How do I add engine oil to my Ford?
Motor oil lubricates the internal parts of your engine, so it can run smoothly and efficiently. Because your engine needs a certain amount of oil to run right, you should check your vehicle’s oil level every time you fill up the fuel tank.
Before You Start
- Get a metal or plastic oil-fill funnel, an oil rag, and one or two quarts of the vehicle’s correct grade of oil. You can find the grade in your Owner’s Manual.
- Park the vehicle on level ground. If the vehicle is not level, the oil level may be incorrect when you check it.
- Turn your engine off and then wait 10 minutes so all the engine’s oil drains into the oil pan.
- Roll up or remove loose clothing, and keep your arms away from the cooling fan(s) when checking the oil. Fans can turn on automatically, even when the engine is off.
Checking and Adding Motor Oil
- Open the hood and find the oil dipstick. It’s near the engine and usually has a brightly colored handle. If uncertain, refer to your vehicle’s Owner Manual for the exact location of the dipstick and fill location.
- Pull the dipstick out, wipe the metal section clean with a rag, then fully insert it and remove it, your oil level is the highest point on the dipstick that is coated with oil.
Note: If the oil level is between “MIN” and “MAX,” you don’t need to add oil and can replace the dipstick and close the hood. If the oil level is at or below “MIN,” you will need to add oil now.
- Find the oil fill location. It may have an oil can icon on it.
- Remove the fill cap and place the small end of the funnel into the fill hole.
- Pour in roughly a quarter of the container.
- Wait a minute for the oil to drain to the pan.
- Repeat Step 2 until the dipstick shows oil at or just below the “MAX” mark.
Important: Add oil in small amounts, and never add oil past the dipstick’s “MAX” level. Too much oil in your engine can be just as bad as too little.
- Remove the funnel and replace the dipstick and oil fill cap. Make sure both are fully secured in place, then close the hood.
How often should I change the oil Ford?
Ford Motor Company recommends that you change your oil every 7,500 miles if your Ford model is from 2008 or newer. If your vehicle is from 2007 or earlier, you should have your oil changed every 5,000 miles. These recommended changes are under normal driving conditions.
What is the oil type for my 2021 Ford F-150?
| Engine | Oil Type | Amount (in quarts) |
|---|---|---|
| 2.7L Ecoboost | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend | 6.0 qt |
| 3.0L Diesel | SAE 5W-30 F-150 Diesel Motor Oil | 6.5 qt |
| 3.3L | SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil(U.S.) | 6.0 qt |
| 3.5L Ecoboost | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil(U.S.) | 6.0 qt |
| 3.5L HEV | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil(U.S.) | 6.0 qt |
| 5.0L | SAE 5W-30 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil(U.S.) | 7.75 qt |
To learn more about oil specifications or alternative oil options for the 2021 F-150, please refer to the Owner’s Manual.
What is the recommended engine oil for my vehicle?
Ford recommends using Motorcraft®* motor oil for your Ford vehicle. Using the right oil helps keep your vehicle’s engine clean, reduces overall wear, and maximizes performance.
Recommended engine oil specifications can be found in your Owner’s Manual under Capacities and Specifications.
Alternatively, you can refer to Ford’s Chemicals and Lubricants website to find the recommended transmission fluid type.
- Access FCSD Chemicals and Lubricants Quick Reference Charts.
- Scroll down until you see the LUBRICANTS heading.
- Click on the PDF icon next to Motorcraft®* Oil Quick Reference Oil Applications And Crankcase Capacities Charts.
- Once downloaded, open the PDF.
- There are multiple tables based on oil type. Locate your vehicle model and engine size in the left column of one of the tables.
Note: To find your vehicle’s engine size, refer to your vehicle’s window sticker.
- Model years appear on the right side of the table. If the box under your vehicle’s model year is shaded, the recommended Motorcraft oil type, filter, and refill amount at the top of the table are the ones your vehicle uses.
The below image shows that a 2016 2.3L Focus RS takes SAE 5W-50 Motorcraft oil, has a 5.4-quart capacity, and uses a Motorcraft FL910S oil filter.
Care for Your Vehicle with an Oil Change
Your oil won’t stay clean and functional for long. Over time it will degrade and become dirty. The additives will break down and won’t protect your engine like they used to. So to ensure that the oil in your engine continues to do its job, it will need to be changed regularly. Oil changes are one of the main ways that you can keep your engine running efficiently and protect the longevity of your vehicle. This routine maintenance will help you to avoid expensive repairs and future engine failure.
So, check out your maintenance schedule and make sure to bring it to your local Ford dealership who knows your car best.
How do I change my oil?
The days of having to change your oil every three thousand miles or so are long gone. However, it remains a critical aspect of vehicle maintenance to ensure long engine life for your Ford. Whether you do it yourself or use a professional, it’s important to not only stay on schedule but keep records of the changes. It’ll help enhance the resale value of your vehicle if the next owner knows that you’ve been diligent in maintaining it. And by keeping the oil fresh and clean, you can rest assured that your vehicle will be ready to go when you are.
- Park on a flat, level surface. Apply your vehicle’s parking brake and turn the engine off. If needed, raise the front end of your vehicle with a pair of jack stands. Open your hood and remove the oil dipstick to allow complete drainage of oil from your crankcase.
- Put on safety glasses. Once your vehicle is secure on the jack stands, crawl under and move to the engine’s oil pan. (Consult with manual for directions.)
- Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the pan.
- Position a catch pan under the drain plug. Make sure it is large enough to capture all the oil that will be draining from your engine. (Consult with manual for capacity.)
- Using the proper socket wrench or box-end wrench, loosen the drain plug over the catch pan so that the draining oil will flow into the pan. CAUTION: The oil may still be hot!
- Inspect the drain plug for any stripping of the threads or the bolt itself. If it’s okay, replace it once the oil has completely stopped draining. If in need of a replacement, hopefully you will have already acquired it. Retighten with the wrench used to remove it.
- Locate your oil filter. Have your oil catch pan ready in case there’s any oil left. Loosen the oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Check the gasket to make sure it was removed with the filter. Replace with a new filter, after applying a coat of oil to the gasket of the new filter.
- Remove the oil filler cap and pour the proper amount of fresh synthetic or conventional oil back into the engine. Use a funnel to avoid spillage. Replace the cap.
- Start the engine and let it idle for at least a minute. Check underneath for any leaks. If all is good, turn off engine and lower the vehicle by using the jack and removing the jack stands.
- Once on solid ground, check the oil level using the oil dipstick as a gauge. Add more oil if necessary.
- Properly dispose of the old oil by taking it to your local dealership service department or auto service center.
How much does a Ford oil change cost?
A Ford oil change can cost anywhere from $30 to $140. The model, manufacturer year, and type of oil all impact how much you’re likely to pay.
Below is a comparison of the average oil change price for a trio of popular Ford models: the F-150, the Explorer, and the Expedition. The pricing estimates were sourced from Repair Pal and Kelley Blue Book.
Are oil changes more expensive for a Ford?
While it depends on the model you drive, Ford oil changes are likely similar to the average price across car models or slightly higher.
For cars that take conventional oil, you can still find an oil change for as low as $30, although this price may be tough to find for any newer Ford models.
However, Ford owners have long praised the brand’s toughness and longevity, so you can know your money is going toward a dependable vehicle.
How often should a Ford get an oil change?
For vehicles released after 2007, Ford recommends an oil change every 7,500 or six months, whichever comes first. For vehicles from 2007 or older, the recommendation is to change your oil every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.
Cars with synthetic oil can likely go longer between oil changes than conventional oil.
Check your owner’s manual to find your vehicle’s exact recommended oil change interval.
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it might be time for an oil change (even if it hasn’t been six months):
- A new engine sound.
- A burning smell.
- An illuminated dashboard light.
How to save money on Ford insurance
While oil changes are a necessary expense of car ownership, there are plenty of other ways to save money on your car. One is to lower your car insurance bill with the help of the insurance super app Jerry!
Jerry is a licensed insurance broker specifically designed to simplify your insurance shopping. A free sign-up gives you access to a long list of competitive quotes, all from top insurance providers. 45 seconds on the app is all you’ll need to find great coverage at an affordable price. Plus, Jerry sends you new quotes every year at renewal time, so you know you’re always getting a good deal.
| Model | Repairpal estimate | KBB estimate |
|---|---|---|
| F-150 | $125 to $139 | $93 to $126 |
| Explorer | $125 to $139 | $58 to $80 |
| Expedition | $121 to $133 | $60 to $82 |
What’s involved in an oil change?
Nobody knows your Ford better than your local dealership service department. They’ve undergone factory training to properly maintain and repair your vehicle. While traditional oils are still in widespread use and were most likely what your vehicle was using when it came from the factory, your dealership service department stocks a wide variety of brands and types of oil that will suit the needs of your specific vehicle and its type of usage.
Do I need synthetic oil in my Ford?
To decide what type of lubricant is suitable for your vehicle’s engine, it’s always a good idea to consult your owner’s manual. Inside you will find the type, grade, and frequency of change for your engine’s oil.
There are several types of motor oils offered today. Widely available, either at your dealership or the local auto parts and big-box stores, they are tailor-made for the type of driving you do.
Traditional motor oil has always been a safe choice, but it requires replacement more frequently. The same applies to the filters that trap many impurities from the oil flow as possible during its lifetime. Traditional motor oils should be changed after approximately 5,000 miles of service.
Semi-Synthetic motor oil combines traditional and synthetic blends and are a good choice for vehicles that operate under heavier loads and extended driving sessions. Semi-Synthetics last longer than traditional oils and could safely provide proper lubrication to around 8,000 miles.
Synthetic motor oil is the perfect choice for today’s high-tech engines, whether high-performance or high-efficiency. They offer better performance from a viscosity standpoint (the ability to flow through engine parts) and increased protection from foreign deposits. Good all the way out to 10,000 or even 15,000 miles in some usages, it is the perfect choice to protect your investment whether it’s a Grand Tourer, a “Ranch Edition” pickup truck or a Plug-in Hybrid.
When choosing an oil, consider the heat relief. Temperature fluctuations affect the duration of your motor oil’s effectiveness. But care in selecting the proper grade of oil for your vehicle should be at the fore, to make sure it gets just what it needs for years of uninterrupted service. Where you live and how you use your vehicle is just as important as how much it is driven. The introduction of higher temperatures can cause oil to break down sooner than expected while at the same time wind-blown sand and grit can be introduced into the engine especially under extreme conditions.
Why is changing the oil in my Ford important?
Engines have made quantum leaps in technology, but the one thing that has remained constant is the way we lubricate them – and the need to keep that oil clean to ensure long engine life. This entails draining the oil, replacing the filter and refilling the engine with new lubricant.
Use of high-compression engines, auto start/stop technology, turbocharging and more has put increasing demands on oil and lubricant technology. Conventional oils are derived directly from crude oil. Newer synthetic oils are a blend of traditional oil with lubricants and other additives that enhance its performance, but comes at a higher price, on average, than regular oils.
