2011 Ford Taurus Engine Oil Capacity
Not sure how to find the oil capacity for the 2011 Ford Taurus engine? We’ve got all the specs your owner’s manual has—plus some extra tips.
Written by Ethan Moser
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
The 2011 Ford Taurus is the perfect combination of safety, power, and comfort, all wrapped up in the guise of a stylish sedan. But keeping this car in tip-top shape, especially a decade after its release, will require you to understand its engine oil capacity.
No matter what kind of car you drive, whether it's high-end or economical, knowing how to handle the little things—like changing your own oil at home—can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in maintenance fees over your car’s lifetime.
When it comes to the 2011 Ford Taurus, all of the information you need on how and when to change your car’s oil, as well as its engine oil capacity, can be found in the owner’s manual. If you no longer have access to the manual, however, never fear,
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—a breeze.2011 Ford Taurus engine oil capacity
Let’s start at the beginning: how much oil are you going to need for your 2011 Ford Taurus?
The 2011 Ford Taurus is powered by a 263-horsepower, 3.5-liter V6 engine. This powerful engine has an oil capacity of 5.5 quarts (5.2 liters). Be very careful not to confuse your engine’s oil capacity—the amount of oil needed to complete a full oil change—and its displacement—the 3.5-liter volume taken up by the Taurus’ six cylinders. These two measurements, as similar as they may seem at first glance, are not the same and cannot be interchanged.
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What kind of oil does a 2011 Ford Taurus need?
Now that you know how much oil you’ll need to change the oil in your 2011 Ford Taurus, it’s time to take a look at exactly what kind of oil you’ll need. Unfortunately, there is not one specific type of oil that works for all cars. Think of it like gasoline—you wouldn’t put diesel fuel in a hybrid. Similarly, the wrong kind of oil can actually make your car run worse over time.
The owner’s manual for the 2011 Ford Taurus recommends that drivers use Motorcraft SAE5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil. But what does 5W-20 mean?
The numbers in the oil grade are a reference to the oil’s viscosity—how thick it is—at different temperatures, while the “W” stands for winter. The first number, 5, tells us that the oil is low viscosity—thin—at 0°F, while the 20 at the end tells us that the oil is low viscosity at 212°F—the temperature where water boils.
This means, in layman's terms, that 5W-20 motor oil will allow your Taurus’s engine to run well regardless of the weather conditions, as the low viscosity will cause less wear and tear on the engine than a thicker motor oil.
While
Ford
recommends that drivers use Motorcraft oil for the 2011 Taurus, any motor oil with the same temperature and viscosity rating will work.How often to change the oil on a 2011 Ford Taurus
Now that you know what kind of oil to buy before performing an oil change on your 2011 Ford Taurus, you’ll need to know how often to change your oil!
According to the owner’s manual for the 2011 Taurus, you should be changing your oil at least every 4,500 miles. That being said, if you aren’t a particularly heavy driver, you can use a six-month barometer to gauge when you should be changing your Taurus’ oil.
You should also perform regular oil level checks—at least once a month—to make sure that everything is as it should be with your Taurus’ engine. Some signs that oil might need to be changed ahead of your six-month or 4,500-mile appointment include:
- Dark brown or black oil
- Unfamiliar noises coming from the engine
- Foreign smells, such as the smell of oil, smoke, or fire
- Variations in your Taurus’ performance
How to change your oil and oil filter
To get started on changing the oil in your 2011 Ford Taurus, you’ll need to gather a few
essential car tools and supplies
—namely a socket wrench, drain pan, and filter wrench, in addition to your replacement oil filter and replacement 5W-20 motor oil of choice. Begin by allowing your Taurus a few minutes to warm up. This will allow the engine oil to reach its normal operating temperature and drain faster. In temperate weather, this should only take a few minutes. Once you’re all warmed up, shut off the engine, pop the hood, and follow these steps:
- Remove the oil fill cap
- Remove the oil drain bolt and washer from underneath the engine
- Use the drain pan to catch the old oil
- Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain
- Replace the old oil filter with a new filter
- Once replaced, you can reattach your drain bolt with a new washer. Tighten the bolt to 29 lb-ft
- Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap
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.
Finally, make sure to empty your old oil into a sealed container and take it to a local recycling center where it can be properly disposed of. DO NOT empty your old motor oil into the garbage bin or onto the ground.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
Changing your 2011 Ford Taurus’ oil at home can save you both time and money on automotive maintenance costs. You can save even more money when you shop for car insurance using the
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