As a solid option for first-time car buyers, the 2016 Ford Focus is a reliable and trustworthy ride. But to keep it running for as long as you can, you’re going to need to change its oil and know its oil capacity.

Owning a car comes with a variety of expenses—and they can make a pretty big dent in your wallet. Whether it’s emergency repairs, regular maintenance costs, or even

car insurance

premiums, you’re always going to have a cost to cover.

But you can save some money by choosing to change your Ford’s oil at home—just make sure you check with your owner’s manual first.

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2016 Ford Focus engine oil capacity

The first step to an oil change is to determine how much oil your 2016 Ford Focus needs.

The 2016 Ford Focus uses 4.3 liters of motor oil. This is different from its 2.0L engine displacement—which details how much volume its cylinders take up. In contrast, oil capacity tells you how much motor oil your engine uses. Since these numbers are so drastically different, don’t get them mixed up—it can lead to disastrous consequences.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Ford Focus need?

The next step is figuring out what type of motor oil works best with your Ford’s engine. Since motor oil is made in many different grades and types, picking up the first bottle you see isn’t ideal for your engine. That’s why it’s best to stick with Ford’s recommendation of SAE 5W-20 motor oil.

This type of oil works well in both colder and hotter temperatures. The W stands for winter, meaning it’s optimized for the cold, the 5 tells us that the oil is less thick at 0°F, and the 20 indicates that it’s thin at operating temperatures around 212°F.

So, a 5W-20 oil is easier on your engine and will cause less wear and tear over time.

Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2016 Ford Focus

Before popping your hood open, you’re going to need to know when to

change your Ford’s oil

Ford recommends that drivers have their oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. But since factors like your driving habits can impact this range, it might be better to check for the following signs every so often:

Change in your motor oil’s color: Clean motor oil is lighter in color, and if you notice it getting darker, or a change in its texture, you should look into replacing the oil

Noises: Screeching coming from your engine may be a sign that you need to change your Ford’s oil

Burning smells: This can be an indication that your oil is getting old

Decrease in performance

MORE:

The most common Ford problems

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Have the following tools by your workstation before you get started:

A socket wrench

A drain pan

A filter wrench

The replacement filter

5W-20 motor oil

Once you’ve gathered all of your tools, follow these steps:

Warm up your engine to help drain the oil, running your car for around five minutes

Turn the engine off and pop open the hood

Find and remove the oil fill cap

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer. Be ready to catch the old oil with your drain pan

Take out the old oil filter and insert the new one

Replace the oil drain bolt and washer and add new oil

Check the oil level with a dipstick to confirm you’ve added enough oil

Finish everything up, and run the engine to double-check if there are any leaks

Dispose of your waste—gather the old oil in a container to bring to a recycling depot

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.

Your

oil pressure light

should turn off if you’ve done everything correctly.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

That’s it! If you want to find some extra savings,

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