The 2013 GMC Acadia is a great crossover SUV that gets top marks for handling, safety, cargo space, and reliability. You need to keep your Acadia running like new, and one way to do that is by knowing its engine oil capacity and maintaining a regular

car maintenance schedule

The cost of owning a vehicle goes beyond just the initial price tag. You’ll have to pay for everything from insurance to maintenance fees. If you own a 2013 GMC Acadia, you can help reduce your maintenance costs by performing your own oil changes. You just need to refer to the owner’s manual beforehand to be sure you’re using the right type and amount of oil for your model.

Not everyone keeps their manual handy—or you might just need a bit more info on 2013 GMC Acadia’s oil capacity. Either way, we’ve got you covered.

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comparison app, is here to guide you through the process of changing the oil and help you save on your .

2013 GMC Acadia engine oil capacity

To start, you need to know how much engine oil your 2013 GMC Acadia needs.

The 3.6 L V6 engine of a GMC Acadia has an oil capacity of 6.4 qt. However, it’s very important to note that engine displacement is not the same as oil capacity. Your engine’s displacement refers to the 3.6 L volume its cylinders take up, while the oil capacity refers to the amount of oil the vehicle needs in order to run.

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What kind of oil does a 2013 GMC Acadia need?

Contrary to popular belief, not all engine oils are created equal! You never want to buy one just because it’s on sale. For the 2013 GMC Acadia, the manufacturer recommends ACDelco SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend

If you’re confused by the product name, here’s a quick primer. The numbers in the oil grade are the oil’s viscosity, or its thickness. The “W” stands for winter. The 5 before “W” refers to this oil’s having a low viscosity at 0°F, whereas the 30 means that it’s relatively thin at a blazing hot 212°F.

Your vehicle needs this type of oil to perform well in cold weather conditions, and also because its low viscosity results in less engine wear and tear.

GMC does say that it’s okay to use a synthetic oil blend in your 2013 GMC or even a full synthetic.

GMC recommends the use of ACDelco motor oil. The owner’s manual recommendation is

ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil on a 2013 GMC Acadia

It’s time to pull up your mechanic coveralls and determine whether you need to

change your oil

You should perform an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. It’s best to err on the side of caution and not wait until you hit 5,000 miles. Being proactive about your car’s maintenance should save you money down the road.

You should check your oil level regularly, about every month or so, if you want to be extra diligent. The following signs indicate that you need to change your oil:

You discover a new smell(s) like oil, smoke, or burning

Your vehicle’s overall performance changes

Your engine is making unfamiliar noises

MORE:

Car loans for GMC

How to change your oil and oil filter

To change your oil, you’ll need these tools:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement filter

And, of course, don’t forget, five quarts of 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil.

The first step is to run the car’s engine for a while. You want it to reach its normal operating temperature. If the weather is normal, this should only take about five minutes. Then, turn off the engine, pop the hood, and follow these directions:

Take off the oil fill cap

Go under the engine and take off the oil drain bolt and washer. The old oil will drain into the drain pan.

Install a new filter per the part’s instructions

Replace the oil drain bolt with a new washer and tighten until it reaches 29 lb-ft

Refill with your new oil (making sure you are using the right type)

Replace the fill cap

Using the dipstick, confirm that you’ve added the right amount of oil. At this point, you should be all done. The last step is to run the vehicle for several minutes while monitoring for leaks. You know you’ve done a good job if your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

is now off.

For cleanup, do not pour out any dirty oil onto the ground or put it in your trash bin. To safely dispose of it, pour it into a sealed container and deliver it to a recycling center.

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 regular insurance policy maintenance

Regular maintenance—including oil changes—should keep your 2013 GMC Acadia running like new. And by doing it yourself, you not only get a sense of accomplishment but you also save time and money.

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