2020 GMC Canyon Oil Change
2020 GMC Canyon Oil Change: What You Need to Know
So, you’re the proud owner of a 2020 GMC Canyon. Your choice in a truck is a smart one; the Canyon is a top contender in the pick-up truck market. You’re probably loving the ease of handling, sleek design that catches the eyes of bystanders everywhere you go, and the rugged power and towing capability your Canyon showcases, right?
Like many GMC Canyon owners, you probably want to make sure your truck lasts as long as possible while performing at its best for the duration of your time with it. This is more than possible with a quality truck like the Canyon — especially when you take good care of it.
The bare-bones minimum of vehicle maintenance is regular oil changes, as any driver knows. However, getting the oil changed isn’t as simple as it sounds; there are many elements that go into an oil change that can actually hinder the performance of your Canyon if not done correctly.
In order to keep your 2020 GMC Canyon running smoothly and performing well, there are a few considerations to make when changing your oil. Here are some questions you might have — along with the answers — so you know exactly what your Canyon needs to keep on truckin’:
What Happens During an Oil Change?
An oil change is the primary maintenance service that will help your 2020 GMC Canyon run strong for the lifetime of the vehicle. Getting regular oil changes at a minimum will keep your engine performing well, as well as add to the life of the engine.
Provided your GMC Canyon gets the right oil and regular oil changes as well as any other scheduled maintenance that comes up over the years, you should have a strong running truck that’s a pleasure to drive throughout your time with it, however long that may be. If you’re curious as to what exactly happens at an oil change, read on:
- Engine oil and oil filter are removed and replaced
- Condition of all fluids is checked
- A basic safety inspection is performed
- Vehicle is started to check for leaks in the system
It’s recommended that after your oil change you run the engine for a few minutes, as this will ensure there are no leaks as well as allow the oil to circulate throughout the engine. Also, it’s important to make sure that the oil used matches the required specifications of your vehicle (you can find this in the owner’s manual if you’re not sure).
What Kind of Oil Does the 2020 GMC Canyon Take?
Your GMC Canyon runs at its best with the use of synthetic oil. The Canyon can take one of three types of oil, depending on your specific engine. The different engine types and corresponding oils are listed here:
- 2.4L: 5w20 dexos1 (5 quarts)
- 2.8L diesel: 5w30 dexos2 (6 quarts)
- 3.6L V6: 5w30 dexos1 (6quarts)
Dexos oils are specially formulated for the best possible results regarding engine life and performance, which is why they’re recommended for GMC — they meet the specific standards recommended to keep your Canyon (or other GMC truck) running smoothly for the life of the vehicle. Sadly, many oil change locations only carry conventional oil, which can shorten the lifespan of your Canyon significantly.
This is why it’s highly recommended you change your oil at a GMC Certified dealer or mechanic, like Sanger Chevrolet. Changing your oil at a GMC Certified location will ensure that your 2020 GMC Canyon gets the very same oil that is used at the GMC factory, allowing your Canyon to live a full life without unnecessary issues that might be caused by cheaper oil.
Why Use Synthetic Oil?
While it’s more expensive upfront, synthetic oil actually saves you money in the long run. This is because its superior performance compared to conventional oil allows your GMC Canyon to continue functioning optimally, preventing any unnecessary issues that conventional oil may cause. Synthetic oil has a higher viscosity standpoint, meaning it flows through engine parts more easily, keeping everything moving the way it should, and preventing engine parts from grinding against each other (which is NOT a good thing!).
It also has fewer contaminants than conventional oil, which reduces the risk of buildup, and is cleaner in general compared to conventional oil. There’s also the fact that synthetic oil lasts longer, giving you more time between oil changes — but without risking engine life or performance. All in all, synthetic oil is the smart choice when it comes to newer vehicles, especially your 2020 GMC Canyon.
How Much Does an Oil Change Cost?
While of course, this will vary by location, service station, and various other factors, there’s usually a ballpark for what an oil change will cost for most types of vehicles. You also have to consider that you get what you pay for — a cheap oil change shop will likely use cheaper/lower quality oil, which can wear down your engine over time.
To make sure that you’re getting the right oil for your 2020 GMC Canyon every time, take it to a GMC Certified Service Center, like Sanger Chevrolet. You can usually expect to pay between $70 and $90 for this service, depending on your vehicle’s specifications. You’ll get the best quality oil for your GMC Canyon, along with the peace of mind that you’re taking good care of your truck — helping it to last as long as possible while performing at its best, as well as saving you money in the long run.
How Do I Know it’s Time for an Oil Change?
It used to be that we had to keep track of our mileage to know when the next oil change would be. This is no longer necessary, thanks to advances in technology. Your 2020 GMC Canyon will notify you when the next service is due, but you can also keep track of your mileage for nostalgia’s sake if you really want to.
Just check your manual for the recommended number of miles or amount of time between oil changes (usually around 5,000 miles or 4 months when using the correct type of oil) and other important maintenance services — such as tune-ups, tire rotations, etc. Some oil change service shops still put a sticker in your window with the recommended return date, too, if you have trouble remembering (like many of us do!).
What Happens if I Don’t Get Regular Oil Changes?
Many issues can arise if oil isn’t changed on a regular basis, starting with the fact that your engine won’t have the proper lubrication it needs to run smoothly. This can cause all sorts of issues, ultimately leading to your engine seizing up and eventually failing over time.
The oil keeps engine parts gliding smoothly over and past each other, instead of grinding each other down. Without it, you could be looking at major engine repairs and possibly even replacements. If that’s not enough of a reason for you, here are a few others:
- Prevents Engine Corrosion — The additives in your synthetic oil are responsible for this
- Keeps Your Engine Clean — Fresh oil clings to dirt and dust particles, trapping them in the oil filter
- Maintains Performance — Keeping the engine parts moving properly keeps horsepower where it should be
- Keeps Engine Cooler — Oil maintains temperature by carrying heat to the cooler parts of the engine, reducing friction between parts
- Improves Fuel Efficiency — Less fuel is required to move a well-lubricated engine
Can I Change my Own Oil?
If you’re able to change your own oil, you absolutely can do it yourself. It is recommended that you bring your GMC Canyon to a GMC Certified oil change location to ensure the oil change is done correctly and satisfies the standards of your vehicle, but if you know what you’re doing, go for it! Here are a few tips if you’re planning to change your own oil on your GMC Canyon:
- Be sure to park on a flat, level surface
- Double-check that the engine is off
- Protect yourself with safety glasses to prevent eye injury from falling
- Make sure the jack is steady before crawling under the vehicle
- Use the appropriate GMC Certified oil for your engine type (to ensure maximum engine life and performance)
- Let the engine idle for a few minutes once your oil change is complete
- Be sure to recycle your oil properly
Again, it is recommended that you change your oil at a GMC Certified location, such as Sanger Chevrolet. This will guarantee your most successful oil change and the use of the correct oil and materials for your individual GMC Canyon and its specific engine type.
In order to fully enjoy your 2020 GMC Canyon, it has to perform at its best. You can help it to do this by providing it with regular oil changes, with the right type of oil for its individual engine. To be sure that your Canyon gets the best possible oil and materials that are up to GMC standards, take it to a GMC Certifies oil change service center, like Sanger Chevrolet.
Your truck will run as well as you let it, so why not give it what it needs? High-quality, synthetic oil, changed by a GMC Certified mechanic will ensure that you enjoy every moment that you spend with your GMC Canyon, for as long as you have it.