Owning a Ford is one of life’s great pleasures, but you want to make sure you provide the proper maintenance so that it keeps running at an optimum level. As such, you need to know how often you should get a Ford oil change so that you’re following the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Manufacturer Recommendations
Ford recommends that for newer vehicles, you should get your oil changed every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. If you have an older Ford, the recommendations may be different, as older engines were not as efficient as the newer ones are.
Additionally, as a vehicle ages, it becomes more prone to using oil and other mechanical issues, so it’s wise to increase the frequency of your oil changes and inspections, which are usually free with service.
Other Recommendations
Of course, the manufacturer’s recommendations are for vehicles that are driven under ideal circumstances. If you drive your vehicle under harsher conditions, you’ll want to increase the frequency of your oil changes. This is because your oil will get dirtier faster, and dirty oil does not lubricate as well. As such, your gears and pistons will wear faster and you’ll get worse gas mileage since dirty oil increases friction. You can lose up to 12% in miles per gallon.
If you regularly tow heavy loads, carry heavy loads, drive at low speeds for long distances (i.e. commute in rush hour), drive in dusty or dirty conditions (i.e. on dirt roads), drive off-road, or use E85 fuel more than half the time, you’ll need to have your oil changed more frequently than if you do not regularly drive under these conditions. An oil change once every 3,000 miles or every three months is recommended for best results.
Signs You Need an Oil Change
Check Engine or Oil Change Light Comes On
This is the most obvious sign that you need to have your oil changed. Modern cars are equipped with an alert when you have driven the maximum miles between oil changes. Additionally, if the check engine light illuminates, this is an indication that something is wrong, and it’s possible your oil level is too low, which is triggering the alert.
Knocking Sound in the Engine
Engine oil is designed to lubricate metal parts and prevent them from rubbing or hitting each other. If the oil is not performing as it should, you could hear knocking or ticking sounds in your engine. This is also a sign that your engine oil level is too low to circulate properly.
Oil is Dark in Color
When clean, oil is an amber color and is nearly translucent. As the oil is circulated through your engine, it collects dirt and other particles, which turn it dark and eventually, opaque. Check your oil regularly (whenever you get fuel is a good frequency) and when your oil is dark brown or black in color, it’s time to get it changed.
Oil Smell in Car
If you smell burnt oil while you’re driving, this is often indicative of an oil leak because the oil is dripping on hot engine parts and burning off. You will want to get your oil changed and your engine inspected to ensure it is properly repaired before heading back out on the road.
Oil changes are a critical maintenance action that will keep your Ford running well long after you’ve driven it off the dealership lot. Contact Cecil Atkission Ford today to schedule your oil change and inspection appointment.
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