With a handsome exterior and spunky V-6 engine, the 2017 GMC Acadia has gained traction in the midsize crossover market. You'll need to know your engine's oil capacity if you’d like to keep your GMC engine performing at its best.

Maintaining a midsize vehicle can get expensive, especially when you’re paying for labor at a garage. If you’re ready to cut the costs of repairs and replacements, try your hand at some at-home vehicle maintenance. Luckily, you don’t need to be an automotive expert to change your oil, and with the right tools and knowledge, you can complete it from home!

For a breakdown of your 2017 GMC Acadia 3.6 engine’s oil capacity, what oil to use, and how to change your oil,

Jerry

, the

car insurance

expert, has all you need to know. Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to keep your GMC Acadia 3.6 in great shape—including a tip to lower your

GMC Acadia insurance costs

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2017 GMC Acadia 3.6’s engine oil capacity

Let’s start with the big question: just how much engine oil does a 2017 GMC Acadia need?

Your 2017 GMC Acadia 3.6 has an engine oil capacity of 6 quarts or 5.7 liters. However, when it comes to the numbers specifying your engine, it can be easy to confuse one for another.

Your

engine displacement

, the measure of the cylinder volume of your car’s pistons, is not interchangeable with your oil capacity, the amount of oil your vehicle needs for an oil change.

What kind of oil does a 2017 GMC Acadia 3.6 need?

Now that you know your engine oil capacity, it’s time to find out what kind of oil you need. That's right—your oil capacity isn’t the only specification involved. Before you grab the first 6-liter bottle you see, you’ll need to ensure you’re getting the right oil for your car.

When you’re scanning the aisles, look for what the manufacturers recommend: SAE 5W-30 engine oil. It's up to you whether you grab a synthetic or conventional oil. Don’t worry; we’ll break down each number and letter specification, so you’ll know exactly what you’re putting in your vehicle.

SAE is the entity that codes the oil, the Society of Automotive Engineers. The numbers refer to the oil’s viscosity level at different temperatures. The 5 preceding the “W,” which stands for “winter,” tells us that the oil has a low viscosity at 0°F. In other words, this oil will flow with ease at lower temperatures.

The number 30 indicates how well the oil will flow at the smoking hot engine running temperature of 212°F. The lower the number, the easier the oil will flow!

The genuine article: GMC recommends

Mobil 1 Motor Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2017 GMC Acadia 3.6

Once you’ve got your 6-liter bottle of SAE 0W-20 oil, you’re ready to

change your oil and filter

! But is it actually time for an oil change?

As per GMC’s recommendation, your engine will be ready for an oil change every 7,500 miles. If your vehicle sits in the driveway more often than not, every six months may be easier to remember on your

basic car maintenance schedule

If you’re unsure when the last time you had your oil changed was, you can inspect your oil and look out for the following signs that it needs to be changed:

Coarse, gritty, or dark oil

Burning or smoky odors

Strange noises coming from the engine

Declining vehicle performance

MORE:

GMC lug pattern guide

How to change your oil and oil filter

Let’s get to the nitty gritty: changing your engine’s oil! Fortunately, getting your hands dirty for an oil change is easier than you might think. Just be prepared with a socket wrench, drain pan, filter wrench, and a replacement filter, and you’ll be a maintenance expert in no time!

To get started, turn your engine on and allow it to run. Once warm, you can turn the engine off and

open the hood of your car

. Follow these steps to change your oil:

Remove the oil fill cap, oil drain bolt, and washer

Let the old oil drain into the drain pan

Install the new filter

With a new washer, install and tighten the drain bolt

Refill the engine with your new oil and put the cap back on

Bonus step: If you have a dipstick on hand, ensure you’ve added the right amount of oil to your engine.

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.

Once you’ve completed all the steps, you can turn your engine on to test the new oil and check for any leaks. If everything was done correctly, your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

should be off!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And there you have it—fresh oil in your GMC! With regular at-home vehicle maintenance, you’ll

save money on your car expenses

down the line. Another way to cut the costs on your vehicle is with

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