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How many quarts does a 2009 5.3 Silverado take?

The engine oil capacity is about 6 quarts with a filter; about 5 quarts if you don’t replace the filter. For a 2009 Silverado with the 5.3L V8, use 5W-30 oil and verify the exact figure in your owner's manual or under-hood label.

Understanding the 5.3L V8 oil capacity

The 5.3L V8, commonly known as the Vortec 5300, is typically listed as requiring 6 quarts of engine oil when performing a standard oil change with a new filter. Some service guides note about 5 quarts if the filter isn’t being replaced, but replacing the filter is the standard practice to ensure proper filtration and oil life. Because production details can vary by build and region, always confirm the exact capacity from the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s under-hood sticker.

Oil change specifics and practical guidance

Here are the key figures and practical notes to keep in mind when planning an oil change for a 2009 Silverado equipped with the 5.3L V8:

Engine oil capacity with filter: 6 quarts

Engine oil capacity without filter change: about 5 quarts

Recommended oil viscosity: 5W-30; use a Dexos1 Gen 1–compatible oil if possible, per manual guidance

Typical change interval: roughly every 5,000–7,500 miles depending on driving conditions and oil type

Concluding: For a standard oil-and-filter change, plan for 6 quarts of oil and replace the filter each time. If you’re only topping off after a drain, you may start closer to 5 quarts, then check the dipstick and add as needed to reach the proper level.

Summary

In short, a 2009 Silverado with a 5.3L V8 typically requires about 6 quarts of engine oil when performing an oil change with a new filter, and around 5 quarts if the filter isn’t replaced. Always confirm the exact capacity with the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s label, and use 5W-30 oil that matches Dexos1 Gen 1 specifications where applicable.

What kind of oil does a 2009 Chevy Silverado take?

The 2009 Chevy Silverado primarily uses 5W-30 motor oil for gasoline engines, though some engines in very cold climates may use 0W-30. It is recommended to use a synthetic blend or full synthetic oil that meets the manufacturer's specifications. Check your owner's manual or the oil cap for the specific viscosity and requirements for your engine. For the 6.6L diesel engine, use 15W-40 in warmer temperatures or 5W-40 in colder temperatures.
Gasoline engines

Most common: 5W-30
Extreme cold: 0W-30 (below -29∘Cnegative 29 raised to the composed with power cap C−29∘𝐶)
Recommendation: Use a synthetic blend or full synthetic oil. Check the oil cap for the exact recommended viscosity.

Diesel engine (6.6L)

Warmer temperatures: 15W-40
Colder temperatures: 5W-40

Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in Silverado?

You can use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 in a Silverado only if your owner's manual specifies it for your specific engine, such as the 2.7L turbocharged or 4.3L V6. For other engines like the 5.3L V8 and 6.2L V8, using the recommended 0W-20 is crucial, as using a thicker oil can cause problems, potentially even triggering a check engine light in some newer models.
For which engines is 5W-30 acceptable?

2.7L Turbocharged Engine: Many model years recommend SAE 5W-30.
4.3L V6 Engine: This engine typically uses SAE 5W-30.
6.6L V8 Engine: Some model years specify SAE 5W-30.

For which engines should you stick with 0W-20?

5.3L V8 Engine: The manufacturer recommends 0W-20 for optimal performance and fuel economy.
6.2L V8 Engine: This engine requires SAE 0W-20 oil.
3.0L Duramax Turbo-Diesel: This diesel engine specifically requires SAE 0W-20 dexosD diesel engine oil.

Important considerations

Check your owner's manual: The most reliable source is your vehicle's owner's manual. It will have the precise oil viscosity for your specific engine and model year.
Warranty concerns: While using a different oil may not automatically void your warranty (unless the manufacturer can prove the oil caused the failure), it is always safest to use the oil specified by the manufacturer, especially on newer vehicles.
Engine performance: The engine's computer is calibrated for the recommended oil. Using a thicker oil like 5W-30 could impact performance and fuel economy and may even cause a check engine light on newer models.
Climate and driving conditions: In very hot climates, a thicker oil might seem beneficial, but the risks to modern engines can outweigh the potential benefits. The 0W-20 oil is designed to perform well across a wide range of temperatures and conditions.

What oil does a 2009 GMC 5.3 take?

Notes: Full Synthetic. 5W-30.

How many quarts of oil does a 5.3 Chevy take?

A Chevy 5.3L engine typically takes 8 quarts of oil, especially for models from 2014 and newer, but some older models may require 6 quarts. The exact capacity depends on the specific year and engine, so it is crucial to check the owner's manual or look up the vehicle by its year and model.

Engine Age	Approximate Oil Capacity
Older (approx. 2000–2006)	6 quarts (some manuals were later corrected to 8 quarts)
Newer (approx. 2014 and later)	8 quarts

Always: check your owner's manual for the exact capacity and recommended oil type for your vehicle.
After adding oil, always check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct and not overfilled.
For 2014 and newer 5.3L engines, the capacity is consistently 8 quarts.
For older models (2000-2006), the capacity is generally 6 quarts, but the manual may have been updated to reflect 8 quarts.

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.