1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Oil Type & Capacity: 5W-30 (4.0 quarts)
The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier takes 5W-30 motor oil — 4.0 quarts with a filter change, per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
5W-30 — 4.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 3T40/MD9 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4T40E/MN4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 2D Coupe, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic, 3T40/MD9 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Automatic, 4T40E/MN4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Base, 4D Sedan, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| LS, 2.2 4 | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| LS, 2.4 T | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| RS, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| RS, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Z24, 2D Convertible, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Z24, 2D Convertible, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Z24, 2D Coupe, Automatic | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Z24, 2D Coupe, Standard | API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
More factory specs & repair guides for your Cavalier
🛞 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
10.3 quarts (9.74 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean water (preferably distilled)
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier take?
The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier takes 5W-30 motor oil (API - SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below 0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F)), per the factory service manual.
What is the oil capacity of a 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier?
The 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier oil capacity is 4.0 quarts with a filter change.
How often should I change the oil in my 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Most 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Chevrolet recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1998 Chevrolet Cavalier. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.