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Experts have long recommended changing the oil after intervals of 3,000 miles — however, today, this does not apply. Instead, you change oil according to your driving habits, car type, car age, and type of engine oil.
If you just bought your first Ford and are wondering how often you should change your oil, here is a detailed guide from Putnam Ford of San Mateo, a certified Ford Dealership in San Mateo. We sell and service Ford SUVs, trucks, and vans.
Primary Oil Change Intervals for Cars & Trucks
So, how often should you change your oil? You can change the oil for your Ford vehicle after 1,000, 3,000, 5,000-7,500, or 10,000 miles.
Most experts recommend frequent oil changes for Ford vehicles that make short trips a day at lower speeds and those involved in regular stop-and-go traffic.
On the contrary, our certified Ford servicemen recommend less-frequent oil changes for new Ford cars driven for 20 plus miles a day at consistent speeds.
Ford Oil Change Every 1,000 Miles
Often, experts recommend an oil change every 1,000 miles if you drive an older Ford for less than 10 miles a day at lower speeds.
Short and low-speed trips do not boil off moisture condensation in your engine. The un-boiled moisture deteriorates your engine oil quickly, making it less efficient in preventing wear and tear. In addition, changing the contaminated engine oil frequently shields your engine from friction.
Additionally, you need to change your Ford oil after every 1,000 miles if you:
- Drive and stay in extremely cold areas
- Drive on dusty, muddy, silt roads
- Use your Ford to tow or carry heavy loads
- Experience frequent stop-and-go traffic
- Make regular trips on steep roads
Ford Oil Change Every 3,000 Miles
While the 3,000-mile oil change has been phased out, it remains a standard for older Ford cars driven under normal conditions. Experts define normal driving as driving between 12,000 to 18,000 miles a year, on good roads and under average temperatures.
However, if you often drive on hilly, dusty, muddy roads under extreme weather conditions, consider changing your old Ford's engine oil every 1,000 miles. Dust and mud contaminate the oil, while hilly drives increase friction.
Ford Oil Change Every 5,000 - 7,500 Miles
The 5,000-7,500 mile interval is becoming a standard for most modern vehicles. Modern Ford engines have durable parts covered against dust, mud, and other particles that could contaminate the engine oil.
If you own a new Ford car and drive it under normal conditions, change its engine oil every 7,500 miles. While you might think that changing oil a couple of times before the 7,500-mileage is great for your engine, experts claim that doing so contributes little value to an engine's health.
Contrarily, if your new Ford vehicle experiences occasional stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads, and is driven under extreme weather, we recommend an oil change after 5,000 miles. The 5,000-mile oil change interval reduces the engine wear occasioning by demanding situations like towing.
Ford Oil Change Every 10,000 Miles
Supposing your modern Ford car uses synthetic oil, we suggest you change the engine oil after 10,000 miles. Unlike regular oil, synthetic engine oil has a stable viscosity at high temperatures and an excellent flow at low temperatures.
With the advanced oil and engine technology, your car can run for 10,000 miles without heating up or wearing out its moving parts.
Pay Attention to Your Ford's Dashboard Notifications
Modern Ford vehicles have an intelligent oil monitoring system that notifies you when to change your oil. The intelligent system uses mileage and driving habits to calculate when your car needs an oil change.
With the systems, you no longer have to make oil-change decisions based on the miles you have traveled or signs like excessive engine heating — paying attention to your Ford's dashboard notifications will do the trick.
When it is time to change oil, the dashboard's oil change light illuminates to alert you. Since you can easily confuse the oil change dash light with the oil pressure light, refer to your car manual.
Certified Ford Brake Service in San Mateo
In addition to an oil change, servicing your vehicle's brakes is essential. It keeps you safe when an emergency arises. Although any mechanic can service your brakes, a Ford-certified company like Putnam Ford of San Mateo offers the best service. As well, our services have warranty coverage. So schedule your service now if you need an expert to handle your Ford SUV, van, pickup, or truck. Or contact us if you have other questions.
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