Ford Focus SE Oil Change

A Ford Focus SE needs an oil change every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil and 7,500-10,000 miles for synthetic with 5W-20 grade oil.
Written by Holden Easterbrook
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
A Ford Focus SE will need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for conventional oil and 7,500 to 10,000 miles for synthetic. It’s recommended to us 5W-20 oil, but be sure you’re using the right amount and grade of oil by consulting your owner’s manual.
Engine oil
plays an important role in your car by protecting the engine from excessive
wear and tear
and improving fuel efficiency. But just like everything in a car, it will need to be replaced at some point. Engine oil becomes dirty and loses its protective qualities with use, and neglecting to change it on time can put your vehicle at risk for serious engine damage.
Since every make and model of car has its own oil change process, the
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Ford Focus SE insurance costs
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How often does a Ford Focus SE need an oil change?

How often you need to change a Ford Focus SEs oil depends on the type of oil already in the engine.
Conventional oil
needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles
If you don’t know what kind of oil is already being used, simply plan to
change the oil
at 5,000 miles since the last oil change.
Always be sure to change your oil on time. Waiting too long puts your engine at unnecessary risk for damage. It’s also a good habit to
check your oil
a few times a month or after a long trip. If you notice that your oil levels are low, just add more of the same type of oil to the engine. If the oil appears thick, you’ll need to change it right away.

What kind of oil does a Ford Focus SE need?

A Ford Focus SE will need 5W-20 oil.
Always check your owner’s manual to ensure that you’re using the correct amount and grade of oil. Using the wrong oil runs the risk of damaging your engine or voiding the warranty on your car.

How much does an oil change cost for a Ford Focus SE?

The cost of a Ford Focus SE oil change depends entirely on whether you take it to a professional mechanic or do it yourself.

Professional cost

The price of a professional oil change will vary based on your location and the model year of your vehicle. For model years 2000-2018, you can expect a total cost of about $110 to $124 before additional charges like taxes or other repairs.

DIY cost 

Changing your oil at home is a great way to become better acquainted with your vehicle and save money. Though prices will differ between sellers,
5W-20 oil
costs between $4 and $12 for 1 quart and $10 to $40 for 5 quarts.

How to change the oil in an Acura MDX yourself 

What you’ll need

  • 5W-20 oil (5 quarts)
  • Oil filter (will need to fit your model year)
  • Funnel
  • Oil filter wrench
  • Car jack
  • Wheel chocks
  • Ratchet wrench
  • Drain pan

1. Prepare 

Prepping your car for an oil change will save you a lot of time in the long run.
Begin by turning on your vehicle to let the engine idle at normal operating temperatures. This will warm the old oil and ensure as much of it drains out later as possible.
Once the engine has had a chance to warm, shut off your car.

2. Secure the car

Using the jack, lift your car. When it’s high enough for you to access the underside, secure it with jack stands and wheel chocks. These will keep the car from moving while the oil is being changed.

3. Drain the old oil

Place the drain pan beneath your car, then open the hood and remove the oil fill cap. When you’re ready, use the ratchet wrench to remove the drain plug—watch out for the oil!
It should take a minimum of 15 minutes for the old oil to completely drain from the engine.

4. Remove the filter

With the aid of the oil filter wrench, remove the old filter and dump the remaining oil into the drain pan.

5. Install the new oil filter

Clean around the area the new filter will attach to, this will help ensure a snug fit with no leaks
Add some of the 5W-20 oil to the new filter, then screw it into place with the oil filter wrench. Be sure to not tighten it too much!
Finally, replace the drain plug.

6. Put new oil in the engine

With the funnel, pour 4.5 quarts of 5W-20 oil into the engine. Replace the fill cap when you’re done and start your car’s engine. While the new oil is being circulated through your engine, inspect your work for leaks.

7. Stop the engine and check the oil level

When you’re confident there are no oil leaks, turn your car off and allow it to cool for a few minutes. After most of the heat has dissipated, use the dipstick to check the oil level and add more if it’s too low.

8. Remove the jack

When the oil level has been checked, all tools removed from beneath the car, and the hood is closed, you’re almost done. All you need to do now is remove the jack stands, wheel chocks, and jack from your car.
As a precaution, you should take the time to check your oil levels over the next few weeks. Driving your car may reveal a leak you didn’t notice before.
MORE: How to put a car on jack stands

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

Despite the time and money it takes to change your car’s oil, the investment is well worth the cost. Overused oil can corrode your engine and cause it to overheat. If these problems are allowed to go unresolved, your engine will fail.
To protect your budget and vehicle, timely oil changes are key. Begin and maintain a regular
car maintenance schedule
, if you don’t already do so.

How to save money on car insurance 

Forgetting to change your engine oil can end up costing you a fortune, but properly insuring your car shouldn’t.
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