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What are the service intervals for a Ford Explorer?

Maintaining your Ford Explorer is crucial for its longevity and performance. The service intervals for this popular SUV are designed to ensure that your vehicle runs at its best and keeps you and your family safe on the road. In this article, we'll dive into the recommended service intervals for the Ford Explorer, so you can stay on top of your vehicle's maintenance schedule.


Recommended Service Intervals for the Ford Explorer


The Ford Explorer has a well-defined maintenance schedule that should be followed to keep your vehicle in top condition. According to the manufacturer, the recommended service intervals for the Ford Explorer are as follows:



  • Oil Change: Every 7,500 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. This ensures that your engine oil is fresh and able to effectively lubricate the moving parts.

  • Tire Rotation: Every 7,500 miles. Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, improving traction and fuel efficiency.

  • Brake Inspection: Every 12 months or 12,000 miles. This check-up ensures that your brakes are in good working order and able to stop your vehicle safely.

  • Transmission Fluid Change: Every 30,000 miles. Changing the transmission fluid helps maintain the health of your vehicle's transmission, preventing costly repairs down the line.

  • Coolant Flush: Every 30,000 miles. Flushing the coolant system helps prevent corrosion and ensures that your engine stays at the optimal operating temperature.

  • Spark Plug Replacement: Every 60,000 miles. Replacing the spark plugs helps maintain your engine's performance and fuel efficiency.


It's important to note that these are the general recommended service intervals for the Ford Explorer. Your specific vehicle may have slightly different requirements, so be sure to consult your owner's manual or speak with a certified Ford technician for the most accurate information.


Importance of Adhering to the Maintenance Schedule


Regularly maintaining your Ford Explorer according to the manufacturer's recommendations is crucial for several reasons:



  • Improved Fuel Efficiency: Well-maintained vehicles tend to run more efficiently, which can translate to better fuel economy and lower fuel costs.

  • Longer Vehicle Lifespan: Staying on top of routine maintenance helps prevent major issues and extends the overall lifespan of your Ford Explorer.

  • Enhanced Safety: Regular inspections and maintenance of critical components, such as brakes and tires, help ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive.

  • Warranty Compliance: Adhering to the recommended service intervals is often a requirement for maintaining your Ford Explorer's warranty coverage.


By following the service schedule outlined in your owner's manual, you can help ensure that your Ford Explorer continues to provide reliable and safe transportation for years to come.

Where can I find my vehicle maintenance schedule?


For guidance, check your owner's manual for the recommended maintenance schedule (which is often based on mileage and/or time intervals). Below is a list of common vehicle components that should be checked and serviced.



What is the 1% maintenance rule?


The 1% rule
Put aside 1% of the total purchase price of your home for home maintenance repairs. For example, a $250,000 home would require you to save $2,500 annually, or about $209 per month. It's a rough estimate that doesn't consider labor costs or materials, and other factors can contribute to this base price.



How often should you change transmission fluid on a Ford Explorer?


For many Ford vehicles under normal use, the service interval is around 150k miles. However, there are reasons you may need to have your automatic transmission fluid changed sooner. If you tow regularly or if you drive in severe conditions, it's prudent to have it changed based on condition, not mileage.



What is the 80 20 rule in maintenance?


The 80/20 rule suggests that roughly 80% of maintenance issues stem from just 20% of assets. Therefore, it is essential that maintenance teams identify these critical assets and maintenance efforts should prioritise these critical assets to ensure they are functioning optimally.



What is the 100,000 mile service on a Ford Explorer?


Around the big day when you roll over to 100,000 miles, it's time to change the spark plugs and orange engine coolant, in addition to the standard inspections, oil change, and tire rotation. An inspection on the accessory drive belt will be conducted too, which from now on will be checked every 10,000 miles.



What is the recommended maintenance schedule?


Recommended Maintenance Schedule. Your car's odometer can clue you in on when to perform necessary vehicle maintenance. Many car manufacturers recommend a 30-60-90 schedule, which means that certain items will need to be inspected, changed or replaced at 30,000, 60,000 and 90,000 miles.



When should I replace my timing chain on my Ford Explorer?


For most Ford Explorers: – The timing belt needs to be replaced once in the vehicle's lifespan, at the recommended interval (60-100k miles). – The timing chain does not normally require replacement unless the engine is being rebuilt or the chain has failed prematurely.



Does Ford recommend changing transmission fluid?


It's recommended to get your transmission fluid changed once every 30,000 to 60,000 miles-or, once every two to four years. However, this is just the suggestion for the average driver.



What is the maintenance schedule for the Ford Explorer?


Ford Explorer Maintenance Schedule

MileageRecommended Maintenance
5,000Change Oil and Filter, Rotate Tires
10,000Rotate Tires, Change Oil and Filter
20,000Rotate Tires, Change Oil and Filter, Cabin Replace Air Filter



What is the 10% rule in maintenance?


This rule dictates that all preventive maintenance tasks should ideally be completed within 10% of their designated timeframe.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.