From affordability to favorable fuel economy, the 2018 Ford Escape has everything you could want from a compact SUV. To keep your Escape cruising on the road for many years to come, you’ll need to understand its engine oil capacity.

Nobody said owning a car was going to be cheap. Routine maintenance combined with unexpected repairs can put a strain on anyone’s finances. If you’re interested in eliminating a recurring mechanic bill, though, we’ve got you covered.

Jerry

is the

trusted insurance app

to guide you on everything you need to know for performing an oil change and how to save money on your 2018

Ford Escape car insurance cost

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

2018 Ford Escape engine oil capacity

Before you crawl under your truck, let’s discuss the exact amount of motor oil your 2018 Escape needs.

This SUV comes stocked with a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that has an oil capacity of 4.3 quarts. The 1.5-liters refers to the engine’s displacement and should not be confused with its oil capacity. Let’s break down the distinction to prevent any future issues.

An engine’s displacement is the total volume of air and fuel swept into each of the engine’s cylinders. You don’t need to worry too much about this as long as you know the oil capacity is the correct amount of oil necessary to keep the engine lubricated and operating smoothly. Understanding the difference will avert you from under-filling your engine.

What kind of oil does a 2018 Ford Escape need?

Now that we’ve gone over the oil capacity, let’s cover the best oil type for your Escape.

When shopping for oil, keep your eyes peeled for Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend motor oil. This is the authentic Ford oil and the type the manufacturer recommends you continue using.

The genuine article: If you wish to follow Ford’s recommendation,

Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend

is for you.

Let’s break down this oil even further. The “W” stands for winter, and the 5 before it means the oil has a low viscosity (thickness) when the engine is cold. The 20 following the “W” tells us the oil has a modest viscosity when the engine is at operating temperature.

To put it simply, you want an oil thin enough to flow well during those cold morning start-ups and one that will be thick enough to keep the engine parts cool while the engine is hot.

MORE: How to dispute your mechanic bill

Are you overpaying for your car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds

Compare Rates Now

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms · No fees

4.717k Ratings

5M+Drivers Joined

7M+Cars Garaged

How often to change oil on a 2018 Ford Escape

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s go over when your Escape needs an oil change.

Ford recommends changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep your engine running at peak performance. If you don’t drive often, you should still have it changed every six months to keep your oil fresh and clean.

You should also be regularly monitoring your oil level to make sure it doesn’t dip too low. Additionally, you can look out for these signs that your Escape needs an oil change:

The oil has changed to a dark brown or black color

The oil feels gritty or rough

You notice new smells, like smoke or burning odors

You hear strange sounds coming from the engine

Your car’s performance has changed

MORE:

Ford common problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’re ready to change the oil, gather these materials: a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a new filter, and a rag. Lastly, don’t forget your five-quart bottle of SAE 5W-20 Synthetic engine oil.

Begin by letting the engine run for at least five minutes to reach normal operating temperature. Once the oil is nice and warm, turn the engine off, open your hood, and follow these instructions:

Get underneath your engine and remove the oil drain bolt, allowing the oil to drain into your pan.

Remove your

old filter

with your filter wrench and let the oil continue to drain out.

Clean the filter surface with your rag and install your replacement filter.

Tighten the oil drain bolt back into place.

Refill the engine with the proper amount of new oil.

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.

There are a few measures to take to confirm your oil has been properly changed. First, measure the new oil level with your dipstick, then make sure your oil pressure dashboard light is off. Finally, turn your engine back on and make sure there is no oil leakage.

As for cleanup, don’t dump the old oil on the ground or into your garbage pail. A best practice is to put it in a sealable container and drop it off at your nearby recycling center for proper disposal.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Performing your own oil changes can save you significant time and money. If you want another way to save on these precious commodities, start shopping for

car insurance

with

Jerry

In as little as 45 seconds, Jerry can compare and analyze policies from the most popular providers so you can score the most affordable quotes. Make paperwork and phone calls with agents a thing of the past as you get the best policies for your specific needs and budget presented right on your smartphone.

“I was looking for a liability insurance plan for my truck until I can afford more coverage.
Jerry
made it simple to shop around for the best deal for me. Thank you!” —Jake L.

RECOMMENDED