The 2013 GMC Terrain is a nice crossover SUV that is big for a small car and looks like a luxury car from the inside out. But if you want your SUV to run well, you need to keep up with routine maintenance—like knowing the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine uses 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters) of oil, while the 3.6-liter V6 engine uses 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters).
Any vehicle has its costs, whether you’re pumping gas or paying for insurance. One way to cut long-term bills is by staying on top of maintenance–you can even change the oil yourself. Just be sure you get the correct oil before you do anything!
If the owner’s manual has ended up in that alternate dimension where all lost items go, you can skip digging around and let us give you the info you’re looking for. We’ll review which oil to use and tips on changing the oil.
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A good place to start is “How much engine oil does a 2013 GMC Terrain need?”
It depends on the engine type your SUV has. If your vehicle has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, you’re looking at a capacity of 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters). On the other hand, the 3.6-liter V6 engine has a 6.0 quarts (5.7 liters) capacity.
Be careful not to confuse your engine's oil capacity, the amount of oil needed for each oil change, with its displacement, and the 2.4 or 3.6-liter volume its cylinders occupy. Avoid the mistake of thinking that an engine's displacement and oil capacity are the same.
What kind of oil does a 2013 GMC Terrain need?
Of course, you also need to use the right oil since each engine has its own requirements for what will keep it in the best condition.
GMC’s owner manual for the 2013 GMC Terrain states that you should use ACDelco dexos1 Synthetic Blend SAE 5W-30
. If the temperature drops below −20°F, then you can use an SAE 0W-30 oil until it gets warmer. However, avoid swapping the oil out for something else just because it’s cheaper–GMC recommends 5W-30 oil so your engine lasts for a long time. What does all that refer to? The "W" is for winter, while the numbers indicate the viscosity, or thickness, of the oil. This oil has a low viscosity at 0°F (the 5W), and it’s also relatively thin at 212°F (the 30). Oil viscosity is coded by the Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE for short.
Basically, you want an oil with these numbers because it will operate effectively in cold weather thanks to its viscosity. A synthetic oil, like the one GMC recommends, includes ingredients meant to minimize engine wear and tear, as well as build-up, so it helps your motor run better.
How often to change oil on a 2013 GMC Terrain
It's time to change your oil
now that you are an authority on the oil capacity and type for your 2013 GMC Terrain. You just need to get the timing right. If you use traditional oil, experts advise changing it every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If you don't use your SUV all that much, once every six months is still a good idea so the oil remains clean.
However, since GMC recommends using synthetic oil, you can put off oil changes for much longer. Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles is fine for synthetic oil since it’s easier on the engine and it produces less gunk to clog up the motor.
Those rules might seem too vague, however. Regularly check your oil level so you're changing the oil when your SUV actually needs it–GMC recommends you do this every time you fill up. Keep an eye out for hints that you should replace the oil:
Oil that looks dark brown or black
Motor oil with grit in it
The engine makes odd noises or runs louder
You notice anything that smells oily, smoky, or burnt
Performance changes in your vehicle, like poor gas mileage
How to change your oil and oil filter
You’ll need to get supplies ready if it's time for an oil change. To get the job done, have a filter wrench, a drain pan, and a 15 mm socket wrench on hand, plus five or six quarts of synthetic 5W-30 engine oil and a replacement filter.
Run the engine for a bit until it reaches the usual operating temperature–about five minutes in good weather. Next, turn off the engine, pop that hood, and then do the following:
Take off the oil fill cap and set it aside
Remove the oil drain bolt and washer from underneath the engine, then empty the used oil into the drain pan
You can remove the old oil filter while the oil is draining–the filter is under the hood right by the oil dipstick
Put in the brand new filter–there will also be an O ring to put on the cap
Tighten the oil drain bolt to 15 to 18 lb-ft
Add your new oil, then don’t forget to put the oil fill cap back on
Get the new oil circulating by running your SUV for 30 seconds. You’ll want to check that there’s enough oil by using the dipstick to see where the new level is. It’s a good idea to run the engine for several minutes so you can check for leaks as well –if everything is ready to go, the oil pressure light
on the dashboard will turn off again. Cleanup is the final step. Don't dispose of the contaminated oil in the trash or pour it out on the ground. Instead, add it to a closed container and drop it off at a nearby recycling facility or an auto store.
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