U.S. vehicle reference
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Oil Capacity and Oil Type by Engine
The 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 takes 4.5 quarts of SAE 5W-30 with a filter change (4.3L); or 6 quarts of SAE 5W-30 with a filter change (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.2L), according to the Chevrolet owner's manual.
Quoted from the Chevrolet owner's manual with page numbers. Figures online often conflict because they mix engines or with- and without-filter amounts, so match your engine first.
Compiled by Uzman Munib · Record updated · Source and review standards
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 oil capacity and oil type by engine
US quarts by engine, quoted from the Chevrolet owner's manual with the page for each figure. Coverage is limited to the named configurations.
| Engine | Oil capacity | Oil grade | Without filter change | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3L V6 LU34.3L V6 4-speed RWD, 4.3L V6 4-speed 4WD | 4.5 US qtwith filter | SAE 5W-30 | Not stated | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter, PDF p. 5582012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 433Source noteApproximate capacity with filter from the Capacities and Specifications table. Check the dipstick after filling. Checked 2026-10-09. Market: U.S. and Canada. |
| 4.8L V8 L204.8L V8 4-speed RWD, 4.8L V8 4-speed 4WD | 6 US qtwith filter | SAE 5W-30 | Not stated | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter, PDF p. 5582012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 433Source noteApproximate capacity with filter from the Capacities and Specifications table. Check the dipstick after filling. Checked 2026-10-09. Market: U.S. and Canada. |
| 5.3L V8 LMG or LC95.3L V8 6-speed RWD, 5.3L V8 6-speed 4WD | 6 US qtwith filter | SAE 5W-30 | Not stated | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter, PDF p. 5592012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 433Source noteApproximate capacity with filter from the Capacities and Specifications table. Check the dipstick after filling. Checked 2026-10-09. Market: U.S. and Canada. |
| 6.2L V8 L9H6.2L V8 6-speed RWD, 6.2L V8 6-speed 4WD | 6 US qtwith filter | SAE 5W-30 | Not stated | 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil with filter, PDF p. 5592012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 433Source noteApproximate capacity with filter from the Capacities and Specifications table. Check the dipstick after filling. Checked 2026-10-09. Market: U.S. and Canada. |
Silverado 1500 oil capacity in other years
At a glance
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 reference
Use the summary to orient yourself, then open the exact engine, drivetrain and source record below.
Engine oil capacity
4.5 qt with filter
Source
4.3L V6 4-speed RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-09OE tire size
Not published
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Oil Capacity and Oil Type
Oil filter
Not published
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Wheel Torque Specs
Lug nut size
Not published
Fluids
Transmission capacity
Not published
Transmission fluid
DEXRON-VI Automatic Transmission Fluid
Source
4.3L V6 4-speed RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-09Coolant type
DEX-COOL coolant, 50/50 mixture with clean, drinkable water
Source
4.3L V6 4-speed RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-09Brake fluid
DOT 3 hydraulic brake fluid
Source
4.3L V6 4-speed RWD manufacturer referencesAccessed 2026-10-09Power steering fluid
Not published
Differential fluid
Not published
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Spark Plugs and Battery
Spark plugs
Not published
Battery group
Not published
Manufacturer reference gap: 1.52 mm. Manual gives 1.52 mm (0.060 in) for the 4.3 L V6 (LU3). 2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine specifications, PDF p. 561 Accessed 2026-10-09
4.3L V6 4-speed RWD manufacturer references
2012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Capacities and specifications, PDF p. 558 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 433 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Recommended fluids, PDF p. 549 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Wheel nut torque, PDF p. 560 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 MPG by engine and drivetrain
EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 21 mpg across 11 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
| Configuration / engine | City | Highway | Combined | Annual fuel | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silverado C15 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,600 | 522.7647058823529 g/mi |
| Silverado C15 2WD6.2L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,400 | 634.7857142857143 g/mi |
| Silverado C15 2WD4.3L 6-cylinder · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 15 mpg | 20 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,600 | 522.7647058823529 g/mi |
| Silverado C15 2WD4.8L 8-cylinder · Automatic 4-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 14 mpg | 19 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,850 | 555.4375 g/mi |
| Silverado C15 XFE 2WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 15 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg | $3,400 | 493.72222222222223 g/mi |
| Silverado K15 4WD5.3L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $3,600 | 522.7647058823529 g/mi |
| Silverado K15 4WD6.2L 8-cylinder · Automatic 6-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 12 mpg | 18 mpg | 14 mpg | $4,400 | 634.7857142857143 g/mi |
| Silverado K15 4WD4.3L 6-cylinder · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 14 mpg | 18 mpg | 16 mpg | $3,850 | 555.4375 g/mi |
| Silverado K15 4WD4.8L 8-cylinder · Automatic 4-spd · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 13 mpg | 18 mpg | 15 mpg | $4,100 | 592.4666666666667 g/mi |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 2WD6.0L 8-cylinder · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Rear-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423.1904761904762 g/mi |
| Silverado 15 Hybrid 4WD6.0L 8-cylinder · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel Drive · Regular GasolineEPA configuration record | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 21 mpg | $2,950 | 423.1904761904762 g/mi |
Annual fuel figures are the EPA snapshot at the source date. The calculator below uses the separately dated fuel-price record and your inputs, so the estimates may differ.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 annual fuel cost calculator
Start with the combined MPG for 5.3L 8-cylinder, Automatic 6-spd, Rear-Wheel Drive. Replace it with your measured gas mileage and local pump price for a personal budget.
Formula annual miles ÷ MPG × gasoline price
Fuel cost per mile equals gasoline price divided by MPG. Multiply by your annual mileage for a yearly fuel budget. Add maintenance to estimate cost per mile. For a specific journey, budget a road trip and settle passenger shares.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 recall campaigns
NHTSA returned 2 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 21V054000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, PR, AS, GU, the MP, and VI or "Zone A." Additionally GM is recalling certain 2011-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, Yukon XL and 2011-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AZ, AR, DE, DC, IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV or "Zone B." Additionally, GM is recalling certain 2010-2014 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 2500, Silverado 3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 2500, Sierra 3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL and 2010-2013 Cadillac Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, and GMC Sierra 1500 vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed to 40 VIN owners on May 11, 2021. A second owner notification letter was mailed to all other owners on January 24, 2022. Owners may contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328800.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE · 21V051000
General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2012 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT, Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500/3500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Sierra 2500/3500, Yukon, and Yukon XL originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated passenger frontal inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
Remedy: GM will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate one, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 22, 2021. Second notification letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Cadillac customer service at 1-800-458-8006; Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020; and GMC customer service at 1-800-462-8782. GM's number for this recall is N212328770.
2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 NHTSA safety ratings
| Vehicle | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC 4WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC 4WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC 4WD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/CC RWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/EC RWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 PU/RC RWD | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Confirm the engine, tire package and service procedure
Match your engine and transmission with the configuration selector. Check the door-jamb tire label for your installed wheel package and cold pressure. A capacity is not a substitute for the filling procedure in the owner's manual; transmission change quantities and total system capacities can describe different jobs.
Fields marked Not published have no compiled value here. They do not mean zero capacity, no maintenance requirement or permission to substitute a part. Request a specification correction with the exact year, engine and manufacturer reference.
Frequently asked questions
- How much oil does a 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 take?
- 4.3L V6 4-speed RWD: 4.5 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 4.3L V6 4-speed 4WD: 4.5 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 4.8L V8 4-speed RWD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 4.8L V8 4-speed 4WD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 5.3L V8 6-speed RWD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 5.3L V8 6-speed 4WD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 6.2L V8 6-speed RWD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30. 6.2L V8 6-speed 4WD: 6 US qt with filter; SAE 5W-30.
- What type of oil does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 take?
- SAE 5W-30 (4.3L); SAE 5W-30 (4.8L, 5.3L, 6.2L). Specification: dexos1. Use the grade printed in your owner's manual or on the oil filler cap.
- Does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 oil capacity include the filter?
- Yes. These are the owner's manual's with-filter amounts. Check the dipstick after filling.
- What tire size and wheel torque does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 use?
- 4.3L V6 4-speed RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 4.3L V6 4-speed 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 4.8L V8 4-speed RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 4.8L V8 4-speed 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 5.3L V8 6-speed RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 5.3L V8 6-speed 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 6.2L V8 6-speed RWD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb. 6.2L V8 6-speed 4WD: tire size not published; 140 ft-lb.
- What is the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 gas mileage?
- EPA combined ratings run from 14 to 21 mpg across 11 configurations. Match the engine, transmission and drivetrain in the table before comparing fuel costs.
- Are these real-world MPG figures for the Silverado 1500?
- These are EPA ratings, not owner-reported mileage. Use your measured MPG in the calculator to estimate your own fuel budget. The configuration table keeps city, highway and combined ratings separate.
- Does the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 have recalls?
- NHTSA returned 2 model-level campaign records as of 2026-09-04. A campaign record does not establish whether your vehicle is affected or whether a repair is outstanding. Check your VIN through NHTSA.
- Does annual fuel cost include servicing or insurance?
- No. The EPA cost and the calculator cover fuel only. Use the cost-per-mile calculator to add a maintenance allowance. Insurance, depreciation, finance costs and registration are separate ownership expenses.
Compare similar vehicles
Sources and record dates
U.S. EPA FuelEconomy.gov vehicle dataset Accessed 2026-09-05U.S. EIA public gasoline price table Accessed 2026-09-05NHTSA Recalls API Accessed 2026-09-04NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings API Accessed 2026-09-052012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Capacities and specifications, PDF p. 558 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Engine oil viscosity, PDF p. 433 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Recommended fluids, PDF p. 549 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Wheel nut torque, PDF p. 560 Accessed 2026-10-092012 Chevrolet Silverado Owner Manual — Capacities and specifications, PDF p. 559 Accessed 2026-10-09Last updated