Ensuring your 2018 Chevrolet Traverse with the 2.0L turbocharged engine receives the proper lubrication is essential for maintaining peak performance and longevity. This vehicle, equipped with the LTG turbo engine, demands fluids that can withstand high operating temperatures and the stresses of forced induction. Using the correct viscosity and high-quality additives helps prevent wear, reduces sludge, and ensures the turbocharger remains cool and lubricated during operation. Whether you commute daily, tow occasionally, or drive in extreme climates, selecting the right products is the best investment you can make for your vehicle’s health.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
For the 2018 Chevrolet Traverse 2.0L, we have identified the premier synthetic options that meet and exceed the manufacturer’s Dexos1 Gen 3 requirements. These products are designed to offer superior protection against horsepower loss, LSPI (Low-Speed Pre-Ignition), and wear, whether you drive a new vehicle or one with over 75,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers the ultimate level of protection for turbocharged engines, reducing horsepower loss and providing extended drain intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Delivers exceptional cleaning power to keep your engine running smoother for up to 20,000 miles between oil changes.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Trusted by engine builders, this fluid fights sludge and deposits while protecting turbochargers against the GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification standards.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents to reduce sludge by 67% and enhance cleaning power.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns and allows for lower restriction to keep engine parts fully lubricated during critical operation.
- WIX Oil Filter – Offers premium media that improves upon original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable contamination control.
Engineers designed the Traverse’s 2.0L turbo engine to deliver strong performance, but turbochargers generate intense heat that can break down conventional oils rapidly. Our recommended motor oils contain advanced additives that resist breakdown, ensuring the turbo bearings remain properly lubricated and cool. The oil capacity for this engine is 5.0 quarts when including the filter change, and the drain plug requires a torque of 18 ft/lbs. Switching to a full synthetic formulation not only extends the life of your engine components but also helps maintain fuel economy and emission system health over time.
Transmission and Cooling System Care
The 9T65 automatic transmission in your Traverse is a sophisticated unit that benefits significantly from premium synthetic fluids. Proper fluid selection is critical to prevent the wear and heat-related issues that can lead to costly repairs. For this transmission, a full synthetic fluid ensures smooth shifting and durability even under heavy towing or challenging terrain. The total fill capacity is 10 quarts, though the initial fill required is approximately 5.3 quarts, with actual capacity falling between 5.0 and 6.0 liters.
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy use and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions. For those preferring an option with extended mileage intervals, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid offers robust protection against wear and heat, helping to maintain the transmission’s longevity.
The cooling system requires a robust antifreeze to protect the aluminum components and gaskets from corrosion and thermal shock. The Traverse’s cooling system holds 11.6 quarts. Using a high-performance antifreeze ensures your engine maintains optimal operating temperatures in both the heat of summer and the chill of winter. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that provides protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. For those needing a concentrated solution to mix themselves, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers versatility and long-term corrosion protection.
Maintenance for Differential, Steering, and Brakes
While the engine and transmission receive the most attention, other vital systems in your Traverse require specific lubrication to ensure safety and performance. The rear differential requires lubrication to handle torque and reduce wear on gears. Depending on the specific axle code (GLS25 or PS006), the capacity varies between 1.7 pints and 0.8 pints.
AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube provides advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway, while also helping to reduce operating temperatures. It contains friction modifiers ideal for limited-slip differentials, ensuring quiet operation and extended equipment life. For the power steering system, the AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks and resists heat for a long fluid life, reducing friction for quieter steering operation.
Safety is paramount, which is why your braking system should never be compromised. The hydraulic brake system relies on fluid that maintains stability over a wide temperature range to ensure responsive pedal feel and ABS functionality. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is an excellent choice, providing stable viscosity and excellent responsiveness for traction control systems.
Additional Protection and Seasonal Care
For vehicle owners who want to maximize the performance of their fuel system and protect against contaminants, AMSOIL offers specialized additives. Carbon buildup can degrade performance and fuel economy over time. The AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive is a powerful cleaner that restores up to 14% horsepower and cleans GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate, reducing the need for higher-octane fuel. If your vehicle is used for seasonal activities or stored for extended periods, fuel stabilization is crucial to prevent varnish and gum buildup.
The AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against ethanol corrosion. During cold storage, internal engine components can suffer from rust. The AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is a highly effective rust preventive designed to coat internal parts, ensuring the engine starts smoothly when the season returns. Furthermore, the AMSOIL Upper Cylinder Lubricant Corrosion Inhibitor lubricates the fuel system and upper cylinders, providing an extra layer of protection against wear and friction.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Chevrolet Traverse is a mid-size crossover SUV that stands out in a competitive segment for its blend of family-friendly space and modern technology. Part of the GM “Epsilon” platform, the Traverse is designed to seat up to eight passengers comfortably, making it a top choice for families who need versatile utility without the bulk of a traditional truck. Under the hood of the 2.0L model lies the LTG turbocharged engine, a four-cylinder powerhouse that delivers robust horsepower and torque figures that rival some larger V-6 engines, all while maintaining respectable fuel economy for its class.
Driven by a desire to compete with rivals like the Honda Pilot and Ford Explorer, the Traverse emphasizes a refined driving character. The 2.0L turbo variant, in particular, offers a responsive driving experience, benefiting from variable valve timing and direct injection to optimize power delivery. Owners often appreciate the vehicle’s smooth ride quality, which is largely attributed to the sophisticated chassis tuning and the 9-speed automatic transmission paired with the engine. This powertrain combination is designed to handle a variety of conditions, from city commutes to highway travel.
However, like any complex modern vehicle, the 2018 Traverse has specific requirements that owners should be aware of. High mileage owners often report that engines exceeding 75,000 miles can begin to show signs of oil consumption or increased sludge buildup if not maintained with high-quality synthetic lubricants. The turbocharger system is a critical component that generates significant heat, and without proper oil filtration and thermal stability, these components can suffer from premature wear. Another common concern involves the 9-speed automatic transmission, which can sometimes exhibit hesitation or harsh shifts if the fluid degrades or becomes contaminated. Using a dedicated high-performance synthetic transmission fluid is a proactive way to mitigate these issues. Additionally, the cooling system in these vehicles must be robust to handle the thermal demands of the turbo engine, and coolant degradation can lead to overheating or corrosion issues over time.
By adhering to a strict maintenance schedule and utilizing premium AMSOIL synthetic products, owners can address these potential vulnerabilities. Synthetic oils provide better thermal stability for the turbo, high-efficiency filters keep contaminants at bay, and specialized fluids protect the transmission and cooling system. This comprehensive approach ensures that the Traverse remains a reliable and capable family hauler for years to come.
Maintaining your vehicle with the right fluids is a straightforward path to reliability. Whether you choose the high-mileage formula for an older vehicle or the Signature Series for maximum protection on a newer one, you are taking steps to ensure your 2018 Chevrolet Traverse performs at its best. Regular fluid changes, combined with the use of AMSOIL products, will help keep your engine clean, your transmission smooth, and your vehicle safe on the road.