How Often Should Your Ford Get an Oil Change?

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Getting an oil change for your Ford is essential to keeping the engine in optimal working condition. However, changing the oil isn’t the same as topping it up. Even if you top up the oil frequently, you should get it flushed and refilled by your Ford dealer at the recommended intervals.

Ford vehicles generally require an oil flush and change every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, depending on the specifications in the owner’s manual for the specific model. Newer Fords have an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor (IOLM) system that tracks driving habits and engine conditions to calculate a personalized oil service interval.

If you have a newer Ford, your IOLM system may recommend an oil service sooner than the baseline interval if it detects more severe driving conditions. So it’s important to look out for the IOLM light on your dashboard. After each oil flush and refill, your dealer should reset the monitor to restart tracking.

How to Tell Your Ford Needs Fresh Oil

If your Ford doesn’t have the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor, watch out for signs that an oil service is due, even if the recommended service interval hasn’t elapsed. Here are the signs to watch out for:

• Low oil levels
• Dark, thick, or sludgy oil
• Unusual engine noises
• Excessive exhaust smoke
• Oil leaks underneath the car
• Check engine light

If you notice these signs, visit your dealer and have the technicians check your oil. They should flush the system, refill the oil, and fix oil leaks to get your Ford working optimally again.

Benefits of Changing Your Ford’s Oil Regularly

Increases Engine Efficiency

Changing the oil regularly helps remove sludge and contaminant buildup in the system. As a result, the fresh, clean oil can circulate properly and lubricate crucial engine components. This reduces friction and drag, enabling the engine to operate at peak efficiency.

Improves Fuel Economy

As oil breaks down, it becomes less effective at reducing friction in the engine. The friction and drag cause components to work harder, which can reduce fuel economy. Replacing the degraded oil with new oil reduces friction and allows the components to work smoothly, leading to improved gas mileage.

Promotes Longer Engine Life

The contaminants in old oil act as an abrasive and can cause accelerated wear on components like pistons, valves, bearings, and seals. Changing the oil regularly removes these contaminants and maximizes lubrication. This reduces wear and tear and corrosion, extending your engine’s lifespan.

Changing your Ford’s oil can impact the vehicle’s overall performance and reliability. If it’s been a while since you last changed your oil, contact Bob Maxey Ford of Howell to schedule an oil service. 

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