How Many Miles Do GMC Yukons Last? – Before It’s Too Late!

There is no question that the GMC Yukon is one of the most popular large SUVs available, however, when it comes to longevity, how many miles will a GMC Yukon last? 

If you are in the market for a large SUV for you and your family, your vehicle’s longevity and dependability are most likely some of the most important criteria you are investigating. 

Purchasing a large SUV like a GMC Yukon is a significant investment of resources and you want to make sure you are getting your money’s worth.

How Many Miles Do GMC Yukons Last?

The GMC Yukon, if properly maintained and driven with care, should last an owner somewhere between 250,000 and 300,000 miles. Some owners have even reached 400,000 miles with minimal issues and repairs over the span of 20-years by taking great care of their vehicle. 

So, what is the secret? How do these GMC Yukon owners see 250,000, 300,000, or even 400,000 miles out of their vehicle? The secret to the Yukon’s longevity is not complicated. 

Most owners of high-mileage GMC Yukons simply make sure that they are following the recommended routine maintenance schedule and addressing all minor issues before they become major issues throughout the life of the vehicle, not to mention showing good driving habits. 

That makes the GMC Yukon one of the most long-lasting vehicles.

You may be wondering then what kind of service schedule is required to properly care for a GMC Yukon? 

Let us take a closer look at what types of routine maintenance a GMC Yukon requires and when it should be done, as well as go over some tips and tricks to prolonging the life of a GMC Yukon so you can reach that 250,000+ miles benchmark.

If you are wondering how you can find information on what the routine maintenance for a GMC Yukon looks like, the best source is to contact GMC directly or to review the many online educational resources available on the GMC website. 

You can always review your owner’s manual as well. 

Also, you could consult with your local GMC certified technician for advice on how to keep to a maintenance schedule that will allow you to keep your vehicle running for as long as possible. 

However, not to worry.

We have done all the research for you by reviewing the educational resources provided by GMC as well as by assessing various web sources provided by national auto centers located throughout the United States. 

What maintenance is required to increase a GMC Yukon’s life?

If you purchase a newer model GMC Yukon direct from a General Motors dealer, be sure to ask about what types of routine maintenance are included as a complimentary service through the GMC technicians that work at the dealership.

The GMC Pro Grade Protection provides owners of newer GMC models with several free services within the first year of purchase or lease.  

The GMC Pro Grade Protection program typically provides oil and filter changes, tire rotations, and multi-point vehicle inspections, however, it does not cover air filter replacements. 

After the first year of ownership, a GMC Yukon owner is then expected to continue the regular maintenance at their own expense and at the recommended intervals. 

Keeping up with the maintenance is one of the most critical factors that help determine how long the vehicle will last. 

Here are the main components of the required routine maintenance that is required for a GMC Yukon.

Oil

The oil you place in your engine is the lifeblood of your vehicle. 

The engine of a GMC Yukon is a complex piece of machinery with many moving parts, and those moving parts need to be properly lubricated at all times. 

Not only does the engine need to be lubricated with motor oil, but it also needs to be lubricated with clean oil that is free from debris and sludge.

If you do not change your oil regularly, then you risk having debris and sludgy oil enter the pistons and other vital areas of the engine. 

Debris in the engine can cause erosion and reduce the life of your Yukon’s engine.

Also, you should be consistently checking your oil levels.

If you have a leak or if you are burning oil and your oil level becomes too low, running your engine without the proper lubrication could cause your engine to seize up.

When should I change my oil?

Most of the newer models of GMCs are equipped with an Engine Oil Life System that monitors operating conditions, vehicle speed, and engine temperature to calculate when it is appropriate to change the oil and the oil filter. 

The Oil Life System will signal when it is time to have an oil change by a notification light on the vehicle’s dash. 

When the light comes on, it is time for an oil change. 

Otherwise, the general rule for oil changes is once every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil and once every 7,500 to 10,000 miles for synthetic. 

How and when should I check my oil?

As a responsible vehicle owner, you should be checking your oil several times a month. When you check your oil, you will want to make sure the engine is not hot. 

Ideally, you should check your oil after it has been parked for 2-hours or more. A cold engine will give the most accurate oil level reading. 

Make sure the vehicle is parked on level ground and go ahead and pull out the dip-stick.

Have a rag ready and wipe the stick clean and then place the dip-stick completely into the designated placeholder. 

Now pull the dip-stick back out and take a look at the end of the metal portion of the stick. 

There should be markings on there to inform you whether or not you have a sufficient amount of oil or if you need to add some. 

If you are low, make sure to add enough oil to reach the designated markings that indicate the oil level is sufficient.

If you are constantly adding oil, you may have a leak or your engine is burning oil. 

This may be an indication that something is wrong and that you need a mechanic to inspect your vehicle. 

Gas

The type of fuel that you put into your GMC Yukon typically does not matter for most engine types that have been placed in the Yukon. 

However, if your GMC Yukon has a 6.2L V8 and 8.1L engine typically found in first-generation GMC Yukons, then it may require premium gas with a minimum octane rating of 93.

Brake Service

It is vital that you have your brake system inspected and serviced regularly to prevent unnecessary damage to the rotors, calipers, brake lines, and other brake-related systems. 

Also, you want to make sure you have your brake pads replaced as soon as it is necessary to avoid damage to the brake drums and rotors.

How do you know when you need to have your brakes inspected?

If you start to hear odd noises coming from your vehicle, and more specifically, the wheels, it may be a sign you need a brake inspection. 

Noises like squealing, chirping, and grinding, are a clear indication that something needs to be addressed. 

Additionally, if you feel your brake pedal pulsating and pushing back, it could be another sign that it is time for an inspection. 

Batteries

The typical auto battery can last anywhere from three to five years. 

When you bring your GMC Yukon in for an oil change, you may want to consider asking the technician if they can also perform a conductance test on the battery to ensure that the battery is still holding a charge and that it will not leave you stranded somewhere when you need to start your engine. 

Engine

The engine is the heart of any vehicle. You should be paying close attention to how your engine performs when you are driving and when you are idling. 

Listen for any tapping, knocking, or pinging noises. Watch the exhaust come from the vehicle.

The exhaust should not be white, black, or blue. Additionally, you will want to consult your owner’s manual or ask your local GMC technician when you should have your spark plugs replaced. 

Depending on the model, it could as often as every 30,000 or as infrequently as once every 100,000 miles. 

Transmission

The transmission of any vehicle is an essential component that helps transfer power from the engine directly to the wheels to help propel the vehicle into motion. 

The transmission is a complex series of gears, shafts, and other moving parts that need to be lubricated with transmission fluid. 

Every time you check your oil fluid levels, it may be in your best interest to check your transmission fluid as well. 

When you check your transmission fluid, not only are checking to make sure the fluid level is sufficiently full, you are checking to make sure that it is not discolored, sludgy, or contains a rotten-like odor. 

Any discoloration, sludge, or rotten odors are a clear indication that a full transmission flush is needed.

It may be a good idea to make sure you have your transmission flushed annually or every 30,000 miles to help prolong the life of your transmission. 

Failure to do so can result in the need to make expensive repairs or even the need to rebuild or replace the transmission.