Does the Ford Explorer need full synthetic oil?
Yes, the Ford Explorer generally requires the use of full synthetic oil. Full synthetic oil is recommended by Ford for the Ford Explorer to ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.
Detailed Explanation
The Ford Explorer is a popular mid-size SUV that has been in production since the early 1990s. Like most modern vehicles, Ford recommends the use of full synthetic oil for the Explorer's engine. Synthetic oils are engineered to provide superior protection, improved fuel efficiency, and longer service intervals compared to conventional mineral-based oils.
Ford's recommended oil specification for the Explorer is 5W-20 or 5W-30 full synthetic oil. These viscosity grades are designed to flow easily at low temperatures for easy cold starts, while also maintaining sufficient thickness at high operating temperatures to protect critical engine components.
Benefits of Using Full Synthetic Oil
- Enhanced Engine Protection: Synthetic oils contain higher-quality base stocks and additive packages that provide better wear protection, deposit control, and resistance to thermal breakdown compared to conventional oils.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: The lower viscosity of synthetic oils results in less internal engine friction, leading to slightly better fuel economy.
- Longer Oil Change Intervals: Ford recommends oil changes every 7,500 miles or 6 months for the Explorer when using full synthetic oil. Conventional oils typically require more frequent changes.
- Reduced Emissions: Synthetic oils burn cleaner, resulting in lower tailpipe emissions and better environmental performance.
While the Ford Explorer can technically use a conventional mineral-based oil, Ford strongly recommends the use of full synthetic oil to ensure the engine's longevity and optimal performance. Switching to a high-quality full synthetic oil is generally considered the best choice for Ford Explorer owners.
Does the Ford Explorer require full synthetic oil?
Our Top Ford Maintenance Tips
Our secret to providing the best protection for your Ford Explorer is to use full synthetic motor oil. This type of motor oil offers the widest spectrum of protection for your vehicle, and leads to the longest oil life for your engine.
Do cars really need full synthetic oil?
Is synthetic oil better for my engine than conventional oil? Yes, synthetic oil is better for your engine than conventional oil. Although conventional oil (i.e., mineral oil) can provide adequate lubrication performance, it can't compete with the overall engine performance and protection provided by synthetics.
Can I use 5W30 instead of 5w20 in my Ford Explorer?
It won't cause any problems. 5w30 is thicker than 5w20 in operating temperatures, but that doesn't mean there will be less oil flow. Oil pump will still pump the oil through the engine, and if thicker oil causes an increase in oil pressure, the oil pump will just bypass some of the oil back into the sump.
Is it worth switching to fully synthetic oil?
“Synthetic oil costs about 30 percent more than conventional oil, but you'll only need to replace it half as often, offsetting its greater cost.” Conventional oil, which has a tendency to retain impurities collected within the engine, breaks down quicker, becoming less effective as a lubricant.
What kind of oil does a 3.5 L Ford Explorer take?
Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Duratec
| Name | Specification |
|---|---|
| Recommended motor oil (U.S.): Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil XO-5W30-QSP | WSS-M2C945-A |
| Recommended Motor oil (Canada): Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil CXO-5W30-LSP12 | WSS-M2C945-A |
What happens if I put 5W-30 instead of 5w20?
The 5W-20, however, will remain a little thinner once you reach operating temperature to help improve fuel economy and flow fast enough to fill the tight tolerances in the engine. Using 5W-30 instead can reduce fuel economy and impede flow throughout the engine.
What happens when you put regular oil instead of full synthetic?
When it comes to doing oil changes, switching between synthetic and conventional oil is perfectly okay. Despite the oil myths, both oil types are compatible with each other – no engine flush needed. So, simply making the switch will not cause any damage to your engine nor impact your travels.
Do Ford Explorers need synthetic oil?
Our Top Ford Maintenance Tips
Our secret to providing the best protection for your Ford Explorer is to use full synthetic motor oil. This type of motor oil offers the widest spectrum of protection for your vehicle, and leads to the longest oil life for your engine.
Do Fords require synthetic oil?
Our service team highly recommends full synthetic oil because it better suits your Ford engine and it will last longer.
Is it bad to switch from synthetic blend to full synthetic?
This is one of the most persistent myths about synthetic oil—and completely untrue. You can switch back and forth at any time. In fact, synthetic blends are simply a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils.
