According to Ford’s manufacturers, you need a Ford oil change every 5,000-10,000 miles. The frequency at which you’ll need to change your oil depends on several factors. Some of these include whether you tow or not, how often you drive, and the typical length of the journeys you take in your Ford vehicle. We hope to educate you on knowing how often you need an oil change. We’ll also discuss how you can tell if your oil has gone bad.
Ford Oil Change Specifics: What Should I Know?
The good news about oil in Ford vehicles is that your vehicle can tell you when you need a change. Modern Ford vehicles have a built-in meter for this. If you have an older Ford, head down to your dealership and ask how often you need an oil change. Tell the technician about your driving habits and your vehicle’s history. Your technician will give you a rough idea of how often you should look for an oil change.
If you still have your vehicle’s manual, you should consult it to see what it says about oil changes. Some Ford manuals will tell you exactly how often you should be changing your oil. If your manual doesn’t have the information you need, talk to a technician. You should also learn how to tell when you need an oil change; there are several key signs you should be aware of.
How to Tell When You Need an Oil Change
1. Excessive Exhaust Fumes
Modern vehicles don’t emit visible gas through their tailpipe. If your tailpipe is smoking or sparking, you need to get your oil changed. Your oil isn’t igniting correctly, and if left unchanged, the oil can damage the components of your engine.
2. Rapidly Decreasing Oil Level
Your oil level goes down over time, but your oil levels aren’t supposed to decrease rapidly. If you notice a sudden decrease in your oil levels, that’s a sign that there’s something wrong with your oil system. You need to get your oil system checked and repaired. After that, you need an oil change.
3. Unusually Loud Engine
Your engine will get louder as it ages. Your engine gets louder if there’s something wrong with the oil, too. Usually, it means your oil is strangely textured or thin. Getting your oil changed as soon as possible will help reduce engine damage. Your engine should be quiet again in no time; if it isn’t, something’s wrong with your engine, too.
4. Oil Texture Changes
If you’re checking your oil level and notice the oil’s texture has changed, that’s a problem. Your oil has become old, and you need to change it so your vehicle can run efficiently. Please take note that your oil darkens as it cycles through your engine. If your oil is darker but still holds a normal texture, that’s not always a problem. If you’re not sure about the state of your oil, then go to a dealership and consult a technician.
Come and see us at Crain Ford Jacksonville for an oil change. We provide the best service we’re capable of, and we use the best quality oil that we can access. With an oil change from us, you’ll get plenty of mileage out of your Ford before needing another change.
