How Often Should Your Ford Get an Oil Change?

Oil keeps your Ford running smoothly by lubricating the engine and reducing friction and wear. For your engine to work optimally, you should get a regular oil change at your Ford dealer. But what’s the right frequency for this service? Let’s discuss how often you should change your Ford’s engine oil at the dealership.

For slightly older Ford vehicles, drivers need to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as recommended in the owner’s manual. Modern Ford cars have an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) that calculates the right intervals for getting new oil. The monitor assesses how the vehicle is driven, engine temperature, RPM, mileage, and idle time to determine an optimal service interval.

Whether you have an older or newer Ford model, you shouldn’t always wait for the recommended service interval to lapse. Watch out for other signs that indicate you may be due for an oil service.

How to Tell You’re Due for Fresh Engine Oil

Grainy or Lumpy Oil

Over time, contaminants from combustion and friction accumulate in the oil and give it a gritty or lumpy texture. The oil also changes color and becomes darker. In this state, the oil loses its ability to properly coat and lubricate the engine components. You should drain and refill the oil to remove the built-up debris and restore proper engine lubrication.

Low Oil Level

It’s normal for some oil to burn off during engine operation, causing the level to drop slightly. If the oil level falls below the minimum mark on the dipstick, it means it is being consumed too quickly due to a leak or other engine issues. Visit your dealer for an oil service, so the technicians can change the oil and inspect the system for leaks.

Unusual Engine Noises

Contaminated oil allows the metal components in the engine to grind against each other. This causes unusual noises in the engine, like squeaking, rattling, and knocking. If you hear these sounds, drain the old oil and refill the system to provide proper lubrication and prevent excess friction.

Should You Top Up or Change Engine Oil?

Note that topping up engine oil isn’t the same as changing it. While topping up oil may seem easy and effective, it just dilutes the old, dirty oil instead of cleaning out the contaminants. Over time, top-ups allow abrasive particles and contaminants to accumulate to dangerous levels.

Changing your oil at regular intervals is recommended because it involves draining out the old oil completely. This leaves the system free of contaminants and debris. After the service, you drive off with 100% clean, fresh oil, which optimizes engine health and improves performance.

To keep your Ford running at peak performance, be diligent about changing the oil regularly as needed. Contact Conway Ford to schedule a comprehensive oil service for your vehicle.

Posted in Conway Ford Dealer, Conway Ford Service | No Comments »