The 2012 Ford Expedition is available in two sizes with four trims for each size, but they all feature the same 5.4-liter engine with an oil capacity of 7.0 quarts.

Keeping up with a regular

maintenance schedule

is one of the best ways to ensure a long life and efficient operation for any vehicle. Among the most important maintenance concerns is engine oil—without the right type and amount of oil, your engine won’t be properly lubricated. This can lead not only to poor performance but also to costly engine damage.

To help you keep your 2012 Expedition running at peak efficiency, we’ve assembled this guide. It includes everything you need to know about checking your Expedition’s oil and making sure you’ve got it filled with the right amount and type of engine oil.

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2012 Ford Expedition engine oil capacity

Regardless of size or trim, your 2012 Ford Expedition’s engine oil capacity is 7.0 quarts.

What kind of oil does a 2012 Ford Expedition need?

Keeping the right amount of oil in your Expedition is the first part of the peak-performance equation. The second is the type of oil. Ford recommends

Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend

full-synthetic motor oil

for the 2012 Expedition.

While you can swap out full synthetic for synthetic blend oil, exchanging a synthetic for

conventional oil

isn’t a good idea. Though both synthetic and conventional oils are refined with additives to help keep your engine clean, synthetics have many more of these additives and conditioners. This is part of the reason they’re more expensive than conventional oil. However, while you might save a bit of cash by opting for conventional oil now, it will likely cost you in

car repairs

and decreased performance down the road.

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How often to change the oil on a 2012 Ford Expedition

Ford recommends changing your 2012 Expedition’s oil every six months or 7,500 miles, whichever comes first.

In between oil changes, it’s important to

check your oil

levels at least once a month as well.

Not sure how to check your engine’s oil? It’s easy—just follow these steps:

Remove the dipstick.

Wipe the dipstick clean using a rag or paper towel.

Reinsert the dipstick, but don’t screw it in.

Check that the oil level registers between the upper and lower limits marked on the dipstick.

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Looking to save even more money on vehicle maintenance? Try

changing your oil

at home. Don’t worry—it’s a lot easier than you might think, and we’ve outlined all the materials you’ll need and the steps to take right here!

First things first—gather your tools and materials. You will need:

7.0 quarts of 5W-20 oil and a replacement filter

A drain pan

A socket wrench

An oil filter wrench

A rag

Before you begin, ensure your engine is warm—this will make the oil drain easily and completely. If your car has been parked, turn it on and let it run for about five minutes before you start your oil change. If you’ve been out driving, pop the hood and let the car sit for 20-30 minutes so you don’t burn yourself.

Now, it’s time to get to work:

First, remove the oil fill cap.

Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, draining the old oil into the drain pan.

Using the oil filter wrench, 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.

Congratulations! You’re all finished! Now let the engine run for another 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will let all the new oil settle, and you’ll get a more accurate reading so you can top up if needed.

Be sure to clean up the used oil properly by pouring it into a plastic or metal container with a tightly sealed lid and taking it to a recycling center. If you’re not sure where to recycle your oil, you can search for locations to recycle used automotive fluids on

Earth 911

Pro Tip DO NOT dump the oil on the ground or put it in the garbage. This is terrible for the environment and illegal in most states.

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