The 2018 Chevrolet Volt is a unique plug-in hybrid electric vehicle that relies on its 1.5L L3A gasoline engine to generate electricity and extend driving range. Maintaining this powertrain requires precise lubrication to ensure the engine components operate smoothly while the vehicle manages both electric and thermal loads. Using the correct synthetic motor oil and fluid specifications is essential for maximizing fuel economy, protecting against the specific wear patterns of hybrid engines, and ensuring the longevity of the powertrain in varying climates. This guide details the recommended AMSOIL products designed specifically for the requirements of your Volt.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
AMSOIL offers a comprehensive range of premium lubricants engineered to exceed the strict requirements of the General Motors Dexos1 Gen 3 specification for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt. Below are the essential fluids and filters recommended for keeping your vehicle running at peak performance.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top choice for unsurpassed engine protection, offering up to 25,000 miles of coverage. This formulation provides 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent option for extended service intervals up to 20,000 miles, featuring 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoothly and protecting against Low Speed Pre-Ignition.
- AMSOIL OE 0W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic alternative that delivers excellent protection, trusted by professional engine builders and formulated to fight sludge and deposits effectively.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic Hybrid Motor Oil – Specifically engineered for the stop-start cycles of hybrid powertrains, this oil maximizes fuel economy and provides superior sludge control to handle the unique stresses of hybrid engines.
- AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Designed for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this oil contains boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives to reduce sludge by 67% and maintain engine performance.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – An integral part of the oil change kit, this filter provides 99 percent efficiency at 20 microns to remove contaminants and allows lower restriction for better lubrication.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium alternative featuring superior media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters for reliable filtration.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while providing reserve protection during the demanding conditions of hybrid operation.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A high-performance fluid specifically formulated to protect against wear and maintain the efficiency of the automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses, suitable for the engine and inverter systems.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion, requiring mixing with distilled water for ultimate cooling performance.
- 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 for superior stopping power.
Engine Oil and Filter Specifications
The heart of the 2018 Chevrolet Volt’s range-extending capabilities is its 1.5L 4-cylinder engine. AMSOIL recommends a viscosity of 0W-20 for all temperature conditions, which ensures optimal flow during cold starts and maintains a protective oil film at operating temperatures. The engine oil capacity is 4.2 quarts when the filter is included. It is critical to check the oil level after refilling and to torque the oil drain plug to the manufacturer’s specification of 18 ft/lbs.
Recent updates to General Motors specifications have transitioned from Dexos1 Gen 2 to Dexos1 Gen 3. AMSOIL synthetic motor oils exceed these updated requirements, providing superior protection against horsepower loss, wear, and Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), a common issue in turbocharged and direct-injection engines. Whether you prefer the ultimate protection of the Signature Series, the extended service intervals of the Extended-Life formula, or the specific formulation for hybrids, AMSOIL 0W-20 100% Synthetic Hybrid Motor Oil, AMSOIL has a tailored solution for the Volt.
In addition to the oil itself, the filtration system is vital. The recommended AMSOIL Oil Filter features a superior bypass valve and media that captures 99 percent of contaminants at 20 microns. This helps reduce engine wear significantly compared to standard filters. For those seeking a comparable premium option, the WIX Oil Filter is also an excellent choice, offering high-quality media that outperforms OEM-branded filters in many tests.
Transmission and Cooling Systems
The 2018 Volt features a complex powertrain that includes an automatic transmission and multiple cooling circuits for the engine, inverter, and battery. Proper fluid selection is crucial for preventing premature wear and maintaining efficiency. For the automatic transmission, the initial fill capacity is 3.4 quarts, with a total fill capacity of 7.1 quarts. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid and OE Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid are designed to withstand the rigors of hybrid driving cycles, remaining fluid in sub-zero temperatures and resisting degradation under elevated heat.
Cooling is equally important for a plug-in hybrid. The cooling system capacity is divided among three areas: the engine requires 7.4 quarts, the inverter requires 5 quarts, and the battery cooling system requires 4.4 quarts. Using a high-quality antifreeze like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant ensures protection up to 150,000 miles or five years. This ethylene glycol-based pre-mix is free of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates, making it safe for all cooling system components and compatible with other AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze offers even longer service life, protecting against metallic corrosion and erosion in both passenger cars and light trucks.
Brake Fluid and Maintenance Additives
Brake system integrity is paramount for safety. The recommended fluid for the 2018 Chevrolet Volt is a DOT 3 and DOT 4 standard fluid. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides a stable viscosity range that ensures consistent pedal feel and maximum performance for ABS and traction control systems. This fluid resists moisture absorption, which can lower the boiling point and lead to brake fade.
For fuel system maintenance, AMSOIL offers the P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive. This concentrated additive restores up to 14% horsepower and brings GDI fuel injectors back to 100% flow rate after just one tank of fuel. It is particularly beneficial for maintaining fuel economy and preventing carbon buildup. Additionally, for seasonal storage, the AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, while the Engine Fogging Oil protects internal components from rust during periods of inactivity.
About the Vehicle: The 2018 Chevrolet Volt
The 2018 Chevrolet Volt is a second-generation plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that stands out in the automotive market for its unique engineering philosophy. Unlike traditional hybrids that prioritize electric driving at the expense of range, the Volt was designed to operate as an electric vehicle for approximately 53 miles on a full charge before switching to its onboard gasoline engine. This gas-powered generator, the 1.5L L3A engine, recharges the battery to extend the total driving range to over 400 miles without ever needing to stop for gas, effectively eliminating range anxiety. This makes the Volt an ideal choice for commuters who want the quiet, zero-emission experience of electric driving for daily trips but need the flexibility of a gasoline engine for long-distance travel.
Manufactured by General Motors in the United States, the Volt is built on a specialized platform that integrates the battery pack into the vehicle’s floor structure. This placement lowers the center of gravity, resulting in a driving character that feels more like a sedan than a bulky truck. Despite its innovative powertrain, the Volt retains the practicality of a five-passenger sedan with a usable trunk space. Owners often praise the vehicle for its smooth acceleration, which is characteristic of electric motors, providing immediate torque from a standstill. The interior is generally well-appointed, offering a high-tech dashboard with a large infotainment screen and intuitive controls that define the driving experience.
While the Volt is renowned for its efficiency and range-extending capabilities, it does have specific maintenance needs due to its complex dual-powertrain system. One common issue in high-mileage Volts can be related to the coolant system, where the constant thermal cycling of the battery and inverter can sometimes lead to premature coolant degradation if not checked regularly. Using a high-quality antifreeze like AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant can help mitigate corrosion and extend the life of the cooling components. Another area of focus is the engine oil; because the internal combustion engine is used less frequently than in a standard gasoline car, oil can degrade or accumulate moisture over time even with low mileage. AMSOIL’s synthetic oils, including the Signature Series and Hybrid Motor Oil, are particularly effective at absorbing these moisture byproducts, preventing sludge formation and ensuring the engine is ready to assist when the battery needs a charge. Additionally, the transmission fluid can face stress from the frequent shifting and regenerative braking cycles, making a synthetic transmission fluid like the Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid essential for preserving the longevity of the gearbox. Finally, the fuel injectors in the L3A engine can accumulate carbon deposits over time, which can affect fuel atomization and efficiency; regular use of a high-quality gasoline additive like AMSOIL P.i. can help keep the injectors clean and maintain peak performance.