As engine technology and synthetic motor oils continue to improve, the intervals at which oil changes are needed become fewer and farther between. However, regular and timely oil changes are one of the most important factors in extending the life of your Ford vehicle. In another helpful article, MyFord Magazine has specified four types of driving that may lead to more frequent oil changes, especially during the heat of summer.
Generally speaking, cars built since 2008 need their oil changed approximately every 7,500 miles or every six months, whichever comes first. Older models usually need fresh oil every 5,000 miles or, again, every six months. However, if you fit one of the “extreme driver” categories specified, those intervals fall to every 5,000 miles for cars built since ’08, and every 3,000 miles for cars built before that year.
First, we have stop-and-go commuting. Frequent starts and stops, especially in cold weather, can keep your engine from warming up to an optimal temperature. This can lead to unburned gasoline, which mixes with the engine oil and reduces its effectiveness. The flip side of that coin is highway driving in hot weather. To a certain point, driving at highway speeds keeps the oil moving where it is needed and keeps it at an ideal temperature. Once temperatures soar – like they do during these blazing Texas summers – the oil can thin out and oxidize more quickly.
Driving a lot on unpaved roads or in polluted environments can also have negative effects on your oil’s lifespan. The solution here starts with changing your air filter more frequently. When dust combines with the oil in your engine, it becomes abrasive and can erode the metal components. The sludge that results can have serious consequences for your engine’s health over time.
The final profile in the article is the “Heavy Hauler.” Heavy payloads and towing will cause your engine temperature to rise, which can trigger some of the effects mentioned above, such as less viscous oil, eroded metals, and premature oxidation. This particular profile can combine with any of the above, compounding the negative effects on your engine. Use this chart to determine the best time for you to change your Ford vehicle’s oil, and always consult your owner’s manual to ensure the correct materials are being used. Visit Randall Reed’s Prestige Ford in Garland, TX (serving Dallas, Richardson, Addison, and Arlington) and ask about The Works service package, which can go a long way to extending the life of your Ford vehicle.
Read the full article here.