tasks, like oil changes—and if you’re opting to save yourself some cash by taking care of them yourself, you’ll need to know not just what kind of engine oil you need, but how much.

To help you save some time,

Jerry

, the

car insurance

expert, has rounded up all the engine oil info you need to know to take care of your oil change at home and shows you how to find the best

Ford Escape insurance costs

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2008 Ford Escape engine oil capacity

Just how much engine oil does a 2008 Ford Escape need for a routine

oil change

? The answer depends on your engine type.

Even within the same make and model year, certain vehicles can have different engines depending on their trim level and other configurations—including the 2008 Ford Escape.

If you’re not sure what kind of engine your Escape has, you can typically

find the engine number

with your owner’s manual, your VIN, your driver’s side door jamb, your vehicle registration documents, or the information on the engine itself.

If you drive a 2008 Ford Escape, you probably have either a 2.3L I4 engine or a 3.0L DOHC V6 Duratec engine.

Now, don’t be fooled as you proceed because the “2.3” and the “3.0” here aren’t referring to your engine oil capacity but your engine displacement, which is the collective volume of your engine’s cylinders.

The 2008 Ford Escape’s engine oil capacity for the 2.3L engine is 4.5 quarts, or 4.25 liters, and the 3.0L engine has an oil capacity of 6 quarts, or 5.7 liters.

MORE:

Can you add oil to a hot engine?

What kind of oil does a 2008 Ford Escape need?

Just as important as having the right amount of oil for your 2008 Ford Escape is having the correct kind. Trying to pick out your engine oil might seem overwhelming initially, but it’s pretty easy once you understand what you’re looking for.

You must use engine oil that’s compatible with your engine—the wrong kind could end up causing costly engine damage. It's also important to know whether you need synthetic or conventional motor oil.

For the 2008 Ford Escape, you’ll need SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend engine oil. The “5” here refers to the oil’s viscosity or thickness at colder temperatures before you start your engine, while the “20” refers to its viscosity at normal engine operating temperatures. “SAE” is an acronym for the Society of Automotive Engineers, which oversees oil viscosity specifications.

Does brand matter when picking out your engine oil? Ford recommends Motorcraft as a first choice, but what’s most important is that your engine oil has the correct viscosity and a certification seal from the American Petroleum Institute (API) on its label.

Ford’s first pick: Opt for Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor oil to satisfy the manufacturer’s recommendations.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

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How often to change oil on a 2008 Ford Escape

There’s one last thing you’ll need to know before changing your 2008 Ford Escape’s engine oil: when you need to do it.

And it’s important to get the timing right because waiting too long could lead to a harmful buildup of debris in your engine.

Ford generally recommends driving no more than 7,500 miles before changing your 2008 Ford Escape’s engine oil, or at least every six months.

However, if you’ve frequently been driving in more strenuous conditions, like in high elevations, stop-and-go traffic, or dusty dirt roads, you might need to change your engine oil as soon as every 5,000 miles.

Because the right time to change your engine oil can vary somewhat, vehicle experts often recommend periodically checking your own engine oil to keep tabs on how it’s doing. Common recommendations are about once a month or when you’re refueling.

If your Ford Escape is past due for an oil change, here are some signs you might notice:

Dark brown or black motor oil (fresh oil is a lighter brown color)

Engine oil has a gritty texture

Extremely low engine oil

Strange new engine noises

Oil, smoke, or burning smells coming from the engine

Worsened engine performance

MORE:

The most common Ford problems

How to change your oil and oil filter

When your 2008 Ford Escape is ready for an oil change, it’s time to gather all your materials! You’ll need:

A socket wrench

A filter wrench (tool used for removing oil filters)

Your replacement oil filter

Fresh engine oil

A replacement washer for your oil drain bolt

A drain pan

Towel(s) for cleanup

To get started, you’ll want to run your engine for just a few minutes to warm up the oil and make it easier to drain. Then, shut your Ford Escape off, pop the hood open, and proceed:

Remove the oil fill cap

Underneath your Escape, remove the drain bolt and washer, allowing the engine oil to empty into the drain pan

While you wait for the oil to finish draining, remove the old oil filter and install the new one

Once the oil has finished draining, replace the drain bolt using a new washer

Refill your engine oil to the proper level and replace the oil fill cap

shouldn't take long to change the oil

, but 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.

Once you’ve gotten this far, you can let your engine run for a few minutes again, checking around for any leaks and making sure your

oil pressure light

is off. After letting the engine oil cool, you can use your dipstick to ensure the oil is still at the proper level, topping it off if you need to.

One last step! You’ll need to dispose of your old engine oil properly. Because it’s a hazardous material, you can’t just dump it in your yard or throw it out with the rest of your trash. Most cities have drop-off locations where you can recycle used engine oil, as do some repair shops and car dealerships.

Remember regular insurance policy maintenance

That’s all there is to it! Now, if only car insurance shopping was that easy.

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