The Signature Series, for instance, is backed by a 25,000-mile or one-year guarantee, allowing owners to extend their service intervals without sacrificing engine health.
Transmission and Differential Protection
The 2022 TRAX comes equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission (6T40) that requires specialized attention. While the initial fill capacity is approximately 4.2 quarts, the total fill capacity can reach up to 9 quarts depending on the specific service procedure and fluid loss. AMSOIL offers two distinct automatic transmission fluids for this application. The Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Fluid is designed to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, making it a superior choice for drivers who frequently push their vehicle or live in extreme climates. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring smooth shifting regardless of the season.
For the rear differential, the unit holds 1.1 pints of lubricant. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is the recommended product here. It contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications and is designed to control thermal runaway, a common issue in heavy-use scenarios. This synthetic Gear Lube helps reduce operating temperatures and extends the life of seals and gears.
Cooling and Braking Systems
Effective cooling is vital for the longevity of the turbocharger. The 2022 TRAX cooling system holds 7.7 quarts of fluid. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is an ethylene glycol-based, 50/50 pre-mix formulation that is phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free. This compatibility ensures that the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant works safely with all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses, providing protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. Alternatively, the concentrated Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant allows for custom mixing, offering similar long-term protection and corrosion resistance.
Braking safety is paramount, and the hydraulic brake fluid system in the TRAX benefits from AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid. This fluid provides excellent responsiveness for the vehicle’s ABS and traction control systems. It maintains a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent pedal feel and stopping power even after repeated hard braking.
Recommended Maintenance and Additives
To further enhance the performance of the 2022 TRAX, AMSOIL offers a range of additives and care products. The AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver is a gasoline additive that can restore up to 14% of horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate after a single tank of fuel. It also helps control pre-ignition knock, which is particularly relevant for turbocharged engines. For seasonal storage, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup caused by ethanol in modern gasoline.
About the Vehicle
The 2022 Chevrolet TRAX represents a modern iteration of GM’s entry-level SUV lineup, combining urban agility with the practical utility expected from a crossover. Built on a global small crossover platform, the TRAX is designed to be a compact companion for city dwellers and weekend adventurers alike. The model year 2022 continues to feature the 1.4L turbocharged engine, a powerplant that has become a staple for Chevrolet in the subcompact segment. This engine, identified by the code LE2 M Turbo, delivers a balance of fuel economy and responsive acceleration, making it suitable for both daily commuting and light towing.
Owners of the TRAX often appreciate its manageable size and relatively low entry price point compared to larger SUVs. Despite its compact footprint, the vehicle offers a surprising amount of cargo space and passenger room when the rear seats are folded. The interior design focuses on functionality and ease of use, with a modern dashboard layout that integrates seamlessly with infotainment systems. The driving character is generally characterized by responsive handling, which benefits from a relatively low center of gravity, making it easier to maneuver through tight city streets or winding roads.
While the TRAX is a robust vehicle, it is not immune to the wear and tear common in small crossovers used for daily driving. One common issue with turbocharged engines, including the one in the TRAX, is carbon buildup on the intake valves, particularly in direct injection models. The turbocharger itself operates at high temperatures and speeds, placing significant stress on the oil and components. Using a high-quality synthetic motor oil with robust detergent packages can help mitigate this buildup and keep the turbocharger bearings lubricated. Additionally, turbocharged engines can sometimes experience increased oil consumption or oil leaks at higher mileage. The AMSOIL High-Mileage formulation, with its unique chemistry and seal conditioners, is specifically designed to address these aging engine concerns, helping to reduce leaks and control consumption.
Another potential area of concern is the longevity of the cooling system, especially if the vehicle is used in hot climates or for frequent short trips that prevent the engine from fully warming up. Over time, this can lead to corrosion and coolant degradation. Using a phosphate-free, organic acid technology (OAT) antifreeze, as recommended for this vehicle, helps prevent the corrosion of aluminum components and extends the life of the radiator and water pump. Finally, the rear differential on the TRAX, while generally reliable, can suffer from wear if the gear lube degrades under heavy load or severe driving conditions. Switching to a synthetic gear lube can significantly reduce wear and ensure smoother operation of the drivetrain components.
In conclusion, the 2022 Chevrolet TRAX with its 1.4L turbo engine is a capable and efficient vehicle. By adhering to a strict maintenance schedule with premium synthetic fluids, owners can ensure their TRAX remains reliable, efficient, and enjoyable to drive for years to come. The comprehensive range of AMSOIL products available for this vehicle provides the protection necessary to keep every component, from the engine to the brakes, functioning at its best.