’s oil should be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles using synthetic SAE 5W-20 oil. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the correct grade and amount of oil.

Regular oil changes help you get the longest life out of your engine. Fresh oil keeps your engine lubricated, improves fuel efficiency, and protects your engine from internal damages.

Since engine oil will degrade with use (becoming viscous and dirty), it’s important that you follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and always get your oil changed on time.

While each make and model has unique needs, the process of completing an oil change is straightforward. Here is everything you need to know before getting started on a Ford F-150 oil change, brought to you by your personal

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How often does a Ford F-150 need an oil change?

You should change your F-150’s synthetic oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Although some oils can extend the oil change interval to 10,000 miles, an average of 5,000 miles is recommended.

Delaying your oil changes can result in engine damage, so make sure to stay on top of your maintenance schedule. The mileage between each oil change interval can also vary depending on your driving habits.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

What kind of oil does a Ford F-150 need?

This model needs SAE 0W-20 oil to ensure the best performance and longest engine life. However, for 2020 models and later, most engine options can also use SAE 5W-30. Check your owner’s manual to be sure.

The lower the number preceding the W, the less viscous the oil (and the more easily the oil will flow). The optimal viscosity for your car is often based on the lowest anticipated temperature the vehicle will experience during the oil change interval.

Using a different grade from what is recommended could damage your engine or void your warranty.

How much does an oil change cost for a Ford F-150?

The cost of an oil change for a Ford F-150 varies depending on whether you take the truck to a shop or change the oil yourself.

Professional cost

For a professional oil change, you can expect to be charged around $98 to $120. This includes parts and labor. There may also be additional costs if your oil filter needs replacing.

DIY cost

You’ll save money by changing your oil yourself, provided you have the right equipment.

A quart of

5W-20 synthetic oil

costs about $4 to $13, and you can also find five quarts for between $15 and $40.

How to change the oil in a Ford F-150 yourself

What you’ll need

5W-20 synthetic oil

or 5W-30 oil, depending on manufacturer’s specifications (6 or 7 quarts)

Lift or jack and jack stands

Ramps

Drain pan

Oil filter wrench

3/8" socket

15mm socket

15mm wrench

1. Warm up the engine

Turn your engine on for a few minutes to warm up the engine oil and reach a normal operating temperature. Then, you can turn the car back off.

2. Secure the truck

Remove the oil cap in the engine bay. Then jack up your truck and use jack stands to secure it in place.

3. Drain the old oil

Place the oil drain pan under the oil drain plug to catch the oil.

Loosen the drain plug with a 15mm socket wrench. Then use your hand to slowly loosen the plug—apply pressure so that oil doesn’t flow out immediately.

Move your hand away swiftly after loosening the plug to avoid the hot oil.

After draining, reinstall the drain plug with your wrench set to the torque specified by the owner’s manual.

4. Remove the filter

Remove the splash shield towards the front of the truck. You will find the oil filter in the engine bay. Drain the oil filter by removing the rubber seal on the bottom of the truck and unscrewing the filter.

Remove the filter to drain the remaining oil. Be cautious as the oil filter may be hot.

Replace the rubber seal once all the oil is drained.

5. Install the new oil filter

Before installing the new filter, apply a small amount of new engine oil to the seal. (Double-check that the old oil filter gasket has been removed. This ensures the new filter will seal properly.)

Hand-tighten the new filter until it fits snugly but not too tight. Then reinstall the splash guard towards the front of the truck.

6. Put new oil in the engine

Pour 6.0 quarts of 0W-20 synthetic oil into the engine through the oil cap—and use a funnel to minimize spills. Newer models may require 7 quarts of oil, so double-check your owner’s manual.

Screw on the fill cap tightly and run the engine for a few minutes to check for any leaks.

7. Stop the engine and check the oil level

After running the engine for a few minutes, turn it off and check the oil with the dipstick to ensure the level is between or slightly over the two dots.

8. Reset the oil change reminder

Turn on your truck without starting the engine. Go to the main menu, scroll to “settings,” and select “oil life reset.” Press and hold the OK button for three seconds (until the light turns off). The engine oil life should be reset back to 100%.

What happens if you don’t change the oil on a Ford F-150?

Although they can be a pain to schedule, oil changes are necessary to maintain your truck’s engine health. Fresh engine oil keeps the engine lubricated, which helps prevent corrosion and engine knock, distribute heat, and improve fuel efficiency.

Your engine could have a shorter life span and develop the following issues if you don’t keep up with your Ford F-150 oil changes:

Engine corrosion

Decreased fuel efficiency

Overheating

Complete engine failure

Keeping up with your oil change schedule will protect your truck from these issues and help you avoid expensive repairs.

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