The engine oil capacity of a 2019 GMC Terrain is 4.2 quarts. To keep this compact crossover SUV running like new, you’ll need to use SAE 5W-30 synthetic engine oil.

Security and comfort characterize the 2019 GMC Terrain, a fuel-efficient compact SUV with an optional diesel-powered engine for even better economy. But to keep your Terrain driving like new, routine engine oil maintenance is a must.

Luckily, changing your engine oil is quick, cheap, and easy to do yourself—so the next time your 2019 GMC Terrain is in need of new engine oil, skip the mechanic bill and perform the change right in your driveway instead!

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2019 GMC Terrain engine oil capacity

So, just how much engine oil does a 2019 GMC Terrain take?

The answer depends on your specific model. Here’s a breakdown of the different oil capacities:

1.5L L4 Gas Engine (AWD): 5.3 qt or 5.0 L

1.5L L4 Gas Engine (FWD): 4.2 qt or 4.0 L

1.6L L4 Diesel Engine: 5.3 qt or 5.0 L

2.0L L4 Gas Engine (AWD): 6.0 qt or 5.7 L

2.0L L4 Gas Engine (FWD): 5.0 qt or 4.7 L

Be careful not to confuse your engine’s displacement with its oil capacity. Your engine displacement refers to the volume (in liters) of space that your cylinders take up—in a 2019 Terrain, that’s either 1.5, 1.6, or 2 liters of space—while your oil capacity is a measure of the amount of oil you need for each oil change.

Engine displacement and oil capacity are not interchangeable, so never assume those two numbers mean the same thing!

What kind of oil does a 2019 GMC Terrain need?

Before you run out and buy the first bottle of engine oil you see, it’s important to know what type of oil you’re looking for. A 2019 GMC Terrain needs a premium grade SAE 5W-30 synthetic engine oil to perform at its finest—and not all engine oils are created equal!

If you’re new to the world of oil grades, let’s take a closer look at what all those letters and numbers mean. The numbers in the oil grade refer to the oil’s viscosity (or how thick it is) while the “W” stands for winter. The lower the first number (5) in the oil grade is, the “thinner” that oil will be at an unheated temperature, while the second number (30) represents oil viscosity at your engine’s operating temperature.

When we put all that information together, we can understand that 5W-30 engine oil is a low-viscosity oil that will perform well in cold weather conditions, while also reducing wear and tear on your engine. Synthetic oils are also comprised of additives that enhance the performance of the oil and help it last longer in your engine.

Need help finding the best engine oil for your GMC Terrain? To stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation, use

ACDelco Dexos1 Full Synthetic engine oil SAE 5W-30

MORE:

Are GMCs expensive to maintain?

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How often to change oil on a 2019 GMC Terrain

Now that you know how much oil you need and what type your Terrain takes, it’s time to

change your oil

! Or is it?

For a 2019 GMC Terrain, it’s recommended you change the engine oil once every 7,500 to 10,000. But it’s a good idea to get in the habit of performing routine oil checks on a regular basis, so you can be sure you’re changing out the oil when it needs it.

The most common symptoms of oil that need to be changed include:

Motor oil that is dark brown or black in color (clean oil is light brown or amber)

Motor oil that feels coarse or gritty

Unusual engine noises

Unusual smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes to your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

What to do if you have black and gritty engine oil

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’re sure it’s time to change your Terrain’s oil, roll up your sleeves and gather your materials. You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench designed to remove the old oil filter. Before you get started, you’ll also need a new oil filter and five quarts of 5W-30 synthetic engine oil on hand.

The first step is to run your engine. You don’t have to run it for too long—just about five minutes or so, enough to warm up the oil in your engine (warmopkljoThen you can shut the engine back off, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Start by removing the oil fill cap

Next, get underneath the engine (you’ll have to lie on your back for this part) and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, letting the old oil drain into your drain pan

While the oil continues to drain, remove the old oil filter (using your filter wrench)

Once the oil has finished draining completely, install the new filter

Then replace the oil drain bolt (using a new washer!) and tighten it with your socket wrench

Lastly, refill the engine with your new bottle of 5W-30 and replace the fill cap

And that’s it! After changing your oil, turn on your car and let the engine run for around 30 seconds before checking the oil level. This will provide you with a more precise measurement and allow you to add any extra oil if needed.

If you’ve done everything correctly, your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

should turn off.

Don’t forget the last step: clean up! You should never dump dirty engine oil on the ground or throw it away in your garbage. Instead, transfer the dirty oil into a sealed container, then bring it to a local recycling center for disposal.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Changing your oil at home rather than bringing your vehicle to a mechanic is an easy switch that saves you both time and money! Another great way to save time and money on GMC maintenance is by downloading the

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