When drivers think of thoughtfully designed, family-friendly vehicles, the 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5 is often at the top of that list. With high-tech interior features and ample cargo space, this Explorer is the perfect upscale SUV. But to keep this vehicle in peak condition, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity.

With the many expenses that come with vehicle ownership, it doesn't hurt to save where you can. By completing simple routine maintenance tasks from home, you’ll save yourself from paying for a mechanic’s labor and significantly reduce your expenses. All you need to know is your engine oil capacity and the best type of oil for your Explorer.

If you’re ready to learn how to change your Ford Explorer’s engine oil, you’ve come to the right place.

Jerry

, the

car insurance

broker app that saves drivers time and money on

Ford Explorer car insurance costs

, has all the information you need to make your oil change a breeze.

Are you getting ripped off on your car insurance? Find out in less than two minutes.

No long forms · No spam · No fees

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

2016 Ford Explorer 3.5 engine oil capacity

The 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5’s V6 engine has an oil capacity of 6 quarts or 5.6 liters. In other words, you’ll need to put 6 quarts of oil into your vehicle each time you perform an oil change.

It’s important to distinguish this number from your engine’s displacement, which refers to the 3.5-liter volume cylinders take up. While the two numbers sound similar, they have different purposes and measurements, so they’re not to be used interchangeably.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5 need?

So you need 6 quarts of oil, but what kind of oil are we talking about here? Before you get your hands dirty, it's worth reviewing the various oil types available, so you can give your vehicle just what it needs.

According to manufacturers, SAE 5W-20 synthetic blend motor oil will do the trick for your Ford. If you’re new to reading oil grades, that name might look like a different language. Luckily, it can all be broken down pretty easily.

SAE refers to the Society of Automotive Engineers, which is the entity that codes the oil, while the numbers signify how viscous the oil will be at different temperatures. If you can remember that the “W” stands for winter, it’s easy to remember that the number 5 right before it tells us that the oil will be relatively thin at 0°F.

On the other hand, the 20after the “W” tells us that the oil will have a low viscosity at 212°F. As such, this kind of oil will perform well under a variety of weather conditions. Finally, using synthetic oil will improve the longevity of your vehicle and lead to less wear and tear on your engine.

Consider these three options:

The genuine article: Stick to what the manufacturers recommend and try

Motorcraft SAE 5W-20

For long-lasting protection: Opt for

0W-20

motor oil

A high-quality synthetic: For ultimate performance and protection, use

Valvoline 5W-30

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How often to change oil on a 2016 Ford Explorer 3.5

Now that you’re an expert on all things Ford Explorer motor oil, it’s time to

change your oil

! But don’t pop your hood just yet.

In general, you can follow specific mileage intervals to find out when you should change your oil, with the average vehicle needing an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. However, if you’re using synthetic oil, that number spikes every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

While these mileage markers are handy, it won’t hurt to regularly inspect your oil to ensure it’s clean and functional. If you notice that your oil looks dark in color or gritty in texture, particularly when you’ve experienced unfamiliar noises and smells coming from your engine, you probably need to change your oil.

MORE:

How to build a custom Ford Explorer

How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’ve decided it’s time to swap out your oil, ensure you’re prepared with the right tools. You will need a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench, along with your six quarts of 5W-20 motor oil.

Ready to dive in? Follow the steps below to change your oil:

Turn on your ignition and run your engine until it heats up. This should take about 5 minutes.

Pop the hood of your Ford and locate the oil reservoir

Remove the oil cap from the reservoir

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer, located underneath the engine

Drain the old oil into the drain pain

Remove the old oil filter and replace it with a new one

Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer

Refill the engine with your fresh oil

Replace the fill cap

Using a dipstick, measure the oil to ensure you’ve added the correct amount

Clean up the dirty oil by placing it in a sealed container and taking it to a recycling center to be properly disposed of

Allow your engine to run for a few moments to test out the new oil. If everything was completed correctly, your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

should turn off.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

And there you have it—fresh oil in your engine! Now that you know just how easy it is to complete vehicle maintenance from home, you’ll be saving on the costs of a mechanic’s labor for miles to come.

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

Jerry

app. As

a licensed insurance broker

and the world’s first super app for car owners, Jerry can find you the best

car insurance

rates from over 55 of the nation’s top insurers. Not only do average annual savings total over $800, but you’ll also save the time you’d put into comparing rates, filling out forms, and waiting on hold with insurance companies.

Best of all, Jerry will perform regular price maintenance to make sure you’re still getting the best price on the coverage you need.

“I just financed a new car and knew my insurance premium was going to rise.
Jerry
was well worth it to use. They helped me find a lower premium and canceled my old policy instantly when I was ready to switch!” —Meghana D.

RECOMMENDED