A Ford Ranger should undergo an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles using 5W-30 or 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 your

engine oil

. It helps to enhance fuel efficiency and protect the engine, but if not changed out regularly, it can become viscous and unclean.

Changing your car’s oil on a regular basis is critical to avoiding significant engine problems.

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

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How often does a Ford Ranger need an oil change?

Your Ford Ranger’s engine oil should be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

If you wait too long between oil changes, your engine may become damaged. To guarantee the best intervals for your Ford, consult your owner’s manual and your dealer.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

What kind of oil does a Ford Ranger need?

Depending on your vehicle’s mileage, different oil types are advised for the Ford Ranger.

You can use 0W-20, 0W-30, or 5W-20 full synthetic oil in new Ford Rangers with less than 75,000 miles.

For new Rangers with more than 75,000 but less than 100,000 miles, 5W-30 full synthetic oil should be used.

Using the right grade of oil is critical—not doing so could damage your engine and void your warranty. If you’re changing the oil in your Ranger yourself, check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the right grade.

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

The cost of an

oil change

varies depending on whether you take your Ford Ranger to a professional or do it yourself.

Professional

The cost of a professional oil change will vary based on your vehicle’s model year. For model years 1990-2022, you can expect to pay between $96 and $108.

Labor costs between $36 and $46, and parts cost roughly $60 (this is without added taxes, fees, or the cost of additional

car repairs

DIY cost

Performing an oil change yourself is a great way to save money on your vehicle’s upkeep. Buying

a quart of 5W-20 oil

, for example, only costs around $4 to $12, while five quarts of oil can cost from $10 to $40.

MORE:

When should I check my engine oil?

How to change the oil in a Ford Ranger yourself

What you’ll need

The recommended engine oil (0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, or 5W-30)

Oil drain pan

Oil filter

Oil filter wrench

Oil funnel

Ratchet

Jack stands

Keep in mind

Because of the Ranger’s larger oil cooler, there isn’t enough space for the oil filter to lie down by the oil pan (which would be very useful). Instead, it’s been relocated to the side of the engine block and protrudes at a right angle.

This necessitates a certain amount of patience and expertise when it comes to basic maintenance.

1. Jack up your vehicle

Position the vehicle on jack stands or a hoist while it is in neutral to give yourself enough room to work.

MORE: How to put a car on jack stands

2. Remove the skid plate

Loosen and remove the rear skid plate bolts and then the skid plate itself.

3. Drain the old oil

Place the drain pan beneath the skid plate and drain the engine oil—this should take around 15 minutes to finish.

Once it’s fully drained, you can reinstall the oil pan drain bolt.

4. Replace the oil filter

Remove the retainers and lower the left-hand splash shield to gain access to the oil filter. Use your oil filter wrench to remove the old part and use a brake cleaner to remove build-up from the drain troughs.

Once they’re clean, lubricate the new engine oil filter with clean oil and install it.

5. Reinstall the skid plate and retainers

Install the splash shield and the accompanying retainers on the left-hand side, as well as the rear skid plates and bolts—make sure they’re tightened properly to prevent any leakage.

6. Refill the oil

Pour the necessary amount of oil into the oil filter hole, taking care not to overfill it. Use a funnel to eliminate mess.

7. Check the oil level

Allow several minutes before

checking your oil level

with a dipstick.

Start the engine and wait to see if the oil pressure light goes off. Turn off the engine and wait at least five minutes before double-checking the oil level to confirm it is correct.

Keep an eye out for possible oil leaks in the days following your oil change.

MORE:

How to read a dipstick

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

The oil in your car prevents corrosion and engine knock, distributes heat, and improves fuel efficiency. If you don't replace the oil in your Explorer regularly, you risk developing the following issues:

Engine deterioration

Decreasing fuel economy

Overheating

Total engine failure

You can avoid these problems by replacing your oil on schedule. Regular oil changes may be an annoyance, but they are far less expensive than the major repairs that will be required if you don’t commit to this maintenance.

How to save money on car insurance

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