2019 GMC Acadia Engine Oil Capacity

A 2019 GMC Acadia’s engine oil capacity is between 5 to 6 quarts, depending on engine size and drivetrain. This guide walks you through an Acadia oil change.
Written by Rachel Rigolino
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The 2019 GMC Acadia 2.5L 4-cylinder engine requires 5 quarts of SAE 0W-20 for the FWD model and 6 quarts of the same grade for the AWD model. However, the larger 3.6L 6-cylinder engine requires 6 quarts of SAE 5W-30. Dexos-approved, fully synthetic oil is recommended. 
Whether you’re off-roading, heading down a country road, or driving in bumper-to-bumper city traffic, you’ve probably come to depend upon your Acadia to get you to your destination. It’s such a reliable car that it’s likely you’d love to reach the 200,000+ mile club with your SUV. 
One way to achieve that goal is by committing to routine maintenance, especially regular oil changes. This guide, prepared by
Jerry
, the licensed b
roker
for
car insurance
, will walk you through the steps of an oil change, and then show you how to find cheap
GMC Acadia car insurance quotes
.
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2019 GMC Acadia engine oil capacity

Depending on the size of the engine, you’ll need a different amount of oil capacity. Keep in mind that you should use a fully synthetic motor oil.
Engine size and drivetrain
GMC Acadia engine oil capacity and grade
2.5L 4-cyl. FWD
5 quarts of SAE 0W-20
2.5L 4-cyl. AWD
5 quarts of SAE 0W-20
3.6L 6-cyl. AWD
6 quarts of SAE 5W-30
Keep in mind,GMC says that if you regularly drive in sub-20-degree Fahrenheit weather, you can substitute SAE 0W-30 for SAE 5W-30
To understand the oil grades, you’ll need to understand how to read the numbers. The first number refers to the viscosity (thickness) of the oil at colder temperatures. The lower the number, the better the oil will flow when the engine is cold. The second number is the oil’s viscosity at typical operating temperatures, usually 212 degrees. 
MORE: How much should an oil change cost?

What kind of oil does a 2019 GMC Acadia need?

GMC recommends that Acadia owners put fully synthetic oil into their engines. Synthetics typically have a higher-quality oil base, which means you can go longer between oil changes. 
GMC recommends using Dexos, a synthetic oil developed by GM engineers that is recommended for all 2011 and newer GM vehicles. Various brands make Dexos-approved oil, including:
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How often to change oil on a 2019 GMC Acadia 

Back in the day, the standard recommended time between oil changes was every 3,500 to 5,000 miles, but that was with conventional oil.When you use fully synthetic oil, you can go longer: up to 7,500-10,000 miles
However, if your Acadia has 75,000+ miles on the odometer, change your oil every 5,000 miles at least. Your older Acadia’s components have become worn over time. And if you’re careful to keep fresh oil lubricating those parts, you’ll extend the life of your engine.
In addition to keeping to a regular schedule for oil changes, check your oil levels and the appearance of your oil every few weeks or every other fill-up. If you see any of these issues, they indicate that your Acadia needs attention, and at the very least, an oil change:
  • A burningsmell
  • Dark brown or black oil 
  • Coarse or gritty feeling oil

How to change your oil and oil filter

Learning to change your oil yourself not only saves a bit of money but can also give you a sense of achievement. If you’ve decided to give it a try, be sure to first assemble the following
car tools and supplies
:
  • Paper towels for clean-up and cardboard to protect your garage floor
  • A drain pan to collect the old oil as it drains out and a disposable container to put the used oil in for recycling
  • Unless you can easily slide under your Acadia, a jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks for raising your Acadia and securing it safely
  • Depending upon your engine size and drivetrain, 5 to 6 quarts of either SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-30 full synthetic oil along with a funnel to pour in the oil
  • A 2019 GMC Acadia oil filter 
  • A ratchet for unscrewing the drain plug
  • New washer for re-installing the drain plug
Now that you have what you need, you can begin the process of getting your SUV in place. First, select a level spot. Then, if the engine is cold, let it run for 5 minutes so that the old oil will drain well. Next, be sure to turn off the engine and place your truck in park, with the emergency brake on.
  • If needed, jack up the front of your Acadia. Be sure that it is resting securely on jack stands and that you’ve placed the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
  • Take your drain pan and place itunderneath the drain bolt. Using your ratchet, unscrew the drain bolt and allow it to flow out into the pan. 
  • Once the oil has drained, set the drain pan to the side. After you are done changing your oil, you pour it into the disposable container for recycling.
  • Then, replace the drain bolt using a new crush washer. Tighten to the torque spec
  • After removing and disposing of the used filter, install the new one.
  • Lower your SUV from the jack stands.
  • Now, go into the engine compartment and, using the funnel, pour in the new oil.
  • Replace the oil fill cap.
The next step is to check for leaks. To do this, start your engine and let it run for a few minutes. Then turn it back off and look underneath your SUV for fresh oil spots. Also, use the dipstick to check your oil level. If you need a bit more, top it off.  
The final step is disposing of your used motor oil properly. Don’t put it out in the regular trash or dump it out on the ground. Instead, take it to a recycling center, motor oil retailer, or garage. Many states have regulations requiring these places to accept used oil for recycling.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Depending on where you live, how much coverage you need, and your driving history, car insurance for an Acadia can be expensive. That’s why learning some routine maintenance skills, such as how to change your own oil, makes sense. You can wind up saving some money while also preventing larger problems. 
Another really easy way to save money is by shopping around for cheap
car insurance
using
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, the
trustworthy insurance comparison app
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