When was the last time you got an oil change for your Ford? Routine oil and filter changes are crucial to keeping the engine cool and properly lubricated. If you haven’t had an oil service in a while, visit your local Ford dealer to change the oil and optimize engine performance.
Check Your Owner’s Manual
Your Ford owner’s manual outlines the best oil service interval based on the vehicle’s engine, factory-recommended oil type, and expected operating conditions. Generally, most modern gas engines that use fully synthetic oil can go around 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil and filter changes. However, stick to the schedule specified in your owner’s manual to optimize engine performance.
Keep an Eye on the Oil Life Monitor
Modern Fords come with an Intelligent Oil Life Monitor (IOLM) system that calculates when you need to change your oil based on real-time driving conditions. It continually assesses variables like engine temperatures, RPMs, time elapsed since the last oil service, and driving conditions. The system activates a warning light on your dashboard when it’s time to change the old oil.
The oil life monitor provides a more accurate service interval based on actual vehicle use rather than a fixed mileage mark. Once the oil light comes on, you should change the oil, even if the recommended service interval hasn’t elapsed. If your Ford doesn’t have an IOLM system, you should watch out for signs that your oil has started to degrade.
Check for Signs of Oil Degradation
Dark and Sludgy Oil
Oil can degrade faster than expected due to driving conditions like towing, frequent idling, and driving short distances. If the oil appears dark or sludgy, it has lost its lubricating properties and can no longer protect the engine. You should get clean oil that will better protect, clean, and lubricate the engine’s components.
Unusual Engine Sounds
Listen for odd noises under the hood, like grinding or knocking. If your Ford has old oil with poor viscosity, it won’t be able to properly coat the moving parts. This causes friction between the components, leading to unusual noises when the engine is in operation. If you don’t change the oil promptly, the components may wear out prematurely.
Overheating Engine
Is your temperature gauge creeping past the normal upper limits, accompanied by a check engine or oil light? This could be due to degraded oil that is unable to lubricate the engine components. As the parts grind against each other, they generate heat, which causes the engine to overheat.
Poor Fuel Economy
Degraded oil causes the engine to work harder due to increased friction from low oil levels or dirty oil. If your fuel economy starts to decrease unexpectedly, schedule an oil service immediately. The Ford technicians at the dealership will also check for worn-out components that may be affecting the engine’s efficiency.
Keep up with your Ford’s oil and filter changes to improve engine performance and avoid costly damage. Contact Asheville Ford to schedule an oil service for your vehicle.
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