Are you a proud Ford owner? If so, you already know the importance of regular oil changes to keep your vehicle running smoothly. But do you know the recommended oil change intervals for your specific Ford model? In this article, we’ll explore the oil change intervals for various Ford vehicles and provide you with some valuable insights.
The General Recommendation
According to Ford Motor Company, the general recommendation for oil change intervals on their vehicles is around 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. This guideline applies mainly to newer vehicles and those not driven in tough conditions. However, if you own an older Ford vehicle that uses conventional oil, you’ll likely need to change the oil every 3,000 miles or three months, whichever comes first.
Understanding “Tough Conditions”
But what exactly are “tough conditions”? Ford defines tough or severe conditions based on certain factors. If any one of the following conditions applies to your driving habits, then your vehicle is considered to be in tough conditions:
- You typically drive less than 10 miles or 16 km, especially in freezing temperatures.
- Your vehicle frequently idles for extended periods, such as in stop-and-go traffic.
- You often drive on dusty or gravel roads.
- You tow trailers or use a car-top carrier, putting extra demand on the engine.
- Your vehicle is used for delivery service, police work, taxi, or other commercial purposes.
If you find yourself driving in tough conditions, it’s essential to adjust your oil change intervals accordingly to maintain the health of your Ford vehicle.
Specific Ford Vehicle Oil Change Intervals
Now, let’s take a closer look at some specific Ford vehicle oil change intervals.
Ford 6.7 Diesel Oil Change Interval
For the 6.7L Powerstroke diesel engine, the recommended oil change interval is 10,000 miles or as indicated by the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor system. This system adjusts the interval based on driving conditions, so your oil change might be sooner depending on how you drive your truck. While 15W-40 is the standard recommended oil type, using 5W-40 can extend the range of operating temperature.
Ford 7.3 Oil Change Interval
The 7.3L Powerstroke diesel engine typically requires an oil change every 5,000 miles with 15W-40 oil. However, if you frequently drive your 7.3L Powerstroke in cold weather, it’s recommended to use 5W-40 full synthetic oil. On the other hand, the 7.3L V8 gas engine has an oil change interval of 10,000 miles.
Ford C Max Oil Change Interval
If you own a Ford C Max Hybrid, the recommended oil change interval is generally 10,000 miles or 12 months. However, your driving habits and the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor system may calculate different intervals.
Ford Escape Oil Change Interval
As for the Ford Escape, new models have an oil change interval of 7,500 miles. The interval depends on the type of oil you use. If you use conventional oil, the interval is 3,000 miles. If you opt for a synthetic blend, the interval is around 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil is recommended for most new Escapes, with the recommended type being 5W-20 or 5W-30.
Ford Explorer Oil Change Interval
The oil change interval for the new Ford Explorer is typically 5,000 miles, but it also depends on the type of oil you use. Synthetic oil can go longer than 5,000 miles. For the 2018 Ford Explorer with a 2.3L engine, 5W-30 full synthetic oil is recommended, while the 3.5L V6 engine requires 5W-20 oil. Always consult your manual for specific details.
Ford F150 Oil Change Interval
The Ford F150 comes with the Intelligent-Oil-Life Monitor system, which displays a message when it’s time for an oil change. For normal use drivers, the system usually prompts the message between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. However, if the display shows the message prematurely, it’s advisable to change the oil every six months or 5,000 miles. Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type.
Ford Fiesta Oil Change Interval
Under normal driving conditions using synthetic oil, the oil change interval for a Ford Fiesta is up to 10,000 miles. However, it’s essential to regularly check your oil for quality and level to determine if an earlier oil change is necessary. The recommended oil type is 5W-20 synthetic oil.
Ford Flex Oil Change Interval
For the Ford Flex, Ford recommends using 5W-30 synthetic blend oil or 5W-30 full synthetic oil. The oil change interval typically falls between 7,500 and 10,000 miles for most cases.
Ford Focus Oil Change Interval
The recommended oil change interval for a Ford Focus can vary depending on the type of oil used. With conventional oil, the interval is between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. If you opt for synthetic oil, the interval can be extended to between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Synthetic blend oil usually falls somewhere in between. Always refer to your manual for specific oil type recommendations.
Ford Fusion Oil Change Interval
For new Ford Fusion vehicles, the oil change interval is between 3,000 and 5,000 miles for conventional oil and between 7,500 and 10,000 miles for synthetic oil. Most newer Ford Fusions require full synthetic oil. The recommended oil types are 5W-20 and 5W-30, depending on the engine.
Ford Mustang Oil Change Interval
The oil change interval for a Ford Mustang varies depending on the model and age. The general recommendation is between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. However, if your Mustang is equipped with an oil life monitor, it’s advised to follow its guidance. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific details.
Ford Ranger Oil Change Interval
Newer Ford Rangers using synthetic oil typically have an oil change interval between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. If you use conventional oil, the change interval is around 5,000 miles. The recommended oil types for the 2.3L engines on the Ranger are 5W-20 and 5W-30.
Ford Transit Oil Change Interval
The recommendation for a 2020 Ford Transit van’s oil change interval is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles with conventional oil and every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with full synthetic oil. Synthetic blend oil change intervals fall somewhere in between. The recommended oil types are synthetic 5W-20 for the 3.5L V6 engine and 5W-30 for the 3.7L V6.
Ford Triton V10 Oil Change Interval
For Ford F and E-series trucks, vans, and motorhomes equipped with the Triton V10 engine, the recommended oil change interval is usually 7,500 miles or six months for newer vehicles. Older vehicles with this engine used a 3,000 to 5,000-mile interval. Most Triton V10s newer than 2003 are recommended to use 5W-20 oil, while older vehicles used 5W-30.
Conclusion
Regular oil changes are crucial to maintain the performance and longevity of your Ford vehicle. By following the recommended oil change intervals based on your specific model, you can ensure that your Ford continues to run smoothly for years to come. Remember to consult your owner’s manual and consider any unique driving conditions you may encounter. With Power Oil Center’s convenient oil changing kits, you can even perform your own oil changes and save time and money.
