With proper care and regular maintenance, the 2015 Ford Explorer can last most drivers up to 200,000 miles. But to help the mid-size 3.5-liter SUV go the extra distance, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity is 6 quarts.

The 2015 Ford Explorer is also available with a 2.0-liter engine which takes 5.7 quarts.

Ford recommends a full synthetic or synthetic blend engine oil certified by the American Petroleum Institute.

Check the Explorer’s oil levels regularly to maintain top-notch performance and

save on car expenses

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How to save on your Ford Explorer insurance costs

2015 Ford Explorer 3.5 engine oil capacity

So, how much engine oil does a 2015 Ford Explorer actually need? It depends on which engine you’ve got under the hood. And the 2015 Explorer comes with three different options:

2.0-liter EcoBoost

3.5-liter EcoBoost

3.5-liter V6

Both 3.5-liter engines have an oil capacity of 6 quarts (5.7 liters), while the 2.0-liter engine's oil capacity is 5.7 quarts (5.4 liters).

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What kind of oil does a 2015 Ford Explorer 3.5 need?

Now that you know how much engine oil your Explorer requires, let’s review the oil type next.

While an Explorer with a 3.5-liter EcoBoost engine calls for Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (or Motorcraft SAE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil), an Explorer with a 3.5-liter V6 requires Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil (or Motorcraft SAE 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil). Additionally, Ford recommends only using oils certified for gasoline engines by the American Petroleum Institute (API).

If you’re new to engine oils, you might be asking yourself: what on earth does all this mean?

Let’s start at the beginning with SAE which simply stands for Society of Automotive Engineers, the professional association that codes oil viscosity. The number-letter pair 5W and 20 or 30 refer to a thin oil viscosity or thickness in both cold and hot temperatures.

When it comes to motor oils, sticking with your auto manufacturer's recommendation is crucial to keep your engine running smoothly.

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How often to change oil on a 2015 Ford Explorer 3.5

How often you change your oil depends on how you use your SUV. Ford recommends changing your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles with everyday commuting and no extended idling or towing. But if you’re planning on using your SUV for moderate to heavy towing or going off-road, you should change the oil out every 5,000 to 7,499 miles.

In more extreme cases, such as towing maximum loads on a regular basis, Ford recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 4,999 miles.

Thankfully, all 2015 Ford Explorers come equipped with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor that will determine when it’s time for an oil change based on how you use your SUV. But it’s always a good idea to check your oil level on a regular basis anyway. You’ll know it’s time to change your engine oil if you notice any of the following warning signs:

The oil is dark brown or black in color

The oil feels coarse or gritty

Strange noises start coming from the engine

New oily, smokey, or burning smells

Changes in your SUV’s performance

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The most common Ford problems

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Is it about time to change your oil now? If so, you’ll need to round up the following materials:

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Socket wrench

Replacement filter

Six quarts of premium 5W-20 or 5W-30 engine oil (based on your 3.5-liter engine)

First, you’ll want to start your engine until it reaches its normal operating temperature. Once you reach this point, turn the engine back off and follow these instructions:

Pop open the hood and remove the filler cap

Detach the oil drain bolt and washer (underneath the engine), allowing the old oil to drain into the drain pan

Take off the old oil filter, allowing the old oil to continue to drain out

Install the new oil filter

Using a new washer, replace the oil drain bolt

Add new oil to the engine and replace the filler cap

After you’ve completed these steps, turn your Ford Explorer back on and let it warm up long enough for the new oil to fill the new filter—which should take about 30 seconds. If you’re not sure if you’ve added enough motor oil, use your dipstick to verify and top it off if needed.

Let the engine run for a couple more minutes and keep your eyes peeled for any possible leaks. If you’ve correctly changed your oil, then your

oil pressure light

should turn off.

And lastly, don’t forget to clean up after yourself! Instead of dumping your oil in the garbage, take it to a local recycling center in a sealed container.

MORE:

Are Fords expensive to maintain?

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