Whether you need to change your GMC Terrain’s engine oil or you just need to add a bit, you should know how much oil it holds. For the 2020 GMC Terrain, your oil capacity could either be 5.3 quarts or 6 quarts, depending on your engine configuration.

The GMC make takes quite a bit of cash to keep in proper working order, so you’ll want to skip maintenance at the dealership to save where you can. Part of that means checking and changing your engine oil at home as part of your basic

car maintenance schedule

. But first, you’ll need to know some important specs and steps.

This guide will walk you through how much engine oil you’ll need for specific 2020 GMC Terrain trims, what type to buy, and how to change the oil and filter at home!

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2020 GMC Terrain engine oil capacity

There are two main things you need to know when it’s time to change or top off your engine oil—the oil type and your car’s oil capacity. We’ll start with your 2020 GMC Terrain’s oil capacity.

The base 1.5-liter engine, which comes standard on the 2020

SLE

, and

SLT

models, takes 5.3 quarts of oil. But the 2020 GMC Terrain also came with a more powerful 2-liter turbocharged engine that was optional on the SLE and SLT and came standard on the

Denali

. That configuration requires 6 quarts of oil.

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What kind of oil does a 2020 GMC Terrain need?

When your GMC Terrain is due for an

oil and filter change

, you need to ensure you or your service technician will use the right oil type. The wrong oil type can damage or even destroy your engine.

The 2020 Terrain takes 0W-20 for the standard 1.5-liter engine configuration and 5W-30 for the turbocharged 2-liter engine. Beyond that, GMC suggests using an oil brand that meets

GM dexos2 specifications

and features a dexos2 logo on its packaging.

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How often to change the oil on a 2020 GMC Terrain

GMC suggests changing your Terrain’s engine oil every 7,500 miles. However, the owner’s manual notes that even if your vehicle has very low mileage, you should get an oil change before towing anything. You might need to change your oil more frequently if you put your Terrain through particularly strenuous driving.

Check your engine oil level about once a month or with every other fuel tank fill-up, and look for signs that your car needs an oil change. Sometimes, the health of your motor oil indicates that a change is needed sooner than 7,500 miles. Watch for these signs that it’s time for a change:

Instead of being light brown or amber-colored, your oil is dark brown or black.

The engine oil is gritty.

You hear unusual noises from your vehicle when you drive.

You notice a smell that’s like burnt oil.

There’s a decline in your vehicle’s performance.

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How to change your oil and oil filter

If you’d like to try handling your oil change at home, you’ll need to gather a few supplies, first. Start with either 5.3 quarts of 0W-20 oil or 6 quarts of 5W-30 oil, depending on your Terrain’s engine.

Then, get all the tools and equipment you’ll need, including a filter wrench, socket wrench, drain pan, drain plug gasket, and replacement oil filter. When you’re ready to start, turn on the Terrain’s ignition and let it run for a few minutes. Turn it off,

open the hood

, and follow these instructions:

Remove the oil cap under your hood.

Get under the car and take off the oil drain bolt and washer.

Let the old engine oil drain into your drain pan.

Remove the old oil filter and install the new oil filter.

Replace your oil drain bolt along with the new drain plug gasket, and tighten the bold to 29 lb-ft.

Fill the oil tank with the correct amount for your engine.

Now you’re almost done! You’ll want to start your Terrain’s ignition again and check around for any leaks. Look inside to make sure the

oil pressure light

isn’t illuminated. Finally, check your oil level with the dipstick to make sure you’ve added the right amount. If needed, you can add a little more.

Once the job is done, you just need to properly dispose of your old engine oil at an oil recycling center. You can find the service at most mechanics shops and parts stores.

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