2008 GMC Sierra 3500 Engine Oil Capacity
Never changed your oil before? That’s ok, because we can tell you everything you need to know about your Sierra 3500’s oil capacity, plus some helpful tips!
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
With almost unbelievable towing and hauling capacities, a smooth, quiet ride, and an excellent overall build quality, the 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 is a monster of a truck that can go just about anywhere and do just about anything. To get the most out of it, though, you’ll have to keep up with its scheduled oil maintenance.
It’s always something with cars. Sometimes it seems like you’ll be fixing the A/C one day only to have the side view mirror fall off the next. One thing you absolutely have to stay on top of, though, is proper oil maintenance. You can save a good deal of money by doing it at home, provided you have the proper know-how.
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, can tell you everything you need to know about changing the oil in your 2008 GMC Sierra 3500. We've even got an extra tip to lower your GMC Sierra 3500 insurance costs
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2008 GMC Sierra 3500 engine oil capacity
Let’s get right down to brass tacks: how much oil does a 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 need?
The Sierra 3500’s 6.0-liter V8 engine has an oil capacity of 6 quarts, or 5.7-liters.
As a quick aside, it’s very important that you don’t conflate the engine’s displacement with its oil capacity, as these are two completely different things. Capacity is the amount of oil that you need to add in order to complete a proper oil change, while the displacement is the amount of oil that the engine’s cylinders need to function correctly.
What kind of oil does a 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 need?
Ok, so we’ve determined how much oil your 2008 Sierra 3500 needs, but what specific type of oil does it take? Different engines use different kinds of oil, so don’t just grab the first container you see at the auto parts store. According to GMC, a 2008 Sierra 3500 needs 5W-30 motor oil, although 0W-30 is also acceptable for cold weather. It's up to you whether you use synthetic or conventional oil.
What do those numbers and letters actually mean, though? The numbers refer to the oil’s level of viscosity (the thickness of it), while the “W” stands for winter. The 5 that comes before the “W” tells us that the oil is less viscous at lower temperatures, while the 30 means that it also has a low viscosity at very high temperatures. You want an oil with high ratings in these categories because it will perform very well in all types of weather, while the low viscosity will contribute to less wear and tear on your engine.
How often to change oil on a 2011 GMC Terrain
Once you’ve established how much and what kind of oil your Sierra 3500 needs, it’s time to get in there and
change your oil
.For reference, GMC suggests that you change your oil as part of your
basic car maintenance schedule
every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil. If you have a commute or otherwise drive every day, it might be better to try changing your oil every six months.You’ll have a little more time between changes with synthetic oil. Experts say synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500–10,000 miles. The Sierra 3500 can use synthetic oil, so this might be worth considering.
One way to be sure your oil is good is to check it regularly, like once every month or every other time you get gas. When you do, look for signs that it’s time for a change, like:
- You notice strange noises emanating from the engine
- You smell an unpleasant, strange odor, like oil, smoke, or burning
- You observe that your vehicle is not performing properly
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
Get ahead of my car maintenance
* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score
How to change your oil and oil filter
Alright, it’s officially time to get our hands dirty. First, gather your tools—you’ll need a socket wrench, drain pan, and a filter wrench to take off the old oil filter. You’ll also need to purchase a new oil filter and five quarts of premium 5W-30 engine oil.
When you’re ready to start, let your engine run for about 5 minutes, until it reaches a normal operating temperature. Then, turn off the engine and follow these steps:
- Take off the oil fill cap
- Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing the old oil to leak into the drain pan
- Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain
- Install the new filter
- Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft
- Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap
It
shouldn't take long to change the oil
, but it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.Use the dipstick to make sure that you’ve put enough oil into the engine. If the level is correct, allow the vehicle to idle for a few minutes while you watch for any leaks. If you did everything right, the
oil pressure light
on the dashboard will switch off.Finally, it’s time to clean up. Do not pour the dirty oil on the ground or throw it in the trash. Dirty oil is a serious contaminant, and it can easily seep through the ground and into the local water supply. Always seal the oil in a proper container and bring it to your nearest recycling center.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
Now that’s how you do it! Performing scheduled oil changes (and other maintenance) at home is a great way to
save money on your car expenses
! Plus, your vehicle will certainly thank you for it.If you happen to take a liking to saving your precious money and time, you should check out the
Jerry
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