A Ford Explorer should undergo an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles using 5W-30 and 0W-20 synthetic oil. Check your owner’s manual to guarantee you’re using the correct amount and type of oil.

The secret to your car’s power is found in

engine oil

. It can help enhance fuel efficiency and protect the engine—but if not changed out regularly, it can become viscous and dirty.

Changing your car’s oil regularly is critical to avoiding significant engine problems.

While an oil change is a pretty straightforward process, the exact requirements change depending on the make and model of your car. The

car insurance

super app

Jerry

is here to walk through an oil change for a Ford Explorer. While we're at it, we'll even give you a tip for how to save on your

Ford Explorer insurance costs

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

How often does a Ford Explorer need an oil change?

Your Explorer’s engine oil should be changed every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. If you wait too long, your engine may become damaged.

Luckily, many newer Ford vehicles have an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor that can tell you exactly when an

oil change

is needed, but you should always be

checking your oil

regularly.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

What kind of oil does a Ford Explorer need?

The Ford Explorer’s recommended oil type is SAE full synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-20.

These oil grades have a low viscosity, so they will flow easily even at low temperatures. They’re well-suited for high-performing, turbo-charged engines like those in your Explorer.

It’s critical to use the right grade of oil for your Ford Explorer. Using a different grade of oil, such as 5W-20 or 0W-30, could damage your engine and void your warranty.

If you're changing the oil in your Explorer yourself, double-check your owner's manual to make sure you're using the right grade.

How much does an oil change cost for a Ford Explorer?

The main determinant of your oil change cost is whether you take your Ford Explorer to a mechanic or do it yourself.

Professional

The cost of a professional oil change will likely vary depending on the model year of your vehicle. For cars between 1991 and 2022, you can expect to pay between $127 and $142.

Labor costs are between $42 and $52, while parts costs are around $90 (without added taxes, fees, or additional repairs).

DIY cost

You’ll definitely save money if you change your own oil (provided you have the necessary equipment).

A quart of

5W-30 full synthetic oil

costs around $10. A five-quart container may run you from $15 to $40.

A quart of

0W-20 full synthetic oil

should cost around $10, while five quarts will cost between $25 and $40.

MORE:

When to take your car to a mechanic

How to change the oil in a Ford Explorer yourself

What you’ll need

Appropriate engine oil (5W-30 or 0W-20)

Oil drain pan

Jack and jack stands

Funnel

Oil filter and oil filter wrench

Ratchet

Clean cloth

Dipstick

1. Warm up the engine

Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes before starting to get your car to normal operating temperature. Once that temperature is reached, turn the engine off.

2. Secure your car

Use jack stands to jack up your car and secure it in place. You might also want to consider using wheel chocks to keep the vehicle from moving while you work.

3. Drain the old oil

The drain bolt is positioned underneath the front center of the vehicle. Drain your old oil into the pan by removing the drain bolt—it should take about 15 minutes to empty. Once the oil is out, reinstall the drain bolt.

4. Put new oil in the engine

Open the hood to locate and remove the oil cap. Pour 5.7 quarts of 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic oil into the engine using the funnel. Screw the fill cap on tightly before you close the hood again.

5. Run the engine and check the oil level

Remove the jack stands and run your engine for a little while, letting it rest for around 15 minutes afterward.

Use the dipstick to check the oil level and top it off again if necessary.

What happens if you don’t change the oil on a Ford Explorer?

While getting an oil change can be a pain, putting it off can lead to major problems. The oil in your car prevents corrosion and engine knock, distributes heat, and improves fuel efficiency by lubricating the engine parts.

If you don't replace the oil in your Explorer on a regular basis, you risk developing the following issues:

Engine corrosion

Reduced fuel economy

Overheating

Complete engine failure

You can avoid these issues by making sure to replace your oil on schedule. Regular oil changes may be an inconvenient expense, but they're definitely less expensive than the significant repairs you’ll need if one of the above problems develops.