3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is a large, powerful truck with a workhorse of an engine. To keep your Ford operating at its peak power, you'll have to keep on top of your oil changes and learn about its oil capacity.

Oil changes are one of the most routine maintenance jobs for car owners. If you want to

save some money

and give yourself an afternoon activity, you should change your 2012 Ford F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 oil at home. To do so, you need to know your engine's engine oil capacity, what type of oil to use, and how frequently you'll need to change it.

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2012 Ford F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine oil capacity

The 2012 Ford F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 can hold 6 quarts of engine oil.

The 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 is a twin-turbocharged engine with plenty of power. The 3.5-liter at the front of the engine’s name is the engine displacement, which is how much volume the engine’s cylinders take up. This number should not be confused with the engine oil capacity.

What kind of oil does a 2012 Ford F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 need?

With many different types of engine oil on the market, it's essential to put the correct oil in your 2012 F-150, at least if you want the best possible results.

For the 2012 F-150, the owner’s manual recommends you use SAE 5W–30 full synthetic oil. Synthetic oil is manufactured to last longer and perform better than conventional oil—however, it is more expensive.

The numbers in the name of the engine oil indicate the viscosity (thickness) of this specific oil. The first number is the viscosity at cold temperatures, while the second number is the viscosity at your engine’s regular operating temperature—approximately 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2012 Ford F-150 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6

Cars and trucks that take conventional oil will need to have their oil changed every 3,000 miles or so, which can lead to very frequent oil changes. Thankfully, since the 2012 F-150 uses synthetic oil—you only need to change the oil every 7,5000 to 10,000 miles.

However, there are certain signs to watch out for that indicate it's time for an oil change, regardless of how many miles have passed since your last oil change. Be on the lookout for the following warning signs:

Motor oil that needs changing is dark brown or black (Clean oil is light brown or amber, like a cup of tea. Dirty oil is like a cup of soda.)

Motor oil feels coarse or gritty

Unfamiliar noises

coming from the engine

New smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

How to build a custom Ford F150

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now that you know how much oil, what type of oil, and how frequently you need to change your oil, you’re ready to do the job! We’re also going to change your oil filter, which keeps your oil clean while it circulates through your engine.

To change your oil, you’ll need access to a socket wrench, a drain pan, a filter wrench, a replacement filter, and a bottle of engine oil.

Once you’ve collected the above materials, run your car for a couple minutes, just to warm up the engine. Then turn the car off, pop the hood, and follow these instructions:

Remove the oil fill cap. If it's stuck after emptying the oil, your car won’t be able to move.

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer and let the oil begin to drain into your drain pan.

While your oil drains, replace the old oil filter with your new filter.

Once the old oil is drained, put the oil drain bolt back on using a new washer.

Pour fresh oil into your engine.

Once you're at the Ford’s engine oil capacity, 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.

Make sure you dispose of your old oil responsibly—don’t just dump it! You’ll need to put your old oil in a sealable container and take it to a recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Just like you need to

change your engine oil regularly

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