What kind of oil does my 1996 Ford Explorer take?
Your 1996 Ford Explorer requires 5W-30 motor oil. This is the recommended oil type and viscosity grade specified by Ford for this vehicle model and year.
Detailed Explanation
The 1996 Ford Explorer is an SUV that was produced during the first generation of the Explorer model line. Ford engineers designed this vehicle to use a 5W-30 motor oil, which is a common viscosity grade for many passenger vehicles from that era.
The "5W-30" designation refers to the oil's viscosity, or thickness, at different temperatures:
- 5W means the oil has a viscosity of 5 when the engine is cold (the "W" stands for "winter").
- 30 means the oil has a viscosity of 30 when the engine is at normal operating temperature.
This 5W-30 viscosity provides the right balance of flow and protection across a wide range of temperatures, making it suitable for year-round use in your 1996 Ford Explorer.
Recommended Oil Brands and Specifications
While any 5W-30 motor oil that meets the API (American Petroleum Institute) SN or ILSAC GF-5 specification will work in your 1996 Explorer, Ford recommends using oils that also carry the Ford WSS-M2C153-H certification. Some popular 5W-30 oil options include:
- Motorcraft 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Castrol GTX 5W-30 High Mileage
- Pennzoil Platinum 5W-30 Full Synthetic
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30
Be sure to check your owner's manual or the oil fill cap in your 1996 Ford Explorer to confirm the recommended oil type and viscosity. Using the right motor oil is important for maintaining your vehicle's engine performance and longevity.
What will happen if I put 5W-30 instead of 5w20?
Using 5W-30 instead can reduce fuel economy and impede flow throughout the engine. While using it temporarily in a pinch likely won't cause your engine lasting harm, remember that the engineers who built your engine did so with a specific viscosity oil in mind, meaning it's best to stick with it.
What kind of oil does a 1996 Ford 5.0 take?
5W-20 (All TEMPS) - This specification has been updated from 5W-30 to 5W-20 per a Technical Service Bulletin from the manufacturer 5W-20 is the preferred viscosity.
How much oil does a 4.0 Ford Explorer take?
Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter). When refilling, remove dipstick to provide adequate venting and allow oil to flow into crankcase.
Is 5W-20 or 5W-30 better for high mileage?
Typically, a 5W-20 oil provides higher gas mileage than a 5W-30 due to its more effortless flow. However, the 5W-30 oil is still a suitable option where fuel efficiency is concerned. Using 5W-30 simply produces a bit less economy because moving an oil that is less freely flowing through the system consumes more energy.
Can I use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in my Ford Explorer?
It's exactly what you should be using, 5w20 is what is specified by ford for the modular engines. 5w30 is okay as well since that is what ford originally specified, but if you live in a really cold climate then it's safer to stick with the 5w20 due to the smaller tolerances of the modular engines.
What kind of motor oil does Ford recommend?
Motorcraft meets Ford's strict standards for quality as it works to keep your engine in top shape. In general, Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 for most of its vehicles. Hybrid vehicles may require 0W-20, which works better at lower temperatures.
What kind of oil should I put in a Ford Explorer?
Motorcraft full synthetic 5W-30.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20?
Using 5W-30 instead can reduce fuel economy and impede flow throughout the engine. While using it temporarily in a pinch likely won't cause your engine lasting harm, remember that the engineers who built your engine did so with a specific viscosity oil in mind, meaning it's best to stick with it.
How many quarts of oil does a 4.0 L V6 take?
4.0 V6 should take 5.5 to a hair under 5.7 quarts.
