With a more robust stature than a typical compact crossover, the 2022 GMC Terrain is a respectable ride in terms of comfort, cargo, and class. To ensure your Terrain continues to navigate the roads with ease, you’ll need to know its oil capacity, which is 5.3 quarts for an AWD model or 4.2 quarts for an FWD model.

Although the cost to own a Terrain isn’t astronomical,

regular car maintenance

can get pricey over time. Oil changes aren’t getting any cheaper, which is why taking that service into your own hands can help you redirect some cash into your wallet. You’ll need to reference the owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the right type of oil and changing it on time.

Not sure where you left that handy manual? Don’t worry—we’re breaking down all the information, steps, and tips you’ll need to spare yourself the expense of an oil change for your 2022 GMC Terrain.

MORE:

How to reduce GMC Terrain car insurance costs

2022 GMC Terrain engine oil capacity

Now for the question of the hour: how much engine oil does a 2022 GMC Terrain need?

The 2022 GMC Terrain’s turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine is backed by an oil capacity of 5.3 quarts (5.0 liters) or 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters), depending on your drivetrain. Your

engine’s displacement

—the 1.5-liter volume its cylinders occupy—is not to be confused with your engine’s four- or five-liter oil capacity. The oil capacity refers to the amount of oil needed for an oil change, so it’s crucial not to assume displacement is the same as oil capacity.

What kind of oil does a 2022 GMC Terrain need?

Knowing your engine’s oil capacity is only the first step in completing a wallet-friendly oil change. Although it would be convenient, it’s not a good idea to pick up any old oil off the shelf—you’ll need SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil for the LYX 1.5L turbo engine. If you happen to live in an area where temperatures plummet to -20°F, you’ll need SAE 0W-30.

It’s essential to use the right oil type for your engine—otherwise, you’ll run the risk of causing serious damage to your vehicle. That’s why it’s not only important to stick to GMC’s recommended oil type but also to understand what goes into the label on the bottle. Let’s break down what SAE 0W-20 and SAE 0W-30 mean.

The numbers here are referring to the oil’s viscosity (how thick it is), and the “W” stands for “winter”. The 0 means the oil has a low viscosity to make sure it can flow to essential parts of the engine when the weather is cold. The 20 means the oil maintains a thin texture that will accommodate your engine’s scorching temperatures of up to 212°F.

The group that codes oil is called the Society of Automotive Engineers, which is where the SAE acronym comes from.

With this specific oil type, you’ll get more longevity out of your engine since the low viscosity is gentler on its parts. Wondering about synthetic motor oil? GMC puts the stamp of approval on synthetic oil that aligns with the same conditions. If you find a premium-grade bottle with the same specifications, you have the green light to get started!

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How often to change the oil on a 2022 GMC Terrain

Now that you know the ins and outs of your Terrain’s oil capacity and type, you’re almost ready to

change your oil

Before you pop the hood open, you need to know if your Terrain is due for a change yet. GMC recommends getting your oil and filter changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil. On the other hand, synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Since those numbers cover a wide range, it’s best to keep an eye on your oil level regularly. Check in with it about once per month, or look out for any of these indicators that it’s time for a change:

The oil in your tank has a dark brown or black hue. (It should look light brown or amber.)

Your oil has a coarse texture.

Strange noises are coming from the engine.

There are unusual smells like oil, smoke, or burning.

There are changes in your car’s drivability.

MORE:

Are GMCs expensive to maintain?

How to change your oil and oil filter

With all this knowledge in tow, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get going! Here are a few items you’ll need to gather to get started:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement filter

Appropriate amount of SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil

With your materials nearby, get your engine started and let it run for a bit. Once it reaches its normal operating temperature—which should take no more than five minutes in mild weather—shut the engine off. You can then open the hood and take these measures:

Take off the oil fill cap.

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer under the engine and drain the oil into the drain pan.

Let the oil continue draining while you remove the old oil filter.

Install the new filter.

Use a new washer to replace the old drain bolt and tighten it to 29 lb-ft.

Get your new oil and refill the engine before replacing the cap.

You’ll need to let your car warm up for 30 seconds so the new oil can fill the filter. Make sure to use your dipstick to check that you’ve added enough oil, and add more if needed. Once that’s all squared away, you should let your engine run for a few minutes and keep an eye out for leaks.

If everything went smoothly, the

oil pressure light

on your dashboard should disappear. Not sure what to do with the dirty oil? Don’t dump it out on the ground or throw it away in a regular trash can. You’ll need to seal it in a container and bring it to your local recycling center.

“
Jerry
was easy to use, and they saved me a lot of money on my truck. I would definitely recommend them.” —Johannes T.

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™

Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.

Try GarageGuard™