2011 GMC Terrain Engine Oil Capacity

New at changing oil? That’s ok, because we can tell you everything you need to know about your Terrain’s oil capacity, plus some helpful tips!
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
With a roomy backseat, good fuel economy, and top-rated safety scores, the 2011 GMC
Terrain
is a great family SUV with plenty to like about it. To keep it in fighting shape, though, you need to perform regular oil maintenance.
It’s an unfortunate truth, but sometimes cars can be just plain needy. One minute you’ll be topping off the power steering fluid, while the next might find you roaming the aisles in the gas station, looking for windshield wiper fluid. Easily the most important fluid to monitor, though, is the engine oil. Changing your engine oil at home is a great way to save money, but what if you don’t know how?
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2011 GMC Terrain engine oil capacity

So how much oil do you need for a 2011 GMC Terrain?
The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine on the Terrain has an oil capacity of 5 quarts, or 4.7 liters
As you read up on your car and what it needs, you might come across the word displacement—which describes the amount of oil that the cylinders in the engine need to work properly. Always remember that oil displacement and oil capacity are different things and not interchangeable.

What kind of oil does a 2011 GMC Terrain need?

Now that we’ve determined exactly how much oil your 2011 Terrain requires, it’s time to talk about what type of oil it needs. Not all engines use the same type of oil, so don’t just grab the first container you see at the auto parts store. For the Terrain, you need to purchase SAE 5W-30 oil. That’s what the folks at
GMC
recommend, and it’s best to take their word for it.
In case you were wondering, 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” indicates that the oil is less viscous at lower temperatures, while the 30 means that it also has a low viscosity at the engine’s normal operating temperature of 212°F.
Basically, you want an oil that rates well 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
For the best result according to the manufacturer, use
SAE 5W-30
. In areas of extreme cold, where the temperature falls below -29ºF (-20ºC), an SAE 0W-30 oil is also acceptable.

How often to change oil on a 2011 GMC Terrain

Now that you know how much oil your Terrain needs and what type to use, it’s time to get down to business and change your oil.
Since the Terrain takes synthetic oil, GMC recommends that you get an oil change every 7,500–10,000 miles or so.
That seems pretty easy to remember, but it’s still important to check your oil regularly. Try checking it about once each month, or every second time you get gas, for instance. When you check it, pay attention to the level of oil, as well as the following signs it’s time for an oil change: 
  • Strange noises start coming from the engine
  • You notice an unusual smell, like oil, smoke, or burning
  • You observe changes in your vehicle’s performance
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

You’ve figured out that your Terrain is in need of an oil change, but where do you go from here? First things first, assemble a few
essential car tools and supplies
. You will need a socket wrench, drain pan, and a filter wrench to take off the old oil filter. Of course, you’ll also have to get a new oil filter and five quarts of 5W-30 oil. Begin by letting your engine run for a few minutes. After five minutes or so, it should reach standard operating temperature. Once that’s done, turn off the engine and follow these steps:
  • Remove the oil fill cap
  • Take off the oil drain bolt and washer and let the old oil leak into the drain pan 
  • Remove the old oil filter and keep letting the oil drain 
  • Put on the new filter
  • Use a new washer to replace the old drain bolt and tighten it to 29 lb-ft
  • Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap 
After changing your oil, 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.
Don’t forget to use the dipstick to make sure you’ve put the right amount of oil into the engine. Then, let the vehicle idle for several minutes while watching out for any leaks. If everything is right,
your car's oil pressure light
should switch off after a few minutes.
Last, but certainly not least, is cleanup. Do not, under any circumstances, pour the dirty oil on the ground or throw it in the trash. Place the dirty oil in a sealed container and bring it to the nearest recycling center. 

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Congratulations, you did it! Doing preventative maintenance on your 2011 GMC Terrain helps you save both time and money! 
If you’re looking for other great ways to save time and money, check out the
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