The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado with the 3.6L V6 engine (Engine Code LGZ) requires precise lubrication to maintain its performance and longevity. This powertrain, known for its smooth power delivery and capability for towing, places significant demands on its internal components, particularly under load. Ensuring the correct viscosity and fluid specifications is vital for protecting the engine from premature wear, managing heat, and maintaining fuel efficiency. Proper lubrication helps mitigate common issues like oil consumption and carbon buildup, ensuring the vehicle remains reliable for years of daily driving or off-road adventures.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides unsurpassed engine protection, allowing for extended drain intervals of up to 25,000 miles or one year. This oil is engineered to offer 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to the industry standard.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent choice for drivers seeking a balance of performance and extended service life, offering 20,000 miles of guaranteed protection. It features superior cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoothly and handles LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition) effectively.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Designed to outperform conventional oils and meet the specific requirements of GM Dexos1 Gen 2 and Gen 3 specifications. It fights sludge and deposits with a robust 100% synthetic formulation while protecting turbochargers better than required by the manufacturer.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Ideally suited for Colorado engines with over 75,000 miles, this formula contains boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives. It helps reduce sludge by 67% and addresses oil consumption to keep older engines performing better.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – This high-performance filter provides 99% efficiency at 20 microns, ensuring small, wear-causing contaminants are removed from the oil stream. It offers greater capacity than competing filters and allows for lower restriction to keep engine parts fully lubricated.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, featuring premium media to ensure effective filtration and reliable engine protection.
Maintaining the correct fluid levels is just as critical as the oil itself. For the 2018 Colorado’s cooling system, the capacity is approximately 13.1 quarts. AMSOIL offers specialized antifreeze solutions to match these needs. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that is phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free. It is pre-mixed at a 50/50 ratio with ethylene glycol and provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or five years, safeguarding all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. For those requiring a concentrated solution, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers versatile performance for passenger cars and light trucks, delivering exceptional protection against metallic corrosion and erosion for up to 150,000 miles.
The transmission on the 3.6L V6 Colorado comes in various configurations, including the 6L50 and 8L45, which demand high-quality fluid to handle the torque and thermal loads. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides a reserve of protection during severe use. Alternatively, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers robust protection against wear, ensuring smooth shifting and extended transmission life while meeting OE requirements.
For the differential and transfer case applications, the vehicle requires robust gear lubricants to handle the mechanical stress of 4WD operation. The AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is a top-tier choice for the front and rear differentials as well as the transfer case. This advanced synthetic lube controls thermal runaway, protects against rust and corrosion, and helps reduce operating temperatures. It also contains friction modifiers suitable for limited-slip applications, contributing to a longer oil, seal, and equipment life. Properly maintaining the brake system is also essential for safety. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent braking performance in both hot and cold conditions.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Chevrolet Colorado is a midsize pickup truck that sits in a competitive segment alongside rivals like the Toyota Tacoma and Ford Ranger. This model year represents the second generation of the Colorado, which was introduced in 2015 to replace the legacy model. The 3.6L V6 engine, specifically the LGZ code, is a highlight of this generation, offering a compelling blend of power, smoothness, and fuel efficiency that rivals the output of larger V8s found in bigger trucks. Producing around 308 horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, this engine provides sufficient power for hauling loads, towing trailers, and navigating off-road trails with confidence.
Owners of the 2018 Colorado typically appreciate the vehicle’s versatility. It is available in various trims, ranging from the work-oriented Base and Work Truck models to the more feature-rich LT, Z71, and ZR2 packages. The Z71 offers off-road capabilities with skid plates, Rancho shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential, while the ZR2 is a dedicated off-roader with upgraded Multimatic DSSV dampers and wider fenders. The interior space is generous for a midsize truck, and the modern dashboard design provides an up-to-date driving environment compared to older competitors. The Colorado is also known for its practicality, with a well-designed bed and available utility tracks in the bed of higher trims for securing cargo.
Despite its reputation as a reliable and capable truck, the 2018 Colorado has encountered some specific issues over time. One common concern reported by owners involves oil consumption. The high-performance nature of the V6 engine, combined with its direct injection and variable valve timing, can sometimes lead to increased oil usage, particularly if the engine is pushed hard or operated in extreme conditions. Using a high-quality synthetic oil like the AMSOIL Signature Series can help mitigate this issue by providing a more stable film of lubrication that resists thinning and burning off at high temperatures.
Another area of concern for some 2018 models is carbon buildup on the intake valves, a common trait in many direct injection gasoline engines. Over time, fuel can bake on the hot surfaces of the intake ports, restricting airflow and potentially affecting fuel economy and power delivery. Regular use of a fuel system cleaner like the AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver can help prevent or remove this deposit, keeping the injectors and intake valves clean for optimal performance. Additionally, some owners have noted transmission shift quality issues or harshness, particularly in the 8-speed automatic versions. Using a premium synthetic transmission fluid can improve shift smoothness and reduce the risk of wear in the valve body and clutches.
Finally, the front suspension components on the Colorado, particularly on the ZR2 and Z71 trims, undergo significant stress during off-road use or heavy towing. While not a lubrication failure per se, the bushings and ball joints can wear out faster under extreme conditions. Using high-performance synthetic greases on chassis points during maintenance can offer superior resistance to wash-out and thermal breakdown, extending the life of these suspension components. By addressing these potential weaknesses with the right lubricants, owners can ensure their 2018 Colorado remains a dependable companion on and off the road for the long haul.
In summary, the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado 3.6L V6 is a versatile and powerful vehicle that deserves the best lubrication protection available. By selecting the appropriate AMSOIL synthetic oils, filters, and fluids, owners can enhance engine performance, extend service intervals, and address common wear patterns. Whether you are commuting daily, hauling heavy loads, or exploring rugged terrain, the right lubricants make a significant difference in the longevity and reliability of your truck.