As a car owner, you’ve likely run into the terms Dexos 1 and Dexos 2.
You might also wonder what their meanings are and what differences they have between them.
Simply put, Dexos stands for Diesel Exhaust Fluid Optimized Selenium.
This is a kind of additive for fuel that can clean diesel engines while shielding them from damage that sulfur can inflict upon the fuel.
Dexos 1 vs. Dexos 2: Comparison Chart
| Dexos 1 | Dexos 2 |
|---|---|
| Higher working power | Lower working power |
| Best for gasoline engines | Good for both diesel engines and some gasoline engines |
| Engine running up to 15000 miles with longer oil change intervals | Engine running up to 10000 miles or less with shorter oil change intervals |
| Works for engines running on Northern American and Asian terrains | Works better for engines running on European terrains only |
Table of Contents
What is Dexos 1?
Dexos 1 first came to be in the year 2004. It was used as a fuel system lubricant that was made specifically for diesel engines.
Manufacturers of cars required it for their cars that were built from the year 2004 forward.
The additive had to pass API specification CK-4 in order for them to be able to use the Dexos logo on their engines.
It is a premium fuel system lubricant that helps to prevent sulfur-based damage while keeping the engine clean and running well. It isn’t meant for use with gas engines.
What is Dexos 2?
Dexos 2 is commonly confused as a new version of Dexos 1, but that isn’t true.
Instead, it is a revised formula that was built to meet the revised API specifications.
Dexos 2 serves the same function as Dexos 1 in that it cleans the engine, helps it run smoothly, and shields it from issues arising from the sulfur in the fuel.
What’s the Main Difference Between Two?
Dexos 1 and Dexos 2 both are premium fuel lubricants, though there are a few things that make them different from one another.
1. API Specification
Dexos 1 was created for diesel engines and was meant to meet API specification CK-4.
Dexos 2 came about 12 years later and was designed as a fuel system lubricant that works with both diesel and gasoline engines according to API specification CJ-4+.
2. The Intended Marker
Dexos 1 was made for cars manufactured by General Motors specifically.
Dexos 2 can be used in any diesel or gasoline engine, regardless of the manufacturer.
3. Performance and Quality
Both Dexos 1 and Dexos 2 are premium products that work well in protecting engines from sulfur damage.
Since Dexos 2 was updated to meet the updated API specifications, it is more compatible with gasoline engines and therefore offers better performance.
Though they are both lubricants for fuel systems, they mean different things.
Even so, since the API specification was revised, there isn’t any difference between them. They just have different names.
The best method of deciding which of the Dexos products best suits your needs is to look at the owner’s manual for your car.
If it doesn’t specify which one you should use, it is safe to assume that you don’t need to use either.
On the other hand, if it gives you a specific one to use, be sure you are using the recommended type.
What brands of oil are Dexos?
The list of oils that use Dexos is quite large.
Some of the larger, more recognizable names that use this kind of product are GM, Vesco, Castrol, Shell, Amalie, ExxonMobil, Valvoline, and many more.
These companies among others make oil that meets the industry standards and the API requirements as well.
How much is a Dexos oil change?
To get an oil change with this product, you’ll most likely end up paying an extra 30 percent.
The price difference is generally considered to be worth it; using this oil, your car will see better performance, and you will usually only need an oil change every 10,000 miles as opposed to every 3,000 miles with other kinds of oil.
What happens if Dexos oil isn’t used?
Users state that there are no issues when they don’t use Dexos as long as the fuel is synthetic.
Car manufacturers claim that Dexos will increase the performance. It is best to use the oil just to be safe, as not using it when recommended may affect your warranty.
Final Thoughts
Dexos 1 and Dexos 2 are both premium fuel lubricant systems that get the job done.
They both work well in protecting your car’s engine from sulfur damage, while also keeping it clean and running at its best.
Even so, they are not entirely interchangeable because they adhere to different API standards.
Consult your car’s owner’s manual or talk to the manufacturer directly to figure out which one you should use.
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Based in Orem (Utah) John Paterson graduated from Utah Valley University and has begun writing in 2009. He has a large wealth of experience in writing articles related to cars, automotive repair, wheels, cleaning/maintenance, and much more. He has also written instructional articles in a similar niche for a few online publications as well. Currently, he works as a mechanic in his personal garage shop where he loves serving his countrymen from his heart.
