Escape is known for its reliability and high-mileage capabilities. Not many cars can last for over 200,000 miles, but by doing routine oil changes and learning your 2016 Ford Escape's engine oil capacity can!

The cost of everything is getting more and more expensive. One way to combat ongoing inflation is by taking on more DIY car projects and ensuring your Ford stays in tip-top shape. If you haven't changed your own oil before, look at your owner's manual for the correct oil type before you start.

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2016 Ford Escape engine oil capacity

First, you’re going to need to know how much engine oil a 2016 Ford Escape needs.

The 2.5-liter V4 engine for the 2016 Escape holds 5.7 quarts, or 5.4 liters, of engine oil. Keep in mind that the engine capacity or how much oil the engine can hold, is 5.7 quarts, while the engine displacement is 2.5. The engine displacement is how much volume the cylinders take up, so these numbers are not interchangeable.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Ford Escape need?

The next bit of information you need is the engine oil type. All engine oils are not the same and you don't want to just grab the first bottle you see in the store. Per the manufacturer, your 2016 Ford Escape should use Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.

Let's break down what that means. First, different cars need oils with varying levels of viscosity or thickness. With the “W” meaning winter, the “5W” in the oil grade reflects the oil's viscosity for cold weather and vehicle start-ups. The “20” is the oil grade for when the engine reaches normal operating temperature, 212 degrees and above.

So an oil with a rating of 5W-20 is thin enough to work well in the cold and won't get too thin in the heat.

You will notice that Ford also states that the engine oil should be synthetic grade. There are a few grades of oil to choose from, but a full synthetic or a synthetic blend will work best.

Veering away from the manufacturer's recommendation can void your warranty. With that in mind, it's probably best to stick with

Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Synthetic Blend Motor Oil

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2016 Ford Escape

Ford recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, you do have some flexibility here. If you're using a high-quality full synthetic oil, you can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles between oil changes.

We know those are some pretty big ranges! How do you know for sure if you need to change your oil? Start by checking your oil level regularly, like when you stop for gas. Here are some signs an oil change is in your near future:

Motor oil that needs changing is dark brown or black (Clean oil is light brown or amber, like a cup of tea. Dirty oil is like a cup of soda.)

Oil feels coarse or gritty

Strange sounds

coming from the engine

New smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in your vehicle's performance

MORE:

Ford Escape Titanium towing capacity

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now that it's time to

change your oil

, you will need to get a hold of the following items:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement filter

New washer

5W-20 synthetic motor oil

Oil changes go faster when the oil is warm, so let your engine run for about five minutes. Once your Escape is at normal operating temperature, park it on level ground, turn off the engine, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Take off the oil fill cap

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

remove the oil drain bolt and washer, letting the oil drain into the pan

Remove the old oil filter

Install the new filter

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

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

That's it! To make sure everything went as it should, use your dipstick to check the oil level. Then, take your car for a quick spin to ensure you don't see any leaks and allow your dashboard's

oil pressure light

to turn off.

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.

DIY oil changes are messy, so be careful with the clean-up. Don't dump the dirty oil out on the ground or put it in your garbage bin. Instead, put it in the now empty oil containers and bring it to a local recycling center or to a local auto parts store that does oil recycling.

Don't forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Routine oil changes

will keep your 2016 Ford Escape on the road longer, which keeps your money where it belongs,

in your pocket

Another easy way to save time and money on Ford ownership is to download the

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