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You are one lucky duck if you are a proud owner of a 2015 Ford Explorer! Explorers are known to last up to 17 years on the road, and by knowing your engine oil capacity and practicing DIY car maintenance, yours can too.

If you are new to the world of DIY oil changes, check your owner's manual for the correct oil type before getting started.

With things as expensive as they are,

Jerry

, the super app famous for saving money on

car insurance

, has been searching high and low for new ways for folks to keep more of their money. As a result, we have put together this guide on changing your oil, finding the right oil type for your 2015 Ford Explorer, and how to save on your

Ford Explorer car insurance costs

. Read this to get started!

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2015 Ford Explorer engine oil capacity

So you have decided that the price you were quoted for another

oil change

is way over the top (with oil and gas prices right now, it probably was), and you want to save the $100 and DIY. First things first, how much oil do you need?

Your 2015 Explorer takes 6 quarts or 5.7-liters of engine oil. Just to clarify, your Ford has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine, but this refers to your engine displacement—how much volume the cylinders take up. The engine oil capacity is how much oil the engine can hold.

What kind of oil does a 2015 Ford Explorer need?

Now that you know how much oil to buy, let's review what type you need to get.

Ford

recommends Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.

Motor oil with a 5W-20 rating is quite popular with Ford, due to its versatility. The “W” stands for winter, so the “5W” has a viscosity (thickness) that works well in cold temperatures and at start-up. The “20” is the oil grade for when the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, 212℉ and above. So at its thickest viscosity, this oil is thin enough when cold but not too thin when hot.

Picking the right oil type is essential in keeping your car on the road longer.

Ford also recommends that the engine oil be full synthetic or a synthetic blend. Some drivers that live in warmer climates or put their 2015 Explorers to the limit with high mileage may select other oil types.

Since going against the manufacturer's recommendation will void any remaining warranty on the car, only do this if you have extensive knowledge of how a different grade of oil will impact your engine.

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Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2015 Ford Explorer

Ford recommends its drivers change their oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. This assumes that most drivers use a synthetic blend since it is the cheaper oil option, but this isn't always the case. Drivers opting for a high-quality full synthetic oil can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes—sometimes up to 15,000.

How do you know when it is really time for an oil change? Make it routine to check your oil levels regularly, like when you stop for gas. Here are some signs that you may need to roll up your sleeves and change your oil:

Dark oil (Clean oil is a translucent light brown or amber color)

Dirty oil feels coarse or gritty

The

engine is making loud sounds

Burning smells from the engine

Vehicle performance is different

MORE:

Ford lug pattern guide

How to change your oil and oil filter

You checked your oil and found it dark, thick, and gritty. Are you pumped up for your first DIY oil change? Great!

First, grab hold of these items:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement filter

New washer

5W-20 full synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil

Run the engine of your 2015 Explorer for about five minutes so that the oil is warm and easy to drain. Now that your Explorer is at normal operating temperature, park it on level ground, turn off the engine, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Locate and remove the oil fill cap

Crawl underneath the car and place the drain pan under the engine

Take off the oil drain bolt and washer

While the oil drains into the pan, remove the old oil filter

Next, install the new filter

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with the new oil and put the oil fill cap back on

Lastly, check the dipstick to ensure you added enough oil and take your car for a quick spin. This provides enough time for your

oil pressure light

to turn off and gives you a chance to check under your Explorer for leaks.

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.

All that is left is to dispose of your dirty engine oil properly. Avoid dumping the old oil on the ground or down the sewer drains. Instead, pour it into the empty oil containers and bring it to a local recycling center or to a local auto parts store that does oil recycling.