The 2008 Ford Escape 3.0 is a reliable option for those looking for a well-rounded vehicle. However, since it’s an older model, you’re going to want to keep up with regular maintenance, for which knowing your Escape’s oil capacity is crucial.

While purchasing an older model of a vehicle is a great way to save money, there’s a chance that older cars come with more maintenance issues—which can result in bigger repair bills down the road.

If you’re looking for a way to cut your maintenance costs, you can change your Ford’s oil yourself to avoid paying for a mechanic’s labor. Just don’t forget to read your owner’s manual first!

Jerry

, the

car insurance

expert, has all the info you need. We’ll go over your engine’s oil capacity, the ideal type of motor oil to use, how often you should be changing your oil, signs to be on the lookout for, the steps of an oil change, and how you can save on your 2008

Ford Escape insurance costs

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2008 Ford Escape 3.0 engine oil capacity

Before breaking out the toold for your

oil change

, you need to determine how much oil your 2008 Ford Escape 3.0 needs.

The 2008 Ford Escape 3.0L has an oil capacity of 6 quarts. But wait. Why is that different from the 3.0L number? The 3.0L is telling you how much space your engine’s cylinders take up, or its engine displacement. In contrast, oil capacity tells you how much oil you need for an oil change.

Keep in mind that mixing up these numbers can lead to major engine damage—so be careful.

What kind of oil does a 2008 Ford Escape 3.0 need?

You’re also going to need to find out what type of motor oil you should be using for your 2008 Ford Escape. Using the first bottle you see on the shelves won’t work; you should be finding one that is optimized for your Ford’s engine to prolong its lifespan.

Ford recommends 5W-20 motor oil when changing your Escape’s engine oil. It's up to you whether you use

synthetic or conventional motor oil

Knowing what those numbers and letters mean will help you understand why it’s important to stick to 5W-20 oil. The 5 indicates that it remains thin in colder temperatures, like 0°F, and the 20 also tells you that it stays thin at the engine’s normal operating temperature of 212°F. The W stands for winter, letting you know that the oil works well in colder temperatures.

Basically, you want to use 5W-20 motor oil because it will cause less wear and tear on your Ford’s engine.

Owner's Manual Recommendation:

Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2008 Ford Escape 3.0

Before you can officially start changing your Ford’s oil, you need to determine whether your engine is actually due for an oil change.

Ford recommends that drivers have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles as part of their

basic car maintenance schedule

. But that’s a pretty large range, so it might be easier to keep an eye on the engine after every other refuel. Look for these signs as an indicator:

Dirty and coarse motor oil: Clean motor oil should be lighter in color, so if your oil is dark and gritty, that's a sign that you need an oil change

Noises: Any strange and unfamiliar noises coming from your engine are worth checking out

New smells: If it smells like oil, smoke, or like something’s burning, you might need to change your oil

Decrease in performance

MORE:

The most common Ford problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now you’re ready to change your 2008 Ford Escape’s oil! Have the following tools ready beforehand: a socket wrench, drain pan, filter wrench, replacement filter,5W-20 engine oil, a container for throwing out the old oil, and towels to help clean up.

First, you need to warm the engine up. Start your engine and let it run for about five minutes. It might take longer in colder weather, but don't worry—the actual oil change shouldn't take long at all. Then, turn it off, open the hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Your oil drain bolt and washer should be under the engine. Remove them, and oil will begin to flow. Make sure you have your drain pan to catch the old oil

Replace the old oil filter with the new one, and let the engine finish draining oil

Screw the oil drain bolt and washer back on and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

Use your dipstick to tell when you’ve added enough oil to the engine. After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Shut the hood, and turn the engine back on, making sure to look for any leaks. The

oil pressure light

should turn off if you’ve successfully changed your Ford’s oil.

Finally, make sure you clean everything up! Collect the old oil in a container to bring to a recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Congratulations—you just saved money on your car expenses! But changing your oil yourself isn’t the only way to make owning a car more affordable.

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