2018 Chevrolet Equinox: Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity
Engine Oil (1.5L Turbo)	SAE 0W-20 or 5W-20, GM dexos1 Gen 2	4.2 quarts (4.0 L)
Engine Oil (2.0L Turbo)	SAE 5W-30, GM dexos1 Gen 2	5.0 quarts (4.7 L)
Engine Oil (1.6L Diesel)	SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30, GM dexos2	5.3 quarts (5.0 L)
Engine Coolant	OAT, DEX-COOL	6.4–8.5 quarts (6.1–8.0 L)
Automatic Transmission Fluid	DEXRON VI	4.2-6.3 quarts (4.0-6.0 L)
Transfer Case Fluid (AWD)	SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil, GM P/N 19352759	~1.0 quart (0.9 L)
Rear Differential Fluid (AWD)	SAE 75W-90 Gear Oil, GM P/N 19352759	~1.0 quart (0.9 L)
Brake Fluid	DOT 4	As needed
Power Steering	N/A (Electric Power Steering)	N/A
Washer Fluid	Good quality solvent	~1.0 gallon (4.0 L)
Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)	API Certified (ISO 22241)	~4.9 gallons (18.5 L)

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Engine Oil

Proper engine oil is critical to the longevity of your Equinox's engine, providing lubrication, cooling, and cleaning. The 2018 model year offered three different engines, each with a specific oil requirement. Using the wrong type or viscosity can lead to increased wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential engine damage.

• 1.5L Turbo Gas Engine: The recommended oil is SAE 0W-20 full synthetic. In a pinch, SAE 5W-20 can be used. Critically, the oil must meet the GM dexos1® Gen 2 specification. This spec ensures the oil is formulated to prevent Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI), a phenomenon common in small, turbocharged engines.
• 2.0L Turbo Gas Engine: This engine requires SAE 5W-30 full synthetic oil that meets the GM dexos1® Gen 2 specification.
• 1.6L Turbo Diesel Engine: Diesel engines have unique needs. Use a SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-30 oil that meets the GM dexos2® specification. Diesel-specific oils contain different additive packages to handle soot and protect emissions components.

Intervals: GM's Oil Life System (OLS) will notify you when an oil change is due. However, a good rule of thumb is every 7,500 miles or once a year for synthetic oil under normal driving conditions.

Common Pitfalls: Never use an oil that does not carry the specified dexos1 Gen 2 (for gas) or dexos2 (for diesel) certification. This can void your warranty and lead to costly repairs. Always verify the dexos logo on the bottle.

Engine Coolant (Antifreeze)

The 2018 Equinox uses an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant, specifically GM DEX-COOL®. This is a long-life coolant, typically orange or red in color. The cooling system capacity varies from 6.4 to 8.5 quarts depending on the engine and drivetrain configuration.

Intervals: DEX-COOL is a long-life fluid, with a recommended service interval of 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Common Pitfalls: Never mix DEX-COOL with other coolant types, such as conventional green (IAT) or hybrid (HOAT) coolants. Mixing chemistries can cause the coolant to gel, leading to blockages in the radiator, heater core, and engine coolant passages, resulting in severe overheating and damage.

Transmission Fluid

Your Equinox is equipped with a modern automatic transmission that requires a specific, low-viscosity fluid to function correctly. The factory-specified fluid is DEXRON VI full synthetic automatic transmission fluid.

The capacity for a drain-and-fill is typically between 4 and 6 quarts, but a full system flush requires more. Fluid level checks should be performed according to the owner's manual procedure, as there is no traditional dipstick.

Intervals: For severe service (towing, heavy city traffic), GM recommends a fluid and filter change at 45,000 miles. For normal service, many technicians recommend a change between 60,000 and 90,000 miles to ensure long transmission life.

Common Pitfalls: Do not use "universal" or multi-vehicle transmission fluids. Only use fluid that is explicitly licensed and approved as DEXRON VI. Using the wrong fluid can cause poor shifting, torque converter shudder, and premature transmission failure.

Transfer Case & Rear Differential Fluid (AWD Models)

For all-wheel drive (AWD) models, the transfer case (also called the Power Take-Off Unit or PTU) and rear differential require service. Both units are specified to use SAE 75W-90 synthetic gear oil, specifically GM Part No. 19352759.

Intervals: These components are often overlooked. A good preventative maintenance schedule includes changing the fluid in both the transfer case and rear differential every 30,000 to 50,000 miles, especially if you live in a harsh climate or drive aggressively.

Brake Fluid

The 2018 Equinox requires DOT 4 brake fluid. While DOT 3 is technically compatible, DOT 4 has a higher boiling point, which provides an extra margin of safety against brake fade, especially during heavy braking or towing.

Intervals: Brake fluid is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture from the air over time. This moisture lowers the boiling point and can corrode internal brake components. It should be replaced every 2 to 3 years, regardless of mileage.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2018 Chevrolet Equinox is equipped with an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. Therefore, it does not have a hydraulic power steering pump or use any power steering fluid.

Washer Fluid

Use any good quality commercial washer fluid. In winter months, use a fluid with a low freezing point to prevent damage to the reservoir and lines.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) (1.6L Diesel Models)

If your Equinox has the 1.6L turbo-diesel engine, it requires Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) to meet emissions standards. The fluid must be API Certified and meet the ISO 22241 specification. This is standard for any brand of DEF you find at auto parts stores or truck stops. The tank holds approximately 4.9 gallons.

Intervals: The vehicle will warn you when the DEF tank is running low, typically with thousands of miles to spare. It's best to refill it during your regular oil change intervals or whenever the "DEF LOW" message appears.

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