If you're in the market for a reliable crossover, look no further than the 2012 GMC Terrain with its stylish cabin, sophisticated ride, and efficient engine. If you want this strong engine to run fluidly, knowing its oil capacity—5 quarts—is essential.

Simple, regular maintenance, like oil changes, can greatly increase your car's longevity. You can save time and money by doing this yourself at home if you know the oil capacity and ideal oil type for your GMC Terrain.

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2012 GMC Terrain engine oil capacity

First, let's go through how much oil your 2012 GMC Terrain needs.

The 182-hp, 2.4-liter engine in the 2012 GMC Terrain has an oil capacity of 5 quarts. Keep in mind that the 2.4 liters listed does not indicate the capacity of the oil tank, but rather the displacement of the engine.

Displacement refers to the total volume of air and fuel sucked into a single cylinder, while oil capacity refers to the volume of oil needed to keep an engine's moving parts from seizing up. Don't use one in place of the other; doing so could cause you to underfill your engine and permanently damage it.

What kind of oil does a 2012 GMC Terrain need?

Now that we know how much oil your 2012 GMC Terrain can hold, we can figure out exactly what kind of oil it needs! The best oil to use is SAE 5W-30; this is the oil grade recommended by GMC, and it is always best to stay with what the manufacturer suggests.

The letter "W" stands for winter in an oil rating, while the numbers represent how thick the oil becomes at different temperatures. Low values indicate that the oil remains very thin even when cold. The 5W rating for your GMC signifies that the oil remains quite thin (albeit not as thin as 0W oil) under chilly operating temperatures.

Here are some particular recommendations for engine oils in the GMC Terrain, in case you're not sure where to begin:

Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30 Motor Oil

Castrol EDGE® 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil

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How often to change the oil on a 2012 GMC Terrain

GMC recommends that you change your 2018 Terrain's oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. To prevent the oil from turning into sludge, you should change it every six months regardless of how often or how many miles you drive.

Keep in mind that you should also check your oil level on a regular basis; once a month when you fill up with gas, use the dipstick to see what level it's at.

Lastly, if you notice any issues, it's probably time for an oil change. Several warning signs that your GMC Terrain needs an oil change ASAP include:

Oil is dark brown or black (clean oil is light amber similar to honey)

Grittier texture

The engine is making unusual noises

Strange odors, especially anything that smells smoky or burnt

Changes in your vehicle's performance

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How to change your oil and oil filter

When you get your oil changed, you should always change the oil filter as well. If you're handy and want to save money, you can get this done by yourself!

Gather the following equipment before you begin: jacks, a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a new filter, new 5W-30 oil, and fabric rags to soak up any debris.

Warm up the engine by running your car on level ground for a few minutes before starting. Then, pop the hood and complete these steps:

Raise the car up on jack stands so you can access the engine

Take off the oil drain plug and position the drain pan beneath it

Loosen the drain plug, then the oil filter

Let the used oil run out into the pan

Remove the old filter by tightening the drain bolt

Replace the old filter with a new one

Pour in some fresh oil

Put on a new oil cap and make sure there are no leaks!

The final step in a DIY oil change is to dispose of the old oil. Check with your city to determine if old motor oil in a sealed container is accepted at any local waste or recycling sites. Don't just throw it out on the street or in the trash!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Regular maintenance is the greatest way to keep your ride going smoothly, but when the unexpected happens, you'll need a high-quality GMC Terrain car insurance policy!

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