is a compact SUV complete with high-tech features, impressive crash and safety ratings, and an overall pleasant driving experience. To keep it at peak performance, you need to know about its engine oil capacity.

Extra costs are part of owning a vehicle, whether it’s expensive maintenance and repairs or high insurance rates. But you can save on garage costs on your 2010 Ford Escape by changing the oil at home—as long as you check the owner’s manual for the right oil capacity and type.

If your manual was misplaced, or you want some extra pointers on a 2010 Ford Escape’s engine oil capacity, you’re in the right place.

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2010 Ford Escape engine oil capacity

Time to answer the big question: how much engine oil does a 2010 Ford Escape need?

The 3.0-liter V engine powering your 2010 Ford Escape has an oil capacity measuring 6 quarts, or 5.7 liters.

Don’t confuse the engine’s displacement (the 3.7-liter volume taken up by cylinders) with the oil capacity, or the amount of oil needed for an oil change. Engine displacement and oil capacity are not the same thing.

MORE: How much should an oil change cost?

What kind of oil does a 2010 Ford Escape need?

We know how much oil your 2010 Ford Escape needs—now it’s time to go over its oil type. Each vehicle is different, so don’t just buy the first bottle of oil you find. For your 2010 Escape, Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 engine oil.

What does that mean? SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, the group responsible for oil viscosity coding. The numbers refer to the viscosity—or thickness—of the oil, and the letter “W” means winter.

The number 5 before the “W” shows this oil has a low viscosity at 0°F, and the number 20 tells that it stays relatively thin at 212°F.

You want to look for an oil with this rating because it will have high performance in cold weather. The low viscosity also means your engine will go through less wear and tear.

Will synthetic motor oil work? Ford says yes—as long as it meets your model’s requirements, you can use a full synthetic or synthetic 5W-20 engine oil. The Ford owner's manual specifically recommends the use of

Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

MORE:

How to remove oil and grease from car doors

How often to change oil on a 2010 Ford Escape

Now that you’re an expert on your 2010 Ford Escape engine oil capacity and type, it’s time for an oil change!

Or maybe not? If you’re using conventional oil, you should get your oil changed every 3,000 to 5,000. It may be better to get it changed every six months if you don’t drive a lot to keep the oil clean.

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If you opt for synthetic oil, you won’t have to get the oil changed quite as often. Synthetic oil should be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

These are fairly large ranges—make sure you’re changing the oil at the right time by regularly checking the oil level (e.g., every other refuel or once every month). Watch out for any of these signs that you’re due for an oil change:

Unfamiliar noises coming from the engine

New odors, especially anything smelling like oil, smoke, or burning

Motor oil that is dark brown or black (clean oil is amber or light brown, like tea)

Motor oil feels coarse or gritty

Changes in vehicle performance

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Ford Escape Titanium towing capacity

How to change your oil and oil filter

You can gather all the materials you need once you’ve decided it’s time for an oil change. You will need a drain pan, a socket wrench, a filter wrench, six quarts of 5W-20 oil, and a replacement oil filter.

The first thing you need to do is let the engine run until it reaches its usual operating temperature. This shouldn’t take longer than five minutes in normal weather conditions. Then turn off the engine, open the hood, and follow these instructions:

Remove the oil fill cap

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer under the engine and drain the dirty oil into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter and let all of the old oil drain into the drain pan

Install the new oil filter

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

Refill the engine with fresh oil and replace the oil fill cap

Check that you added enough fresh oil to the engine using the dipstick. 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.

When you’re done, let your car run for a few minutes and keep an eye out for any leaks.

Your car's oil pressure light

should turn off if you’ve done everything correctly.

Your final step is cleanup. Transfer the dirty oil from the drain pan to a sealed container and take it to your local recycling center. Do not put dirty oil in your garbage bins or dump it on the ground.

MORE:

What to do if you have black and gritty engine oil

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Now you can hit the road! Routine oil changes help keep your 2010 Ford Escape running at peak performance for years to come. Plus, you’re saving time and money by doing it at home!

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