2011 Ford Escape Oil Capacity

A 2011 Ford Escape 3.0L engine has an oil capacity of 6 quarts– but you’ll need to know more before performing your oil change at home.
Written by Bee Davis
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
You’ll need to find out your 2011 Ford Escape’s oil capacity so you can change your engine oil at home. This is the volume of oil your engine needs—not to be confused with the engine displacement, or how much volume your cylinders take up. 
No matter how long you’ve been driving, keeping up with regular car maintenance can be a drag, especially since mechanic bills can be pretty pricey. But some regular maintenance, like oil changes, can be done at home. Performing an oil change on your 2011 Ford Escape is not only easy to do yourself, but also much less expensive than getting it done at an auto shop. 
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2011 Ford Escape engine oil capacity

So, just how much engine oil does a 2011 Ford Escape need?
A 2011 Ford Escape 3.0L engine has an engine oil capacity of 6 quarts, or 5.7 liters. That’s a lot of engine oil, and the 2011 Ford Escape needs every drop. 
With a horsepower between 171 and 240, you want to make sure your system is well lubricated to avoid grinding all that power into your engine.

What kind of oil does a 2011 Ford Escape need?

Now that we know how much oil a 2011 Ford Escape engine needs, let’s talk about oil types!
Every engine has its own needs. Engines are built to work with a specific type of oil, so it’s important to buy the oil type your car is made for to keep everything working properly. 
The owner's manual for a 2011 Ford Escape calls for Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. It’s good to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation when performing DIY car maintenance at home. 
Oil ratings can be a little confusing, so let’s break it down.
Oils are rated based on how well they perform at different temperatures. Engine oils should maintain their thin viscosity in all kinds of weather to avoid clogging up your engine—the lower the number, the lower the viscosity.
 The “W” in 5W-20 refers to the oil’s rating in winter temperatures. Since 5W-20 has a winter certification of “5,” we know that this oil will maintain its thin viscosity better in the cold than, say, a 10W-20 oil would. 
The number after the “W” refers to the oil’s performance in hot temperatures. So with a 10W-20 rating, we know that this oil performs very well in temperatures as low as 0°F, and also maintains its viscosity at 212°F.
MORE: How to do summer car maintenance

How often to change oil on a 2011 Ford Escape

Keeping track of your car’s maintenance can be a pain, but it’s important to
properly maintain your car
to make sure everything is working properly. In general, you should aim to change the oil in your 2011 Ford Escape every 3 years or 3,000 to 5,000 miles, whichever comes first. 
If you don’t drive often, you should probably check your oil every 6 months, as engine oils will degrade in your engine over time no matter how much you drive. 
While you can usually stick to the recommended maintenance schedule, a lot can happen to your car in between oil checkups. You may need to change the oil in your 2011 Ford Escape early if you experience any of the following symptoms:
  • Change in oil color from light brown or amber to dark brown or black 
  • Coarse or gritty feeling in the engine oil
  • Strange noises coming from the engine, like squealing or screeching
  • Unfamiliar smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning
  • Changes in your vehicle’s performance overall
MORE: How much should an oil change cost?

How to change your oil and oil filter

Congratulations! You’re officially an expert on your 2011 Ford Escape’s oil capacity. But that’s not all you’ll need to know before changing your oil at home. 
Before you start your oil change, you’ll need a few
essential car tools and supplies
, like a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench that’s specially designed to remove the old oil filter. You’ll also need 6 quarts of SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil and a replacement oil filter for your engine. You can get any of these items at an auto parts store. 
Now for the oil change. Your first step is to let your engine run for a bit to get up to operating speed. In normal weather, this should only take a few minutes. Once you’re there, turn the engine off, pop the hood, and follow these steps to change your oil:
  • Remove the oil fill cap, located next to the yellow-handled dipstick at the front of your engine
  • Get under the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer with your socket wrench, letting the old oil drain 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 using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft
  • Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap 
And voila! You’ve changed your engine oil. Check your oil level with the dipstick to make sure you’ve added enough, and then let the engine run for a few minutes to check for leaks. If you’ve done everything right, the oil pressure light on your dashboard should turn off. 
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.
Regular engine oil maintenance doesn’t just make driving safer and easier—it also extends the longevity of your car, helping you avoid pricey trips to the auto shop in the future. 

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Mechanic bills can cost a pretty penny, but they aren’t the most expensive part of owning a car. That honor goes to car insurance, which costs U.S. drivers an average of $1,771per year. 
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