2015 GMC Sierra 5.3 Engine Oil Capacity

Looking for the oil capacity of your 2015 GMC Sierra 5.3? We’ve got all the information and tips you’ll need.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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The 2015 GMC Sierra 5.3 is a full-size truck with numerous customization possibilities, including two bed lengths, three cab designs, and rear- or four-wheel drive. However, knowing the engine oil capacity—8 quarts—is critical for keeping this powerful truck running at top performance.
Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, is a surprisingly simple strategy to extend your car's life on the road. If you want to save time and money by changing your own oil, you should first understand your Sierra's oil capacity and which type to use.
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2015 GMC Sierra 5.3 engine oil capacity 

First, let's figure out how much oil your GMC Sierra 5.3 needs.
The 2015 GMC Sierra 5.3, as the name suggests, sports a 5.3-liter V8 engine with an 8-quart oil capacity. The 5.3 liters relates to the displacement of the engine, not the amount of oil it can actually contain.
The displacement of an engine is the total volume of air and fuel swept into one cylinder, whereas oil capacity is the amount of oil necessary to keep the engine's components greased and functioning effectively. Don’t mix the two up, as you might end up underfilling your engine!

What kind of oil does a 2015 GMC Sierra 5.3 need?

Knowing how much oil a 2015 GMC Sierra 5.3 can hold, we can move on to figuring out the best type of oil for your car. There are numerous types of oil on the market, but SAE 5W-30 is your best bet—this is the oil that GMC suggests, and it's always a good idea to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
The "W" stands for winter, while the "5" in front of it indicates that this oil blend will remain thin enough to flow fast even when the weather is chilly. The number “30” after the "W" indicates how thick the oil is at the engine's normal operating temperature.
For your Sierra, we recommend the following oils:
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How often to change the oil on a 2015 GMC Sierra 5.3

We've covered how much and what kind of oil you'll need; now it's time for an oil change!
As the synthetic blend provides increased engine protection, GMC recommends changing the oil every 3,500 to 5,000 miles. You still need to change your oil every six months to prevent it from turning into sludge, regardless of how often or how many miles you put on your car.
Keep an eye on your oil levels and make sure to change them when necessary to extend the life of your vehicle and prevent costly engine repairs (once a month ideally). In addition, keep an eye out for these warning signs that it might be time to change your oil:
  • The oil has turned black or very dark brown
  • The oil feels rough or gritty
  • You notice strange engine noises
  • You can smell smoke or fire coming from your engine
  • You notice changes in how well your vehicle runs

How to change your oil and oil filter

The oil change procedure requires the use of jacks, a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a replacement filter, and a rag. Just grab some 5W-30 engine oil and you'll be good to go.
Start by heating up the engine for a few minutes on a flat surface. Then, turn off your GMC Sierra 5.3, pop the hood, and do the following:
  • Raise the car on jack stands so that you can get to the engine
  • Pull the oil drain plug out from under the engine to let oil flow into the pan
  • Use the filter wrench to take off the old oil filter and let the oil drain
  • Before putting in the new filter, clean the surface where it will be mounted
  • Tighten the oil drain bolt to 20 lb-ft.
  • Add new oil to the engine and put the fill cap back on
Use the dipstick to check the oil level and look for any leaks while the engine is running to make sure you've done everything right. Then you're all done!
But as a final step, make sure to get rid of your used engine oil correctly. Since it is a toxic substance, you can't just throw it away anywhere. There are many places where you can drop off used oil to be recycled, and some auto shops and dealerships will also take it.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

As a car owner, you understand the significance of routine maintenance on your 2015 GMC Sierra 5.3. Another essential is properly maintaining your
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