How often should I change the oil in my F250 diesel?

For most Ford F-250 Super Duty pickups equipped with the 6.7L Power Stroke diesel, the standard oil-change interval under normal driving is 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, when using the recommended synthetic diesel oil. If you frequently tow heavy loads, drive in dusty or extreme heat conditions, or do a lot of short trips, plan for a shorter interval—typically around 7,500 miles or 6 months. Always check your owner's manual and monitor your oil life indicator for the best guidance.

Oil-change frequency depends on driving conditions, oil type, and the vehicle’s oil-life monitoring system. Ford’s manuals outline normal and severe-service guidelines, but the oil-life monitor can adjust the schedule based on real-world use. The sections below summarize official guidance and practical steps to keep your diesel engine healthy.

Factory guidance for the 6.7L Power Stroke

Normal service interval

Under typical, non-severe driving with synthetic diesel oil that meets Ford specification, the recommended interval is generally 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.

Severe service interval

For severe conditions—such as frequent towing, heavy loads, dusty environments, extreme temperatures, or many short trips—the interval is typically shortened to about 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Always cross-check with your owner’s manual and follow the vehicle’s oil-life monitor when it indicates it’s time for an oil change.

Summary of the official intervals to consider:

• Normal service: 15,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.


• Severe service: 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.

These figures reflect common guidance for the 6.7L Power Stroke in recent model years. Your exact interval may vary by year and configuration, so consult the owner's manual and rely on the oil-life monitor for final confirmation.

Practical steps to match intervals to your driving

Use these practical guidelines to translate the factory intervals into your daily routine and towing habits.

• Use the recommended oil and filter: Ford Motorcraft SAE 5W-40 diesel engine oil (or an equivalent that meets Ford spec) and replace the oil filter with every oil change.


• Record your changes: Keep service records, including mileage, oil type, and filter part numbers, to track when the next change is due.


• Consider driving patterns: If you tow frequently, drive in dusty or hot conditions, or make many short trips, plan for earlier changes (closer to 7,500 miles or 6 months).


• Rely on the oil-life monitor: The oil-life monitoring system provides a proactive signal when an oil change is warranted, which can adjust beyond fixed miles or months.


• Check for leaks and consumption: Regularly inspect for oil leaks and monitor consumption, especially after long increases in mileage or heavy-duty use.


• Use OEM filters and quality fluids: Stick to genuine or recommended aftermarket parts to maintain proper filtration and lubrication.

In practice, following the oil-life monitor and staying within the recommended mileage-by-condition guidelines will help protect the engine and maximize service intervals.

Oil-life monitor and when to trust it

Many modern F-250 diesels rely on an oil-life monitoring system that estimates remaining oil life based on engine wear, temperature, RPM, and driving habits. This system can extend or shorten the interval beyond the base recommendations depending on how you drive.

How it works

The monitor analyzes driving conditions and engine parameters to estimate when the oil needs changing. If you do a lot of severe-duty work, the monitor will usually indicate a change sooner than the standard interval.

When it prompts you

Typically, you will receive a warning or display indicating a specific percentage of oil life remaining (for example, 15% or 5%). Change the oil within that recommendation window to maintain optimal engine protection.

Summary

The standard guidance for a Ford F-250 diesel with the 6.7L Power Stroke is 15,000 miles or 12 months under normal conditions and about 7,500 miles or 6 months under severe service (towing, harsh environments, or frequent short trips). Use synthetic diesel oil that meets Ford specifications, replace the filter, and rely on the oil-life monitor for precise timing. Always consult your owner's manual and maintain proper maintenance records to tailor the schedule to your specific usage and environment.

How often does a F250 need an oil change?

The F-250 oil change interval depends on the model and driving conditions, but typically ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 miles or 6 months. Modern F-250s with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) will tell you when to change it based on driving factors, while older models or those under severe conditions (towing, extreme temperatures) should be closer to the 5,000-mile mark. 
You can watch this video to learn how to reset the oil life monitor in your F-250: 57sDaisy the DachshundYouTube · Oct 25, 2019
General guidelines

• Normal conditions: 7,500–10,000 miles or 6 months
• Severe conditions: 5,000 miles or 6 months 

Factors that require more frequent changes

• Towing heavy loads: Stick to the 5,000-mile mark
• Frequent short trips: This can lead to faster oil breakdown
• Extreme temperatures: Both very hot and very cold conditions can affect oil life
• Dusty environments: Operate in dusty conditions 

This video discusses the optimal oil change intervals based on driving conditions: 22sPower Stroke MaintenanceYouTube · Jul 25, 2023
Important tips

• Check the owner's manual: This is the most reliable source for your specific model and engine. 
• Monitor the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM): If your F-250 has one, it will display a message when an oil change is needed. 
• Check oil levels regularly: Always check your oil level between changes and top it off as needed, especially before a long trip. 

Should I run synthetic oil in my 6.7 powerstroke?

For the 6.7 Powerstroke, Ford recommends using synthetic diesel engine oils meeting API CJ-4 or higher, typically SAE 5W-40 for optimal protection. Avoid heavier oils like 15W-40 used in older models, as they can cause poor cold starts and increased deposits.

What is the oil change interval for a 6.7 Cummins?

The 6.7 Cummins oil change interval varies by model year, but for most modern models, the recommendation is 15,000 miles or 12 months, or 500 engine hours, whichever comes first. However, heavy towing or city driving may require more frequent changes, and for some older models (2007.5-2012), the interval is shorter, around 7,500 miles or six months. 
This video explains the 6.7 Cummins oil change interval: 20sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Sep 16, 2022
General guidelines

• 15,000 miles / 12 months / 500 hours: This is the standard recommended interval for many newer models. 
• More frequent changes: If you frequently tow, idle, or drive in city traffic, you should consider changing the oil more often. Some sources suggest changing the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles for heavy use, according to this Reddit thread and this Reddit thread, and some users change their oil every 5,000 miles to be safe. 
• Older models (2007.5–2012): The recommended interval is 7,500 miles or six months. 

Other important considerations

• Engine hours: For stationary or heavy-duty equipment, the interval is often based on engine hours, with a recommendation of 300 hours or less if idling frequently, say this YouTube video. 
• Oil type: Using synthetic oil can support longer intervals. 
• Filter changes: You may want to change the oil filter between oil changes, especially if you are not following the recommended schedule. 
• Owner's manual: Always consult your owner's manual for the most accurate information for your specific truck and its intended use. 

How often should you change the oil in a Ford 6.7 diesel?

The 6.7L Powerstroke oil change interval is typically 7,500 to 10,000 miles for regular use, but this should be shortened to 5,000 miles under severe driving conditions. For severe conditions, which include frequent short trips, towing, or extensive idling, it is recommended to stick to the 5,000-mile interval to protect the engine. Always use high-quality oil that meets Ford specifications, such as a full synthetic 5W-40. 
This video demonstrates how to change the oil in a 6.7 Powerstroke, including tips on checking the fuel-water separator: 1mHelp Me DIYYouTube · Apr 26, 2022
Regular vs. severe driving conditions

• Regular driving: Change oil and filter every 10,000 miles or as indicated by the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor system. 
• Severe driving: Change oil and filter every 5,000 miles. 
  • Examples include frequent towing, stop-and-go traffic, or driving in dusty/cold conditions. 

Oil type and quality

• Recommended oil: Full synthetic 5W-40 is recommended, especially for heavy use. 
• Specifications: Ensure the oil meets Ford's specifications (WSS-M2C17-F1) for proper protection. 

Additional maintenance

• Fuel filters: Change every 15,000 to 20,000 miles. 
• Water separator: Drain the water separator every 5,000 miles or when performing an oil change. 
• CCV filter: Consider replacing the Crankcase Ventilation (CCV) filter around every 50,000 miles for cheaper maintenance, as shown in this Facebook post. 

This video explains when to change the oil in your 6.7 Powerstroke and discusses the use of oil analysis: 59sPower Stroke MaintenanceYouTube · Aug 25, 2024