Ford Explorer Oil Change

You should change the oil in a Ford Explorer every 5,000 to 10,000 miles using 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic oil.
Written by Claire Beaney
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
A Ford Explorer should undergo an oil change every 5,000 to 10,000 miles using 5W-30 and 0W-20 synthetic oil. Check your owner’s manual to guarantee you’re using the correct amount and type of oil.
The secret to your car’s power is found in
engine oil
. It can help enhance fuel efficiency and protect the engine—but if not changed out regularly, it can become viscous and dirty. 
Changing your car’s oil regularly is critical to avoiding significant engine problems.
While an oil change is a pretty straightforward process, the exact requirements change depending on the make and model of your car. The
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How often does a Ford Explorer need an oil change?

Your Explorer’s engine oil should be changed every 5,000 to 10,000 miles. If you wait too long, your engine may become damaged. 
Luckily, many newer Ford vehicles have an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor that can tell you exactly when an
oil change
is needed, but you should always be
checking your oil
regularly.

What kind of oil does a Ford Explorer need?

The Ford Explorer’s recommended oil type is SAE full synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-20.
These oil grades have a low viscosity, so they will flow easily even at low temperatures. They’re well-suited for high-performing, turbo-charged engines like those in your Explorer.
It’s critical to use the right grade of oil for your Ford Explorer. Using a different grade of oil, such as 5W-20 or 0W-30, could damage your engine and void your warranty
If you're changing the oil in your Explorer yourself, double-check your owner's manual to make sure you're using the right grade.

How much does an oil change cost for a Ford Explorer?

The main determinant of your oil change cost is whether you take your Ford Explorer to a mechanic or do it yourself.

Professional

The cost of a professional oil change will likely vary depending on the model year of your vehicle. For cars between 1991 and 2022, you can expect to pay between $127 and $142
Labor costs are between $42 and $52, while parts costs are around $90 (without added taxes, fees, or additional repairs).

DIY cost 

You’ll definitely save money if you change your own oil (provided you have the necessary equipment). 
A quart of
5W-30 full synthetic oil
costs around $10. A five-quart container may run you from $15 to $40.
A quart of
0W-20 full synthetic oil
should cost around $10, while five quarts will cost between $25 and $40.

How to change the oil in a Ford Explorer yourself 

What you’ll need

  • Appropriate engine oil (5W-30 or 0W-20)
  • Oil drain pan
  • Jack and jack stands
  • Funnel
  • Oil filter and oil filter wrench
  • Ratchet
  • Clean cloth
  • Dipstick

1. Warm up the engine

Be sure to run the engine for a few minutes before starting to get your car to normal operating temperature. Once that temperature is reached, turn the engine off.

2. Secure your car

Use jack stands to jack up your car and secure it in place. You might also want to consider using wheel chocks to keep the vehicle from moving while you work.

3. Drain the old oil

The drain bolt is positioned underneath the front center of the vehicle. Drain your old oil into the pan by removing the drain bolt—it should take about 15 minutes to empty. Once the oil is out, reinstall the drain bolt.

4. Put new oil in the engine

Open the hood
to locate and remove the oil cap. Pour 5.7 quarts of 5W-30 or 0W-20 synthetic oil into the engine using the funnel. Screw the fill cap on tightly before you close the hood again.

5. Run the engine and check the oil level

Remove the jack stands and run your engine for a little while, letting it rest for around 15 minutes afterward.
Use the dipstick to check the oil level and top it off again if necessary. 

What happens if you don’t change the oil on a Ford Explorer?

While getting an oil change can be a pain, putting it off can lead to major problems. The oil in your car prevents corrosion and engine knock, distributes heat, and improves fuel efficiency by lubricating the engine parts.
If you don't replace the oil in your Explorer on a regular basis, you risk developing the following issues:
  • Engine corrosion
  • Reduced fuel economy
  • Overheating
  • Complete engine failure
You can avoid these issues by making sure to replace your oil on schedule. Regular oil changes may be an inconvenient expense, but they're definitely less expensive than the significant repairs you’ll need if one of the above problems develops.

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