and fuel prices, maintaining an older midsize crossover SUV isn’t cheap. Luckily, changing the oil regularly can help you avoid costly repairs or replacements.

Jerry

's tips will keep your 2010 Ford Edge running smoothly for years to come—so trust your virtual licensed broker and

car insurance

expert to guide you!

2010 Ford Edge engine oil capacity

Every 2010 Ford Edge has a 5.5-quart oil tank. Please note this isn’t the same as its 3.5L V6 engine displacement. Engine displacement measures the engine's size in liters, whereas oil capacity measures the size of the oil tank in quarts. If you put 3.5L of oil in your Ford Edge, you'd be missing a fifth of its capacity!

MORE: How much should an oil change cost?

What kind of oil does a 2010 Ford Edge need?

To top off your Ford Edge's oil tank, the

owner's manual

recommends two blends:

Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

Any generic SAE 5W-20 motor oil or synthetic motor oil with an API Certification Seal, such as

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-20 Motor Oil

The first recommendation is simple: Ford owns the Motorcraft brand and prefers customers to use it. You can buy it online or at your local Ford dealership, but do be aware that it usually costs more than other options. It claims to offer superior wear protection and energy conservation.

If you prefer a generic option, any SAE 5W-20 motor oil or synthetic motor oil will do. "SAE" refers to the Society of Automotive Engineers' scale of viscosity, or how thin the oil is. The number onthe left side of the dash indicates how thin the oil is at cold temperatures ("W" stands for "Winter"), and on the right, how thin it is at hot temperatures. So SAE 5W-20 motor oil has a viscosity of 5 in cold weather (0°F) and 20 in hot weather (212°F).

Lastly, a black sunburst sticker means the oil has been API-certified. An API Certification Seal indicates it meets the American Petroleum Institute’s engine protection and fuel economy standards. By following these requirements, your car will perform its best in cold and hot weather and experience the least amount of engine wear and tear!

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

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How often to change the oil on a 2010 Ford Edge

You may need an oil change more or less frequently depending on the type of oil you use and how often you drive. Here are some tips:

If you’re using regular Motorcraft or generic oil: change your oil every 5,000 to 10,000 miles

If you’re using high-mileage synthetic oil: change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles

If you don’t drive very much: change your oil every six months

Regularly checking your oil is the best way to determine when you need to change it. Take a look once a month or every other time you refuel, following our instructions to

check your engine oil

level. You should change your oil if you notice any of these signs:

Dirty, dark brown, or black motor oil

Coarse or gritty oil

Unfamiliar engine noises

An oily, smoky, or burning smell

Changes in your car’s performance

MORE: Are Fords expensive to maintain?

How to change your oil and oil filter

Of course, you could always wait until

your car's oil pressure light turns on

. To change your oil or oil filter, you'll need a socket wrench, drain pan, and filter wrench. You should also buy at least five quarts of motor oil that meet the standards described in the previous section, along with a replacement oil filter.

To begin, let your 2010 Ford Edge's engine warm up. It should only take about five minutes, although you might need a little extra time if it's really cold. Now turn off the engine and open the hood. Here's what to do:

Remove the fill cap on top of the oil tank

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer from the underside of the engine

Drain the old oil into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain

Install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it using 29 lb-ft of torque

Refill the oil tank and replace the fill cap from the top of the engine

After changing your oil, 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.

Use a dipstick to check the oil level in your engine. Then, run your Edge for a few minutes to see if there are any leaks. If you've done everything correctly, the oil pressure light on your dashboard should turn off.

Don’t forget to clean up! Oil is a major toxic pollutant, so you shouldn't dump dirty oil on the ground or in the trash. Take it to a local recycling center in a sealed container instead.

MORE:

Essential car tools and supplies

How to change your car insurance policy

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