If you’ve invested in a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, you probably know the importance of maintaining it to manufacturer recommendations.
A big part of that is ensuring the oil is changed and managed properly. Knowing the oil type and capacity levels are critical for that.
What oil type and capacity does the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 use?
The GMC Sierra 1500 requires a specific type of oil based on the type of engine in the vehicle. Generally speaking, the manufacturer recommends SAE 5W-30 for most models. In terms of the capacity of oil, the vehicle requires 6 quarts in most cases, but it is important to check which type of engine you have in your car.
Oil is critical to get right as it impacts the function and lifespan of the engine. That’s why we’ll take a few minutes here to explain more of the details related to this vehicle.
Know the Engine of Your Vehicle First
Oil is a big part of the engine in all vehicles. Having the right type and amount present allows for the oil to properly remove heat from the engine to allow it to function at its best.
Even a slight difference can lead to problems. The key here is that each engine type available may have a different requirement for oil. That’s the case with the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500.
In 2014, the GMC Sierra 1500 was ranked #2 by U.S. News & World Report as the best full-size pickup truck. One reason for this high ranking is because it offers several powerful engine options. For this model year, GMC really upped the power behind the engines.
They added direct injection and cylinder deactivation technology. They also updated the towing capacity of the vehicle (reaches 12,000 pounds in this vehicle) and improved the payload. All of this pulls on the engine, requiring harder work and better performance.
The base model engine, a 4.3L (262 ci) V6 engine, saw a significant upgrade in the 2014 model year. It produces 285 horsepower and 305 lb-ft. Another engine, the 5.3L (323.4 ci) V8 engine, saw an increase to 355 horsepower and 383 lb-ft..
This upgrade impacted the vehicle’s fuel economy as well. The base model was able to achieve 18 city and 23 highway, for a combined 20 miles per gallon, according to EPA estimates.
For the 2014 model year, the GMC Sierra had several engine options:
- 4.3L V6 engine
- 5.3L V8 engine
- 6.2L (376 ci) V8 engine
In addition to this, there were several models of Sierra HD available, including engines such as:
- 6.0L (364 ci) V8 engine
- 6.0L V8 gaseous engine
- 6.6L V8 diesel engine
Depending on the engine in the vehicle, drivers need to choose the right oil type for the vehicle.
What Type of Oil Is Best for the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500?
The GMC Sierra 1500’s owner’s manual for the 2014 model provides some specific recommendations for the type of oil necessary. The 4.3L engine, 6.0L V8 engine, and the 6.8L V8 gaseous engine all require SAE 5W-30 oil.
For those that have the 5.3L engine or the 6.2L engine, the requirement for oil is SAE 0W-20 oil. Those with the 6.6L V8 diesel engine need to use only 15W-40 oil for this vehicle.
Utilizing the right oil for the car is critical. It can help to ensure the viscosity is proper for the engine operation. It’s also important to ensure you follow the owner’s manual. A mistake here could impact the function of the engine and, if you do not follow the info provided, it could impact your warranty.
Be sure to double-check your vehicle model and engine before choosing an oil product.
How Much Oil Does the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Require?
The amount of oil necessary also is dependent on the size of the vehicle. The GMC Sierra 1500 is a large truck, and these engines are larger as well. That is why they can require a significant amount of oil in them. Here’s a breakdown of what they need, according to the manufacturer.
- 4.3L V6 engine requires 6 quarts
- 5.3L V8 engine requires 8 quarts
- 6.2L V8 engine requires 8 quarts
- 6.0L V8 engine requires 6 quarts
- 6.0L V8 gaseous engine requires 6 quarts
- 6.6L V8 diesel engine requires 10 quarts
How to Check the Oil in the 2014 GMC Sierra 1500
When it comes to maintaining your GMC truck, the oil is a big part of the process. It is important to check the oil in this truck at least one time a month or any time that the vehicle gives you a warning about a low level of oil. The process of checking the oil isn’t complicated.
- Open the hood of the vehicle.
- Locate the oil dipstick. It’s located along the mid-section of the vehicle. It will be a yellow-colored tab on the driver’s side.
- Put your finger into the loop and pull it straight out toward your body.
- Wipe it off with a cloth. Notice that toward the very end of the dipstick is a cross-hatch pattern with two holes. The oil needs to be in between these areas to be considered at the proper level when the vehicle is cold.
- Slide it back into place. Then, remove it again. This time, you’ll be able to read the oil level.
If it is too low, you can add oil to it. However, if you do this often, it may indicate there is an oil leak or a problem with the vehicle. That’s going to warrant more investigation to find out why.
Maintaining Your 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 Doesn’t Have to be Hard to Do
It’s always important to stay aware of your vehicle’s needs. When you check out the Vehicle History for your 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, you’ll find this vehicle’s reviews and insights that you should know.
