The 2012 Ford Escape
is known for its spacious cabin and fuel efficiency—and many people choose it as their primary vehicle. To keep your Ford up to standard, you’re going to need to learn about its oil capacity. Owning a car can get expensive—just think about all the maintenance bills you need to cover. That's why tons of people do regular maintenance checks
, like oil changes, themselves. However, before you take apart your car, read your owner's manual so you're using the suitable types of oil for your Ford
. Jerry
, the super app
that helps drivers save money on car insurance
, knows how expensive car ownership can be. That’s why we’ve created this guide to oil changes for your 2012 Ford Escape. 2012 Ford Escape engine oil capacity
Firstly, you need to figure out how much engine oil your 2012 Ford Escape needs.
The oil capacity of a car tells you how much oil you need to use for an oil change. A 2012 Ford Escape has an oil capacity of 5.3 quarts or 5 liters for its 2.5L engine and an oil capacity of 6 quarts or 5.7 liters for its 3.0L engine. Make sure not to confuse a vehicle’s oil capacity with its engine displacement. The engine displacement is how much volume the cylinders take up, while oil capacity is how much oil your engine can hold.
What kind of oil does a 2012 Ford Escape need?
While you might be tempted to grab the first bottle of motor oil you see, not all brands will be compatible with your Ford. A 2012 Ford Escape needs 5W-20 synthetic motor oil for an oil change, so be on the lookout for those values when shopping for a replacement.
Using the recommended 5W-20 motor oil is essential because these values indicate that the oil performs well during colder and hotter temperatures. This means that your engine will perform well during the winter months, and the lower viscosity rate will prevent additional abrasion to the engine.
You might notice that you can choose between conventional and synthetic motor oil when choosing a replacement. While they will both work with your Ford, synthetic oil is easier on the engine. That's why Ford recommends that drivers use synthetic motor oil for oil changes.
How often to change oil on a 2012 Ford Escape
With the preliminaries out of the way, you will need to know when you should be doing an oil change.
Ford recommends that their drivers change their oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, you might run into a situation where you need to change your oil sooner or later, depending on how much you drive. Many DIYers keep an eye out and check their oil anytime they fill up on gas. Look for these indicators as a sign that you might need an oil change:
Your oil has changed colors and is darker than before
Noticeable smells (ex. oil, smoke, or burning)
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How to change your oil and oil filter
If you have noticed that your 2012 Ford Escape needs an oil change, here’s a guide
through each step you should take. You’ll need a socket wrench, a drain pan, a new filter, new oil, and a filter wrench. Run your engine to warm it up. This should take around five minutes, and maybe a little longer in colder climates
Turn the engine off and open your vehicle’s hood
Find the oil fill cap and remove it
Remove the oil drain bolt and washer. These should be under the engine
Use a new washer and replace the oil drain bolt
Refill the engine and replace the cap
Use your dipstick to tell you when you’ve added enough oil. A good indicator of a successful oil change is having your oil pressure light
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.
Once you're done, don't just leave the old oil on the ground or dump it in the sewer. Oil is very toxic to the environment and needs to be disposed of properly. Instead, put the oil into a resealable container and drop it off at your local recycling center or an auto parts store that recycles oil.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
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