2016 GMC Sierra’s Engine Oil Capacity

Not sure how to find the 2016 GMC Sierra’s engine oil capacity? We’ve got all the specs your owner’s manual has—plus some extra tips!
Written by Mariza Morin
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The 2016
GMC Sierra
is larger than life not only in terms of size but performance power as well thanks to its mighty V8 engine. But to keep this heavy-duty pickup truck in tip-top shape, knowing its engine oil capacity is a must. 
The cost of owning a powerful vehicle can quickly add up over the years. But if you have a 2016 GMC Sierra, you can save time and money by changing your oil at home. Of course, this entails knowing the correct oil type and capacity for your full-size pickup truck.
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2016 GMC Sierra’s engine oil capacity

First things first: how much engine oil does a 2016 GMC Sierra require?
The oh-so-powerful 5.3-liter V8 engine equipped in your 2016 Sierra has an oil capacity of 8 quarts or 7.6 liters. But please note that your engine’s displacement (or the 5.3-liter volume its cylinders take up) is not the same thing as oil capacity—which means the amount of oil necessary for an oil change. 

What kind of oil does a 2016 GMC Sierra need?

Once you figure out the exact engine that’s under your hood and how much oil your Sierra requires, you can choose your oil type. As you may have guessed, you can’t just use any engine oil! GMC’s owner manual suggests using SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil and it’s crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s recommendation. 
But what exactly does the “0W-20” label mean? The number 0 refers to the oil’s viscosity (or how thick it is) when the engine is cold at startup. The “W” stands for winter, while the number 20 is the viscosity at higher temperatures. 
To put it another way, your pickup truck requires this oil type because it will function better under cold weather conditions as its low viscosity will create less damage to your engine

How often to change the oil in a 2016 GMC Sierra

Now that you’re a pro when it comes to the oil capacity and type for your 2016 GMC Sierra, it’s time to get your hands dirty and finally
change out your oil
If you’re using conventional oil, GMC recommends changing your oil out every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. But if you’re frequently behind the wheel, every six months is even better to ensure your oil stays clean so your engine can perform properly.  
But if you’re going with the recommended full synthetic oil, car experts recommend changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. With synthetic oil, you can get away with waiting longer between oil changes. 
Given that these are wide ranges, it’s best to regularly check your oil levels about once a month. If you’ve noticed a change in your truck’s performance or you’re starting to notice
unusual noises
or smells coming from your engine—it might be time to change your oil!

How to change your oil and oil filter

Ready to finally change your oil? First, gather all your tools including a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, and a replacement filter. And obviously, don’t forget the star of the show: eight quarts of fully synthetic 0W-20 engine oil. 
You’ll want to start by running your engine until it achieves normal operating temperature. Once you get to this point, you’ll then turn off the engine, pop open the hood, and perform the following steps:
  • Take off the oil cap
  • Detach the oil drain bolt and washer beneath the engine in order to drain the old oil into the drain pan 
  • Take off the old oil filter and let the oil continue to drain 
  • Replace the old filter with a new filter
  • Take out the oil drain plug and replace it with a new washer, then tighten it to 29 lb-ft
  • Pour new oil into the engine
You can use a dipstick to ensure that you’ve poured in enough oil. After you’ve changed your oil, turn your vehicle back on for a couple of minutes and keep an eye out for leaks. If your
oil pressure light
has turned off on your dashboard, then congrats—you’ve successfully changed your oil!
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

Learning basic maintenance skills like changing the oil for your 2016 GMC Sierra will not only
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, but you’ll also save money! But do you know what else will help you save time and money? Finding the best insurance coverage around with comparison super app
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