The 2013 Ford F150 5.0 is one of the most popular trucks on the market—with great towing capacity and a cabin that can be upgraded to almost luxury level, it's a truck that appeals to a wide audience. And knowing your engine’s oil capacity can keep your truck running in top shape for years to come.

It’s no secret that driving a truck can be expensive. From higher repair bills to costlier insurance premiums, driving an F150 can really strain your budget. But if you want to cut some of your vehicle maintenance costs, you can do some simple tasks yourself – like changing your oil!

All you need is your engine’s oil capacity, the best types of oil to buy for your truck, and step-by-step instructions to get the job done. Fortunately,

Jerry

has all that information in this handy guide. And we’re more than just a

car insurance

comparison app—we’ve also got you covered when it comes to maintenance tips and tricks and how to find the best

Ford F150 insurance costs

Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds

Find Savings!

4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars

4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ drivers

2013 Ford F150 5.0 engine oil capacity

First things first, you need to know how much oil your Ford F150 needs.

The 2013 Ford F150 5.0 needs 7.7 quarts of engine oil (or around 7.3 liters). Don’t be confused by the “5.0” F150—this refers to the engine’s displacement, or the volume taken up by the engine cylinders. It’s not how much engine oil you need, and the numbers aren’t interchangeable.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Ford F150 5.0 need?

There are a lot of options when it comes to engine oil, but not every type will be best for your F150. You’ll want to look for a premium grade 5W-20 engine oil, preferably MotorcraftⓇ, the OEM engine oil for all Fords.

What about conventional or synthetic oil? Well, it depends. Conventional oils are cheaper and they get the job done, but they don’t last as long as synthetic oils. They also don’t protect your engine as well from rust or gunk. Synthetic oil, on the other hand, will last a lot longer between oil changes and additives can keep rust and buildup from clogging your engine. However, synthetic oils are more expensive than conventional.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2013 Ford F150 5.0

Now that you have an idea of what type of oil to buy and how much you need, you’ll need to figure out when your F150 needs an oil change.

Ford recommends changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. However, that range is only safe if you’re using synthetic oil. Conventional oil gets dirty much quicker than synthetic, so you’ll need to change it more often. A good rule of thumb is every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

The best way to keep an eye on your engine oil and gauge when it’s time for an oil change is to use your dipstick to check your oil regularly. If you notice any of the following, it’s time for an oil change:

Engine oil is dark brown or black (Clean oil is a very light brown.)

Oil feels coarse or gritty if you rub it between your fingers

Strange noises coming from the engine

Burning, oily, or smokey smells

Any change to the vehicle’s performance

MORE:

How to build a custom Ford F150

How to change your oil and oil filter

When your F150 is ready for an oil change, gather up a socket wrench, drain pan, filter wrench, replacement filter, and 7.7 quarts of new engine oil.

Start by running your engine for a few minutes. This will heat up the oil and make it easier to drain. Once the engine reaches normal operating temperature, go ahead and shut it off and lift the hood. Then follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Position your drain pan under the vehicle and remove the oil drain bolt

Let the old oil drain and remove the old oil filter

Install the new filter

When the old oil has drained completely, replace the oil drain bolt

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

Double-check that you’ve added enough oil by using your dipstick. Then you’ll want to let your vehicle run for a few minutes to check for leaks and to cycle the new oil through the engine.

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.

Don’t forget to clean up the area where you changed your oil. Pour the old engine oil into a sealed container and take it to a designated recycling facility – don’t dump it on the ground or throw it in the trash!

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Your truck needs regular maintenance to keep it in top working condition, but did you know your car insurance policy also needs regular maintenance?

If you haven’t shopped for

Ford car insurance

in a while, you may be overpaying on your premiums. With Jerry, you can easily (and quickly!) compare quotes from top providers to find the best deals on the coverage you need. And once you find a premium you like,

Jerry

will handle getting you switched over. No phone calls, paperwork, or headaches.

Best of all, the average Jerry customer saves more than $800 a year on their premiums when they switch!