is an SUV that has it all; it’s high-performing, reliable, safe, and has strength to spare. To keep it in tip-top shape, you’ll need to know all about its engine oil capacity.

Owning a larger vehicle like an SUV can come with extra costs, ranging from higher insurance premiums to expensive maintenance service fees. But if you have a 2013 Ford Explorer, you can change the oil at home to cut down on expenses—just go through your owner’s manual beforehand to learn about your model’s correct oil type and capacity.

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2013 Ford Explorer engine oil capacity

First things first: exactly how much engine oil does a 2013 Ford Explorer need?

The 3.5-liter V6 engine powering your 2013 Explorer has an oil capacity of 6 quarts, or 5.7 liters.

Make sure you don’t get the engine displacement—the 3.5-liter volume taken up by its cylinders—confused with the oil capacity, which is the measurement of oil needed for an oil change. Do not assume the numbers are interchangeable. Engine oil capacity is not the same as engine displacement.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Ford Explorer need?

Now we know the amount of oil your Explorer needs, but what about the kind of oil? Vehicle engines are not one-size-fits-all, so you have to know what kind you’ll need.

Don’t just buy the first bottle that catches your eye either—you need to look for 5W-30 motor oil. Ford recommends these for the 2013 Explorer, and it’s good to stick with the manufacturer’s choice.

What does that number mean, though? SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers, the group responsible for coding oil viscosity. The numbers refer to oil viscosity—or how thick it is—and the “W” refers to winter. The number 5 stands for a low viscosity at 0°F, and the 30 means the oil still stays fairly thin at 212°F.

It’s important to look for an oil with these ratings—then you know it will perform well in cold weather conditions. Plus, there will be less wear and tear on your engine due to the low viscosity!

Can you use synthetic oil for your 2013 Ford Explorer? Ford says you can use a synthetic blend or full synthetic engine oil as long as it meets their specifications. If you find a good 5W-30 full synthetic or synthetic blend oil, you’re in the clear!

If you’re not sure where to start, the manufacturer's recommendation is always a good way to go.

Manufacturer’s choice:

Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

How often to change oil on a 2013 Ford Explorer

Now that you’re an expert on your 2013 Ford Explorer oil capacity and type, it’s time to learn how to

change your oil

But is it the right time? Ford recommends changing the oil on a 2013 Ford Explorer every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if you opt for conventional oil. It may be easier to stick to getting the oil changed every six months if you aren’t driving frequently—this will keep your oil at peak performance, too!

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If you chose to go with synthetic oil, you won’t need to change it out quite so often. Ford recommends changing it between every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

Those are fairly wide ranges, so how can you know you’re changing the oil at the right time? Make sure you’re checking the oil level regularly—about once every month or every other refueling. Here are the signs that you need to have an oil change:

Coarse or gritty motor oil

Black or dark brown motor oil

Changes in vehicle performance

New noises

coming from the engine

Unfamiliar smells, particularly anything smelling like burning, smoke, or oil

MORE:

How to build a custom Ford Explorer

How to change your oil and oil filter

When you’ve determined it’s time to change the oil, get all your supplies ready. You will need the following to remove the old oil filter: a socket wrench, a filter wrench, and a drain pan. You’ll also need six quarts of 5W-30 oil and a replacement filter.

First, run the engine until it reaches its usual operating temperature. This should only take around five minutes in normal weather. When it gets to this point, turn off the engine, pop the hood, and complete these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer underneath the engine

Remove the

oil filter

Insert the new oil filter

Use a new washer and replace the oil drain bolt, tightening it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine using the new, fresh oil and replace the oil fill cap

Make sure you added enough oil to the engine using the dipstick. 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.

When you’re finished, run your vehicle for a few minutes to check for any leakage. The

oil pressure light

on your dashboard should turn off if you’ve successfully changed your oil.

The final step is cleanup. Be sure to dump the dirty oil into a sealed container and take it to your local recycling plant. Do not dump it out on the ground or leave it in a trash can.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And there you go! Keeping up with routine oil changes will have your 2013 Ford Explorer out on the road for years to come—and going the DIY route will help you save

time

and money!

If you’re looking for more ways to save money as a Ford owner, download the

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