Whether you use your 2013 Ford F150 to haul heavy loads or just to cruise around town, knowing its engine oil capacity is just one way to help you keep it in top running shape.

Owning a truck can be expensive—from high

car repair

costs to high insurance premiums. If you want to save some money on your F150, you can always skip the garage and do some regular maintenance yourself, like changing your oil.

Never changed your oil before or a little rusty?

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2013 Ford F150 engine oil capacity

So exactly how much engine oil does a 2013 Ford F150 5.0L engine need?

The 2013 Ford F150 5.0L engine needs 7.7 quarts of engine oil or about 7.3 liters. Most engine oil is sold in 1-quart or 5-quart bottles, so you may end up having to buy more than 7.7 quarts. Too little oil in the reservoir can cause a problem—it’s better to buy a little more oil than you need and have some left over than risk damage to your engine!

What kind of oil does a 2013 Ford F150 need?

Your 2013 Ford F150 not only needs 7.7 quarts of oil, but the oil needs to be a specific kind for your engine to run at peak condition. Ford recommends getting a 5W-20 engine oil.

Not sure what the “5W-20” means? It refers to the oil’s viscosity, or how thick it is at certain temperatures. The numbers represent the temperature range that the oil remains thin, typically on a scale of 0-50. A 5W-20 oil remains reasonably thin even at very low temperatures while still doing well at normal engine operating temperatures (typically around 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

You can also choose between conventional, synthetic, or synthetic blend oils. Synthetic and synthetic blends are more expensive, but they contain additives that can keep your engine cleaner and performing better. Conventional oil is cheaper and will get the job done, but it won’t last as long as synthetic oil.

For OEM engine oil, Ford recommends

Motorcraft SAE 5W-20

synthetic blend motor oil.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2013 Ford F150

Now that you’ve chosen your engine oil and purchased enough to fill your F150, how do you know if you’re due for an oil change?

Ford recommends changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles as part of your

basic car maintenance schedule

. If you’re using conventional oil, you might want to change it more frequently—like every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

If you want to make sure you’re not waiting too long between oil changes, check your engine oil regularly. If your oil needs to be changed you might notice some of the following:

Oil is a dark brown or black color. (Clean oil is light brown)

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

Engine is making strange or unfamiliar noises

Smoke or burning smell coming from the engine

Vehicle’s performance changes

MORE:

How to build a custom Ford F150

How to change your oil and oil filter

If you’re ready to try a DIY oil change, just grab your 7.7 quarts of new engine oil, a new air filter, and the right tools. You’ll need a socket wrench, a pan for the old oil to drain into, and a filter wrench.

The first thing you’ll want to do is let your engine run for a few minutes. This will heat up the oil and make it easier for it to drain out. Once the engine is warm, shut it off and open the hood. Then, do the following:

Remove the oil fill cap

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

While the oil is draining, remove the old air filter

Install the new air filter

Once all the old oil has drained, replace the oil drain bolt

Refill the engine oil reservoir. Use your dipstick to make sure you’ve added enough oil

Replace the oil 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.

That’s all there is to it! Make sure to clean up the area where you changed your oil, and don’t forget to dispose of the old oil properly. You’ll want to pour it into a sealed container and take it to a recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

A little time and effort can save you money on regular maintenance costs for your 2013 Ford F150, but saving money on your truck’s insurance takes even less time and effort than an oil change.

Just download the

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app, answer a few questions, then sit back and relax while Jerry’s customer support team does the rest. You’ll get access to customized

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quotes from the nation’s top providers, all without having to leave your favorite armchair. Once you find a policy and rate you like, Jerry will handle getting your policy switched over, which means you don’t have to deal with any paperwork or phone calls.

Even better than comparing rates with Jerry is the savings you’ll get. Our customers save an average of more than $800 a year. It's the easiest way to lower your

Ford insurance costs

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