Quick Oil and Filter Specifications
For the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6L 4-cylinder Diesel Turbo (Engine Code [E] LH7 O), the oil capacity is 5.3 quarts with a filter change. The recommended viscosity for all temperatures is 5W-30. AMSOIL recommends using AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil (Product Code: DP530QT-EA) paired with an AMSOIL Oil Filter (Part Number: EA15K35-EA).
What oil does a 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6L Diesel take?
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze with the 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel engine (LH7) requires specific viscosity grades for optimal protection. According to AMSOIL, you can use 5W-30 for all temperatures or 0W-40 if operating in environments below -29°C. The AMSOIL lookup oil grade is SEOA5.
AMSOIL Product Recommendations
The following AMSOIL products are specifically listed for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze 1.6L Diesel Turbo to assist with routine maintenance and performance.
Engine Oil & Filter
| Product Name | Viscosity | Part Number |
|---|---|---|
| AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil | 5W-30 / 0W-40 | DP530QT-EA |
| Filter Type | Part Number |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Oil Filter | EA15K35-EA |
| WIX Oil Filter | WL10331-EA |
Transmission & Brake Fluids
| Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient ATF | ATLPK-EA |
| AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient ATF | OTLQT-EA |
| AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid | BFLVCN-EA |
Engine Coolant
| Product Name | Part Number |
|---|---|
| AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze | ANTPC1G-EA |
| AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant | ANT1G-EA |
Engine Oil Specifications
| Viscosity | Application Note |
|---|---|
| 0W-40 | Below -29°C |
| 5W-30 | All Temperatures |
Note: Vehicles equipped with diesel engines that originally used GM Dexos2 may use a GM Dexos D licensed engine oil of the appropriate viscosity grade.
Oil Change Capacity and Torque
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Oil Capacity (with filter) | 5.3 quarts |
| Oil Drain Plug Torque | 18 ft/lbs |
Always check the oil level after refilling.
Transmission Fluid Specifications
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze diesel utilizes a 9-speed automatic transmission (9T50). Proper fluid levels are critical for smooth shifting and longevity.
| Fill Type | Capacity |
|---|---|
| Total Fill | 10 quarts |
| Initial Fill | 5.3 quarts (Actual range: 5.0-6.0 liters) |
Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle
Maintaining a diesel turbo engine requires attention to specific components that differ from gasoline models. Owners of the 1.6L LH7 variant should focus on:
- Fuel System Integrity: High-pressure diesel injection systems are sensitive to contaminants.
- Turbocharger Health: Ensuring clean oil is vital for turbo longevity.
- Emissions Systems: Regular maintenance of DPF/EGR components common in modern diesels.
Note: As the provided research snippets focus on general model history, owners should verify all specific service intervals against their official owner’s manual.
Common diesel oil-related concerns and how AMSOIL products may help
| Concern | Why it matters | AMSOIL Product | How it may help | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Wear | Diesel engines face high pressure and friction. | DP530QT-EA | Delivers up to 6X more wear protection than leading industry standards. | Requires regular oil changes. |
| Contaminants | Small particles can cause significant damage. | EA15K35-EA | 99% filtering efficiency at 20 microns. | Filter must be replaced per interval. |
| Temperature Extremes | Cold starts or high heat can stress the engine. | DP530QT-EA | Excels in hot and cold temperature extremes. | Not confirmed from source data for specific extreme limits. |
Common maintenance concerns for this vehicle
Based on NHTSA consumer reports, owners have noted various issues. While these are owner reports and not verified defects, they represent common areas of interest:
- Power Train/Acceleration: Some users reported difficulties with acceleration or stalling, particularly when coming to a stop or using the auto-stop feature.
- Fuel System: Reports of fuel leaks have been noted in some consumer complaints.
- Braking Performance: Concerns regarding rear brake performance and caliper issues.
Recall, TSB, and manufacturer communication notes
Official NHTSA recall research for the 2018 Chevrolet Cruze identified the following:
- Transmission Recall (Campaign 20V668000): Potential missing bolts on the start-stop accumulator endcap could lead to transmission oil leaks or loss of propulsion.
- Brake Recall (Campaign 18V576000): Insufficient coating on rear brake caliper pistons may cause gas pockets, reducing braking performance.
- Fuel System Recall (Campaign 18V304000): Certain LS models equipped with a tire inflator kit instead of a spare tire may experience fuel leaks.
Important: Always verify your specific vehicle’s open recalls by checking your VIN through the NHTSA website or contacting a Chevrolet dealer.
About this vehicle
The 2018 Chevrolet Cruze is a compact car produced by General Motors. This model belongs to a global lineage that includes iterations like the Daewoo Lacetti Premiere and Holden Cruze. The specific 1.6L 4-cylinder diesel with engine code LH7 represents a specialized powertrain variant designed for efficiency.
Because this vehicle utilizes a diesel turbo configuration, it has different maintenance requirements than gasoline counterparts. Diesel powertrains are often favored in compact models for their torque characteristics, which can provide advantages in urban driving and stop-and-go traffic. This model is commonly associated with versatile configurations including sedan and hatchback styles. Owners of the LH7 diesel variant should be particularly mindful of high-pressure fuel system integrity and turbocharger health to ensure long-term reliability.
Common questions about this vehicle’s diesel oil and maintenance
How much oil does my 2018 Cruze Diesel take?
The engine requires 5.3 quarts of oil when performing an oil change with a new filter.
What is the correct oil viscosity for the LH7 diesel engine?
For all temperatures, 5W-30 is recommended. If operating in extreme cold (below -29°C), 0W-40 may be used.
Can I use standard gasoline engine oil in my diesel Cruze?
It is recommended to use a dedicated diesel oil like AMSOIL 5W-30 Synthetic Diesel Oil to handle the specific soot and pressure requirements of a diesel engine.
What should I check if my transmission is shifting poorly?
Ensure you are using the correct fluid for your 9-speed 9T50 transmission. AMSOIL offers OE Fuel-Efficient ATF for this application.
How often should I change my coolant?
While specific intervals vary, AMSOIL products like ANTPC1G-EA are designed to protect cooling systems for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
How do I check for active recalls on my Cruze?
You should contact a Chevrolet dealer or visit the NHTSA website and enter your unique Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to confirm any open safety recalls.
Disclaimer: This information is derived from provided source data. Always consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual and verify all specifications before performing maintenance.