2017 GMC Sierra Engine Oil Capacity
The 2017 GMC Sierra’s engine requires 8.0 quarts or 7.5 liters of motor oil for smooth functioning. Here are the details!
Written by Abbey Orzech
Reviewed by Brittni Brinn
The 2017 GMC Sierra has an engine oil capacity of 8.0 quarts or 7.5 liters—be sure to maintain the right amount of oil in your truck to avoid premature engine wear and keep up the Sierra’s beast-like hauling capabilities.
Even at its base powertrain, the 2017 GMC Sierra impresses with its hauling and towing capacity. While it won’t corner like a compact sports car, it’ll cruise until cows come home. In order to maintain that level of ease, though, you’ll need to keep up with its
regular servicing schedule
, oil changes included. If you’re willing to try your hand at a beginner-friendly DIY car maintenance task, at-home oil changes can save you a good deal of money on garage costs. To help make that task as easy as possible, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about the 2017 GMC Sierra engine oil capacity here for you.
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The 2017 GMC Sierra is a large and in-charge type of vehicle, so you can expect the engine to need a sizable portion of engine oil. To be exact, the 2017 Sierra 4.3-liter V6 engine has an oil capacity of 8.0 quarts or 7.5 liters.
A 4.3-liter engine requiring 7.5 liters of oil may be confusing, so let’s go over the difference in these values. 4.3 liters is the engine’s displacement and describes the volume of space occupied by its cylinders. 7.5 liters or 8.0 quarts is the engine oil capacity, or how much motor oil the engine needs to run effectively.
Be diligent in your note-taking here because the two values cannot be swapped.
What kind of oil does a 2017 GMC Sierra need?
Before running off to your local auto supply store to grab the first 8.0-quart jug of oil you run into, know that each vehicle engine is designed to work at its best with a specific type of oil and you’ll need to get one that works with yours.
The owner’s manual for this truck recommends the
Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
. You can stick to this exact type or opt for another of your choice as long as it meets the oil grade requirements: 0W-20. An oil grade tells us about an oil’s viscosity levels at an engine’s cold start temperature and an engine’s normal operating temperature—an oil grade of 0W-20 tells us that oil has a low viscosity level, 0, at a cold start, denoted by the W which stands for “winter”. 20 describes a slightly higher viscosity at the piping hot 212°F normal operating temperature. These are the oil conditions with which your Sierra’s engine will be the happiest and healthiest, so it’s important to adhere to them.
The owner’s manual mentions a full synthetic motor oil which can provide a lot of benefits for your engine like longer oil life, better fuel economy, and resistance to breakdown. However, you can also use conventional motor oil if that’s more your speed—just be sure it matches or comes very close to the recommended oil grade.
How often to change the oil on a 2017 GMC Sierra
Whether you go for synthetic or conventional oil, you’ll need to know how often that oil will need replacing.
GMC recommends an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for the 2017 Sierra. In general, that range is better used for conventional oil, while most experts agree the use of synthetic oil can take you between 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
Keep in mind, though, that your driving habits and environment also impact how long you should go between services. Someone who only uses their truck to pick the kids up from school a few times a week will likely have clean oil longer than someone who hauls trailers through the mountains daily.
Since there isn’t an exact measure of time for one to stand by, it’s important to know the symptoms of bad oil. Keep your senses out for signs like:
- Dark brown or black oil—clean oil will look amber or light brown
- Coarse or gritty oil texture
- Unfamiliar orloud noises from the engine
- Smoking or burning smell
- Worsening vehicle performance
How to change your oil and oil filter
If you’re catching a whiff of some burning oil or have otherwise determined it’s time for an oil change, gather these materials and head to your work space:
- Socket wrench
- Drain pan
- Filter wrench
- Replacement oil filter
- 8.0 quarts of premium 0W-20 engine oil
To begin, you’ll need to warm up the engine. It’s best to do an oil change once your engine reaches its normal operating temperature, so let your truck idle for five to 20 minutes (depending on the weather) or go for a short drive. Then follow these steps:
- Open the hood and remove the oil fill cap
- Head under the engine with the socket wrench and drain pan and remove the oil drain bolt to let the old oil begin draining into the drain pan
- Remove the old oil filter
- After all old oil is drained away, install the new oil filter
- Replace the oil drain bolt and wipe the area down to remove excess oil
- Refill the engine with 8.0 quarts of 0W-20 and replace the oil fill cap
Check the oil dipstick to make sure enough oil went in, then turn your engine back on to watch for leaks. If nothing is leaking, you’re all set!
You just have to clean up—be sure to dump the old oil into a sealable container to be dropped off at your local recycling center. Do not dump the oil on the ground or in your trash.
Congrats! Your DIY oil change is complete and your 2017 GMC Sierra is ready to go.
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