The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with the 5.3L EcoTec3 V8 takes about 8 quarts (roughly 7.6 liters) of engine oil when performing a standard oil change with a new filter.
Official capacity, specification and viscosity guidance
GM specifies an oil capacity of 8 quarts (7.6 L) when changing the oil with the filter installed. The engine requires Dexos1 Gen 2 compliant motor oil. Viscosity recommendations vary by climate and usage, with 0W-20 commonly used in colder climates and 5W-30 in hotter climates or for towing, but always consult the owner's manual for your exact conditions.
Below are the key facts to keep in mind:
- Oil capacity (with filter): 8 quarts (7.6 L).
- Oil specification: Dexos1 Gen 2 compliant motor oil.
- Recommended viscosity: 0W-20 or 5W-30 depending on climate and usage; confirm in the owner's manual.
- Oil change interval: typically about 7,500 miles (12,000 km) under normal driving; shorter intervals under severe service or heavy towing.
In practice, the standard figure of about 8 quarts is used by GM for the 5.3L Sierra, but always verify with the dipstick after filling and follow the manual for climate-specific requirements.
Practical steps for performing an oil change
To ensure you reach the correct level and avoid overfilling, follow these steps during an oil change, using the stated capacity as a guide.
- Warm up the engine, then drain old oil and replace the filter.
- Install a new drain plug gasket and ensure the oil pan is clean.
- Add oil gradually in 1-quart (1-liter) increments, checking the dipstick after each addition.
- Run the engine, check for leaks, and recheck the oil level when the engine is off and the vehicle is level.
Conclusion: By following these steps and using the dipstick for final level checks, you should end up with a correct fill near 8 quarts when replacing the filter.
Summary
The 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 with a 5.3L V8 uses about 8 quarts (7.6 liters) of engine oil for a standard change with a new filter, using Dexos1 Gen 2 oil and the appropriate viscosity for your climate. Always verify the exact amount with the dipstick and refer to the owner's manual for climate-specific recommendations and service intervals.