GM Goodwrench Oil(What Happened to GM Goodwrench Oil?)

Goodwrench Oil, developed by General Motors, is specifically formulated to meet the high standards of GM vehicles. It’s designed to provide superior protection and performance, ensuring that your engine remains in top condition.

GM Goodwrench Oil

GM Goodwrench Oil

Goodwrench Oil has been a cornerstone of General Motors’ commitment to vehicle care and maintenance for decades. Launched under the broader Mr. Goodwrench service brand in the 1970s, Goodwrench Oil was developed to meet the specific needs of GM vehicles.

The brand quickly became synonymous with quality and reliability, offering oils and lubricants designed to optimize the performance and longevity of GM engines. Goodwrench Oil was tailored to work seamlessly with the engineering specifications of Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC vehicles, ensuring that GM owners could trust their oil to provide the best possible protection.

The Mr. Goodwrench campaign, which included the promotion of Goodwrench Oil, ran for nearly four decades before GM retired the Mr. Goodwrench name in 2010. This decision was part of GM’s strategy to shift focus from the overarching GM brand to its individual car brands.

Despite the end of the Mr. Goodwrench campaign, Goodwrench Oil remains a trusted product for those looking to maintain the peak performance of their GM vehicles, carrying on the legacy of quality and excellence that the Goodwrench name represents.

Read Is MAG1 Oil Good(Unbelievable Benefits)

Who Makes GM Goodwrench Oil?

GM Goodwrench Oil has historically been produced by various oil manufacturers under contract with General Motors. These manufacturers are responsible for creating oil formulations that meet the specific requirements and high standards set by GM.

The oil is designed to work optimally with GM vehicles, ensuring that it meets the necessary viscosity, performance, and protection criteria. Over the years, major oil companies like ExxonMobil and others have been involved in producing Goodwrench Oil, maintaining the product’s reputation for quality and reliability.

Key Features of Goodwrench Oil

Goodwrench Oil is known for several key features that make it a top choice for GM vehicle owners:

  • High-Quality Additives: Goodwrench Oil contains advanced additives that provide superior protection against wear, rust, and corrosion.
  • Excellent Viscosity Stability: The oil maintains its viscosity across a wide range of temperatures, ensuring consistent engine protection whether the engine is cold or hot.
  • Enhanced Detergency: It effectively cleans the engine by breaking down sludge and dirt, preventing deposits from forming and maintaining engine cleanliness.
  • Long-Lasting Performance: Goodwrench Oil is designed to last longer between oil changes, offering extended protection and reducing the frequency of maintenance.

Read Royal Purple oil vs Mobil 1(Which Oil Outperforms the Other)

What Happened to GM Goodwrench?

The GM Goodwrench brand, including its well-known “Mr. Goodwrench” campaign, was discontinued by General Motors in 2010. This move was part of GM’s broader strategy to rebrand and focus more on its individual car brands, such as Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC.

The decision to retire the Goodwrench brand marked the end of an era, as GM aimed to create a “new GM” identity that emphasized innovation and the distinctiveness of its vehicle brands.

Although Mr. Goodwrench’s name is no longer in use, the quality and legacy of Goodwrench Oil continue to resonate with GM vehicle owners.

Is Goodwrench Oil Available in 2024?

As of 2024, GM Goodwrench Oil is not widely available in the market. While the Goodwrench brand has been largely phased out, some automotive retailers and online platforms may still carry remaining stock.

However, for those seeking oil products specifically designed for GM vehicles, it is advisable to look for alternative options recommended by GM, such as ACDelco oils, which are widely available and meet the necessary specifications for GM engines.

GM Goodwrench Oil Specifications

GM Goodwrench Oil was formulated to meet the stringent specifications required by GM engines. These specifications include maintaining optimal viscosity under various temperatures, providing robust protection against wear and tear, and ensuring the cleanliness of the engine by preventing sludge buildup.

The oil was available in different viscosity grades, such as 5W-30 and 15W-40, to cater to different engine types and driving conditions. Although the Goodwrench Oil brand is not as prominent today, the standards it uphold continue to influence the products recommended for GM vehicles.

GM Goodwrench Oil 5W-30

The 5W-30 grade of GM Goodwrench Oil was one of the most popular options for GM vehicles, particularly for cars and light trucks. This multi-grade oil provided excellent protection across a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for both cold starts and high-temperature driving conditions.

The 5W-30 formulation was designed to reduce friction and wear, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance overall engine performance. It was especially recommended for modern GM engines that required specific viscosity levels for optimal performance.

What is GM Recommended Oil?

General Motors (GM) recommends using oils that meet the specific standards outlined in their vehicles’ owner manuals. One of the most common GM-recommended oils is ACDelco, which is GM’s own brand of oil and other automotive fluids.

ACDelco oils are designed to meet the exacting specifications required by GM engines, ensuring optimal performance, protection, and longevity.

What is GM Recommended Oil

Another important specification to look for is the dexos® certification. Dexos is a global engine oil specification developed by GM that is designed to improve performance in gasoline engines. Oils that meet the dexos1™ Gen 2 (for gasoline engines) and dexos2™ (for diesel engines) standards are typically recommended for modern GM vehicles.

These oils provide better protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), turbocharger deposit control, and improved fuel economy compared to conventional oils.

Read Honda Recommended Oil(Choose the Right Oil)

What Oils are GM Approved?

GM-approved oils are those that meet the stringent Dexos® certification standards. Here are some examples of GM-approved oils:

  • ACDelco Dexos1 Full Synthetic Oil: This oil is specifically formulated to meet GM’s Dexos1 standards, providing enhanced engine protection and performance. It’s recommended for most GM gasoline engines.
  • Mobil 1 Extended Performance: A popular choice among GM owners, Mobil 1 is often approved by GM for its advanced full synthetic formula that meets or exceeds dexos1 specifications.
  • Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic: Pennzoil Platinum is another GM-approved oil that meets the DEXOS specifications, offering excellent protection and performance for GM engines.
  • Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic: Valvoline’s full synthetic oil is Dexos 1 certified, making it a suitable choice for GM vehicles, providing strong performance and engine protection.
  • Castrol EDGE Full Synthetic: This oil meets DEXOS standards and is known for its strong performance under extreme conditions, making it a reliable option for GM vehicles.

For diesel engines, GM often recommends oils that meet dexos2™ standards, such as ACDelco dexos2™ Diesel Motor Oil or other brands that have the dexos2™ certification.

Final Word

Choosing the right oil is crucial for maintaining your GM vehicle’s performance and longevity. Goodwrench Oil, with its history of quality and reliability, remains a respected choice among GM enthusiasts, even though it’s not widely available today.

For modern GM vehicles, oils like ACDelco and other Dexos-certified options are recommended to ensure your engine receives the protection it needs.

Ryan Gary
Ryan Gary

With a solid foundation of 20 years in the mechanical industry and a Mechanical Engineering degree, Ryan Gary brings a deep understanding of automotive systems to Engine Oil Journal.
Driven by a passion for vehicles and a commitment to providing accurate information, he created this platform to empower drivers to make informed decisions about engine oil care.

Newsletter Updates

Enter your email address below and subscribe to our newsletter