What Engine Oil Should I Use For A GMC Sierra?

As a GMC Sierra owner, you know your vehicle has impressive features and driving power, but you also need to know what engine oil is the best to use too.

That’s why many people ask, “what engine oil should I use for a GMC Sierra?”

Using the wrong oil or spending too much on an oil change can be a hassle to deal with as a GMC Sierra owner.

Instead, be aware of the recommended oil types so you can get the best performance and lubrication for the right price from your vehicle. 

What engine oil should I use for a GMC Sierra?

The key to answering the question, “what engine oil should I use for a GMC Sierra?”, is to know what engine you have. There are many different powerplants available and it’s critical for choosing oil.

What’s the best engine oil for a GMC Sierra?

As a GMC Sierra owner, you should use ACDelco Dexos1 Full Synthetic engine oil if you have a V6 engine.

If you have a V8 engine, you can use Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil. If you are on a stricter budget, try using ACDelco Gold Conventional oil. 

The first thing that you need to do is to check the type of oil that the manufacturer recommends. The type of engine oil will vary based on your Sierra model type, engine type, engine size, and weather conditions. This guide also mentions some of the best engine oil types you can use for the GMC Sierra. 

We have tested each recommended engine oil type mentioned below on the GMC Sierra. Keep reading and you will get the most accurate information below. 

What Engine Oil Should I Use For A GMC Sierra?

This is a question that many people ask themselves before they buy a new car. The answer to this question is not as straightforward as you would think.

Many factors go into determining the best engine oil for your GMC Sierra. For example, the engine type is the most critical thing to consider. 

The type of engine oil you need will depend on your vehicle’s model year, make, and model. An older GMC Sierra 1500 will have different engine requirements compared to a brand new Sierra 3500. 

However, it is easier to think about it based on engine type and size. We have listed below the best engine oil for both a V6 engine and a V8 engine. 

GMC Sierra V6 Engine

Any engine oil that is Dexos1 compliant will be suitable to use with your Sierra V6 engine, but be sure to consider other factors.

This oil type provides a boost compared to a conventional alternative because the lubricating properties work better on the V6 design. 

The best oil type to use is a 5w30 synthetic oil. One of the best and most recommended is ACDelco Dexos1 Full Synthetic engine oil. 

And remember, the V6 engine requires a 5w-30 weight oil. This is the ideal oil type for a 4.3L V6 engine. If you have a different sized V6 on your Sierra, adjustments may need to be made. 

GMC Sierra V8 Engine

A V8 engine will require a different oil type because of the oil weight. We recommend Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 Full Synthetic Oil. 

You need to use 0W-20 oil as an alternative due to the engine change. This will also let you start the engine in all types of weather, even in extreme cold or warm temperatures too. 

Mobil 1 engine oil is an ideal choice for the winter conditions because of this too. It is preferred for drivers with extreme winter climates. 

Should You Use Conventional Or Synthetic Oil For GMC Sierra?

Two types of oils can be used in GMC Sierra, conventional and synthetic. Conventional oil is cheaper than synthetic, but it doesn’t last as long as synthetic.

Synthetic oil is more expensive, but it lasts longer and provides better protection against engine wear and tear. If you want a cheaper oil that will not last as long, conventional would be the best option.

If you want something more expensive but that will last longer, then synthetic would be the best option for your Sierra. Consider the differences listed below to make your final decision. 

Conventional Oil 

Conventional oil will break down faster than synthetic oil, meaning you only get 3,000 to 5,000 miles before your next oil change. But it is still valid. This will eventually result in debris and sludge building up unless you get your oil changed regularly.

ACDelco Gold Conventional is a reliable engine oil type if you are on a budget and need to use conventional engine oil.

This is an excellent option for those who do not want to spend too much money on their engine oil or have never used conventional oils before.

It’s also a good choice for those who have never had any experience with synthetic oils, as they can get used to the feel of it and know what it’s like before they make the switch.

Synthetic Oil

Many people believe that synthetic oil is better because it’s designed to last longer and provide better protection for your car or vehicle.

Synthetic oil is made with more expensive base oils, making them more costly to produce and buy in the first place.

It is also engineered to last longer and provide better protection than conventional oils, so they may be worth the extra cost if you have an older car or vehicle that needs the extra care.

How Often Should You Change Oil For GMC Sierra

You should change the oil in your car every 3,000 to 10,000 miles, depending on the oil type you use. This is more important if you drive a lot or in stop-and-go traffic.

It is essential to change your oil often because the oil keeps things moving smoothly in the engine and helps keep it clean. It also helps prevent wear and tear on the engine.

The frequency of oil changes varies depending on use, mileage, and other factors. The oil in your GMC Sierra is the lifeblood of your engine. 

Without it, the engine would seize up and stop running. To ensure that this doesn’t happen, you should change the oil in your GMC Sierra every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.

The best way to find out how often you should change your car’s oil is to consult your owner’s manual or contact a GMC Sierra dealer.

How Much Does Oil Cost For A GMC Sierra?

Oil prices can change depending on the country and the type of oil. The price for a GMC Sierra oil change is around $100 to $200 depending on the oil type being used for your vehicle. 

The region you live in and the current oil price will cause this to fluctuate. This price also includes the cost of a technician servicing your truck. 

A place like Jiffy Lube can change your oil and even handle other issues like service lights or flat tires. 

The price of the oil and the engine type will affect the fuel economy, which in turn affects how much gas it takes to drive and this how much it costs to fill up.

It will take less than an hour to get the oil change done. You will pay around $30-$40 for labor and $70-$150 for oil and materials. 

What Is The Engine Oil Capacity On A GMC Sierra?

A GMC Sierra will take about 6 quarts of oil for a V6 engine and 8 quarts of oil for a V8 engine. This is based on the estimates of the 2021 truck models too. 

You should consider the amount of oil standard for full-size pickups, but the oil level capacity varies based on the exact engine type too.

For example, a Sierra 2500 Diesel Turbo V8 engine will hold 10 quarts of oil instead of 8 quarts. This is due to the extra engine power and more extensive design. 

What Brand Of Oil Is Most Reliable For GMC Sierra?

GMC recommends the ACDelco oil for all Sierra model types. GMC states that this type of oil has been tested and approved for GMC vehicles.

The exact oil they recommend is ACDelco Dexos1 Full Synthetic engine oil, and we do consider this a high-quality choice. 

However, other alternatives can be used too. Anything that is Dexos approved and compliant will work fine too.