Chevy Trax Oil Change Guide: Tools, Steps, and Tips

Maintaining your Chevy Trax with regular oil changes is essential for ensuring optimal performance and longevity. Changing the oil helps keep the engine running smoothly by reducing friction and preventing wear.

This guide will walk you through the steps to perform an oil change on your Chevy Trax effectively.

Required Tools and Equipment

Performing an oil change on your Chevy Trax requires a prepared set of tools and equipment to ensure a smooth process. A socket wrench set is necessary for removing the oil drain plug and oil filter. Typically, a 15mm socket is used for the drain plug, though it’s good to confirm your vehicle’s specifications. An oil filter wrench is also helpful for loosening the oil filter, which can sometimes be tightly secured.

An oil drain pan is essential for catching the old oil as it drains. Choose one with a capacity of at least 10 quarts to avoid overflow. To protect your hands from hot oil and sharp components, nitrile gloves are recommended, offering both protection and dexterity. A funnel is also useful to prevent spills when adding new oil, and having clean rags or shop towels on hand helps keep the workspace tidy.

Oil Type and Capacity

Selecting the right oil type for your Chevy Trax is key to maintaining engine health and performance. Full synthetic oil, specifically SAE 5W-30, is typically recommended for its superior lubrication and temperature stability. Synthetic oil reduces engine wear, minimizes deposit formation, and performs well in both high and low temperatures.

The Chevy Trax generally holds about 4.2 quarts of oil, including the oil filter. Adhering to the specified oil capacity ensures the engine components are properly lubricated, avoiding issues caused by overfilling or underfilling.

Oil Change Process

Begin the oil change with the engine slightly warm, as this helps the oil flow more freely. Park your Chevy Trax on a flat surface, engage the parking brake, and elevate the front of the vehicle with ramps or jack stands for easier access to the undercarriage. Locate the oil drain plug on the engine’s oil pan.

Using your tools, carefully remove the drain plug and let the old oil drain completely into the oil pan. Allow enough time for all the used oil to drain. While waiting, unscrew the oil filter with an oil filter wrench, being cautious of any remaining oil. Lightly coat the gasket of the new filter with fresh oil to help create a secure seal when installed.

After reinstalling the drain plug and securing the new oil filter, pour the recommended amount of fresh oil into the engine using a funnel. Start the engine and let it idle briefly to circulate the new oil. This is also a good time to check for leaks around the drain plug and filter.

Resetting Oil Life System

After completing the oil change, reset the oil life monitoring system to ensure accurate maintenance reminders. This system tracks driving habits and conditions to estimate when the next oil change is needed.

To reset it, switch on the ignition without starting the engine. Use the menu or information buttons to navigate to the “Oil Life” display. Press and hold the “SET/CLR” button until the display resets to 100%. This confirms the system is ready to track the new oil cycle.