Does the Ford Explorer need full synthetic oil?
When it comes to maintaining your Ford Explorer, one of the most common questions owners ask is whether their vehicle requires full synthetic oil. As a seasoned auto service provider, I’ve worked on countless Ford Explorers over the years, and I’m here to provide clarity on this topic. Let’s dive into the specifics of oil requirements for this popular SUV and why choosing the right oil matters for your vehicle's performance and longevity.
Understanding the Ford Explorer's Oil Requirements
The type of oil your Ford Explorer needs depends on its model year and engine type. Ford recommends specific oil types for each vehicle, and this information can be found in your owner’s manual. However, for most modern Ford Explorers, full synthetic oil is highly recommended due to its superior performance and protection capabilities.
Full synthetic oil offers several advantages over conventional or synthetic blend oils, including better engine protection, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced performance in extreme temperatures. These benefits are particularly important for SUVs like the Ford Explorer, which are often used for towing, off-road adventures, or long road trips.
Why Full Synthetic Oil Is Recommended
Here are some key reasons why full synthetic oil is often the best choice for your Ford Explorer:
- Enhanced Engine Protection: Full synthetic oil provides superior lubrication, reducing wear and tear on engine components, especially under heavy loads or high temperatures.
- Improved Fuel Efficiency: Synthetic oil reduces engine friction, which can lead to better fuel economy over time.
- Better Performance in Extreme Conditions: Whether you’re driving in freezing winters or scorching summers, synthetic oil maintains its viscosity and performance, ensuring your engine runs smoothly.
- Longer Oil Change Intervals: Full synthetic oil typically lasts longer than conventional oil, meaning fewer oil changes and lower maintenance costs in the long run.
Checking Your Owner’s Manual
While full synthetic oil is generally recommended for most modern Ford Explorers, it’s essential to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s specific recommendations. The manual will specify the required oil type and viscosity grade (e.g., 5W-30 or 0W-20) for your particular model and engine.
Conclusion
In summary, while not all Ford Explorers strictly require full synthetic oil, using it is highly beneficial for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and longevity. If you’re unsure about the best oil for your Ford Explorer, feel free to visit Kevin’s Autos or give us a call. We’re here to help you keep your SUV running smoothly for years to come!
Frequently Asked Questions
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 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 |
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
