How To Change Ford Engine Oil

Engine oil is critical to the functioning of a vehicle’s engine. The quality of the oil in a vehicle’s engine determines how smoothly it runs, its fuel economy, the likelihood of engine damage, how cool the engine runs, and many more. The advantage of Ford vehicles is that they are designed to make engine oil changes easy. Ford models manufactured from 2008 should have an engine oil change every 7,500 miles. The steps necessary to do this are:

Understand Your Vehicle’s Oil Change Needs

The oil change frequency for your Ford vehicle depends on a host of factors including:

• The vehicle’s age: Fords manufactured after 2008 should have their oil changed every 7,500 miles.
• The type of oil used: Engine oil can be classified into synthetic and conventional oil. If you opt to run your car on conventional oil, the oil changes should be done every 3,000 to 5,000 miles since the oil is highly susceptible to temperature changes within the engine bay. Synthetic oils are more expensive but last much longer and can be changed up to every 15,000 miles on lightly used cars.
• New Ford vehicles have an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor which provides a prompt whenever an oil change is needed based on the duration since the last oil change, the mileage, oil type, and the current state of the oil.

Draining and Replacing Engine Oil

The actual oil change for most Ford vehicles is not difficult. You should:

• Find out the type and volume of oil your car runs on. Also, find out which type of oil filter and other accessories that should be replaced after an oil change. You can also rent tools such as an oil filter wrench from an auto repair store.
• Assemble tools including an oil filter remover and a spanner that fits the bolt at the bottom of the oil pan.
• Let the engine run for a few minutes, then switch it off to make the oil warm and runny. Jack up the front end of the car to give you access to the drain bolt. Open the oil cap under the hood, then open the oil pan bolt after placing a container under the oil pan.
• Once all the oil has drained, use the oil filter wrench to remove the oil filter.
• Place the new gasket and oil filter in place and tighten it using the oil filter wrench. Make sure the cap is tightly placed when done.
• Tighten the drain bolt (after placing a new gasket or washer if necessary).
• Add the recommended amount of fresh oil through the oil cap opening. Jack down the car and then check the dipstick after letting the engine run for a few minutes. You may need to top up the oil if it looks low. Once it shows the correct level, you can go for a short road test and then check the dipstick again.
• Take the used oil and old oil filter to a dealership or mechanic for proper disposal.

Shop for New and Used Ford Vehicles at Hollingsworth Richards Ford

With a large variety of new and used vehicles, Hollingsworth Richards Ford is the go-to dealership if you are interested in a new or used Ford. We also offer industry-leading services such as great warranties and in-house Ford auto financing. You can use our website, visit our dealership, or contact one of our staff members for help in finding the car that will suit you most. Get in touch with us today for more information.