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What oil is recommended for a Ford Explorer?

The recommended oil for a Ford Explorer is 5W-30 synthetic motor oil. This oil grade provides the optimal lubrication and protection for the engine in a Ford Explorer, ensuring its smooth and efficient operation.


Understanding the Ford Explorer's Oil Recommendations


The Ford Explorer is a popular mid-size SUV known for its versatility, performance, and reliability. To maintain the vehicle's optimal performance and longevity, it is essential to use the recommended motor oil. The 5W-30 synthetic oil grade is the manufacturer's recommended choice for the Ford Explorer, as it meets the specific requirements of the engine and provides the necessary protection in various driving conditions.


Choosing the Right Oil Grade



  • The "5W" in the oil grade refers to the oil's viscosity, or thickness, at cold temperatures. The "W" stands for "winter," indicating the oil's ability to flow easily during cold starts.

  • The "30" in the oil grade refers to the oil's viscosity at higher operating temperatures. This number represents the oil's resistance to thinning out as the engine warms up.

  • Synthetic oils, such as the recommended 5W-30, are engineered to provide superior performance and protection compared to conventional mineral-based oils. They offer improved resistance to oxidation, better viscosity control, and enhanced engine cleanliness.


Using the recommended 5W-30 synthetic oil in your Ford Explorer will help ensure optimal engine performance, fuel efficiency, and extended engine life.


Maintaining Your Ford Explorer's Oil



  • Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil change interval, which is typically every 5,000 to 10,000 miles or as specified by the manufacturer.

  • Use only high-quality, name-brand 5W-30 synthetic motor oils that meet the Ford-approved specifications.

  • Regularly inspect the oil level and top up as needed to maintain the proper level.

  • Consider using a high-mileage or premium synthetic oil if your Ford Explorer has accumulated significant mileage or is used for towing or hauling heavy loads.


By following the recommended oil guidelines and maintaining your Ford Explorer's oil, you can help ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your vehicle.

What engine oil do Ford recommend?


Ford Exclusively Recommends Castrol
Therefore, Ford engines are prefilled with Ford Castrol engine oil, so that your engine is protected from the moment you start your vehicle.



Is 5w20 oil synthetic?


Mobil Full Synthetic High Mileage 5W-20 motor oil is recommended for all types of gasoline-powered vehicles, such as passenger cars, SUVs, light-duty vans and trucks, including models with turbocharged engines.



What happens if you use 5W20 instead of 5W30?


AI Overview Using 5W-20 instead of 5W-30 in your car may improve fuel economy and cold starts, but it may also reduce flow and impede fuel economy at operating temperatures.  Explanation

  • 5W-20 and 5W-30 have the same viscosity when the engine is cold. 
  • At operating temperatures, 5W-20 will be thinner than 5W-30. 
  • Thinner oil reduces internal friction, which improves fuel economy. 
  • Thicker oil provides a thicker lubricating film, which can improve wear protection. 
  • Using the wrong type of oil can cause moving parts to wear prematurely, which can lead to costly repairs. 
Recommendation It's best to use the viscosity recommended in your owner's manual. Some automakers recommend different viscosities of oil depending on weather conditions.  Emergency use Using 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 in an emergency likely won't cause lasting harm.  Generative AI is experimental. Learn more
    5W-20 vs 5W-30 vs 10W-30: What’s the Difference? - AMSOIL BlogDec 16, 2021 — When considering 5W-20 vs 5W-30, they are the same viscosity when the engine is cold. The 5W-20, however, will remain ...Amsoil Blog5w-20 Vs 5w-30 Vs 10w-30: What Is the Difference?What About High-Temperature Performance? The story changes once your engine reaches operating temperature. To determine the second...AMSOIL INC – IN(function(){
    (this||self).Bqpk9e=function(f,d,n,e,k,p){var g=document.getElementById(f);if(g&&(g.offsetWidth!==0||g.offsetHeight!==0)){var l=g.querySelector("div"),h=l.querySelector("div"),a=0;f=Math.max(l.scrollWidth-l.offsetWidth,0);if(d>0&&(h=h.children,a=h[d].offsetLeft-h[0].offsetLeft,e)){for(var m=a=0;mShow more



    Can I use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20?


    • 5w-20 Vs 5w-30 Vs 10w-30: What Is the Difference? - AMSOIL INC – INThe 5W-20, however, will remain a little thinner once you reach operating temperature to help improve fuel economy and flow fast e...AMSOIL INC – IN
    • 5W-20 vs 5W-30 vs 10W-30: What’s the Difference? - AMSOIL BlogDec 16, 2021 — Good Cold Flow Benefits All Drivers Understand, too, that cold-weather protection is important regardless of your clim...Amsoil Blog
    • Understanding the Differences: 5W30 vs 5W20 Motor Oil - A&D RepairApr 22, 2024 — It's important to use the type of oil that the manufacturer recommends for your car. Using 5W30 instead of 5W20 can le...A&D Auto Repair



    What kind of oil does a 3.5 L Ford Explorer take?


    Capacities and Specifications - 3.5L Duratec

    NameSpecification
    Recommended motor oil (U.S.): Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Premium Synthetic Blend Motor Oil XO-5W30-QSPWSS-M2C945-A
    Recommended Motor oil (Canada): Motorcraft® SAE 5W-20 Super Premium Motor Oil CXO-5W30-LSP12WSS-M2C945-A



    How long does 5W20 full synthetic last?


    • 5W-20 vs 5W-30 vs 10W-30: What’s the Difference? - AMSOIL BlogDec 16, 2021 — When considering 5W-20 vs 5W-30, they are the same viscosity when the engine is cold. The 5W-20, however, will remain ...Amsoil Blog
    • 5w-20 Vs 5w-30 Vs 10w-30: What Is the Difference?What About High-Temperature Performance? The story changes once your engine reaches operating temperature. To determine the second...AMSOIL INC – IN
    • What Is The Difference Between 5W20 and 5W30? - Car From JapanFeb 14, 2023 — Some car enthusiasts believed that both 5W20 and 5W30 are in the exact same temperature range, meaning that both oils ...Car From Japan
    • What Happens if I Use A Thicker Oil in My Engine? - AMSOIL BlogA common question is whether it's safe to use 10W-30 instead of 5W-30 oil, for example. While it's best to use what's recommended ...Amsoil Blog
    • The Impact of Wrong Oil Viscosity - AMSOIL INC – EUBottom Line on Using Thicker Oil or Thinner Oil Using a viscosity one grade higher or lower than what's recommended for your engin...amsoil.eu
    • What happens if you use the wrong engine oil? - Gulf Oil InternationalAug 5, 2024 — Using the wrong type can wreak havoc on your engine, causing moving parts to wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrica...Gulf Oil International



    What is the difference between 5w20 and 5W30?


    AI Overview 5W-20 and 5W-30 are both engine oils that differ in viscosity at cold and operating temperatures. 5W-30 is thicker and is better for higher temperatures, while 5W-20 is thinner and is better for lower temperatures. 

    5W-20 5W-30
    Viscosity at cold temperatures Thinner, flows faster Thicker, flows more slowly
    Viscosity at operating temperatures Thinner, less resistant to flow Thicker, more resistant to flow
    Benefits Better fuel economy, easier cold-weather starting Better protection for older engines, heavy use, and high temperatures
    The "W" in the oil grade stands for winter, and the number before the "W" indicates the oil's viscosity at low temperatures. The number after the "W" indicates the oil's viscosity at high temperatures.  5W-30 is the most widely used and recommended viscosity because it balances cold-weather fluidity and high-temperature protection.  The choice of oil depends on the climate you live in and the type of engine you have.  Generative AI is experimental. Learn more
      Engine oil t viscosity differences - AMSOIL INC – INAMSOIL INC – INOil Viscosity Explained: 5w20 vs. 5w30 vs. 10w30 - AutoZone.comIn practical terms, oil viscosity affects engine start-up by determining how quickly oil reaches vital parts in colder conditions.AutoZone.com(function(){
      (this||self).Bqpk9e=function(f,d,n,e,k,p){var g=document.getElementById(f);if(g&&(g.offsetWidth!==0||g.offsetHeight!==0)){var l=g.querySelector("div"),h=l.querySelector("div"),a=0;f=Math.max(l.scrollWidth-l.offsetWidth,0);if(d>0&&(h=h.children,a=h[d].offsetLeft-h[0].offsetLeft,e)){for(var m=a=0;mShow more



      What oil should I run in my 3.5 EcoBoost?


      • Engine oil t viscosity differences - AMSOIL INC – INAMSOIL INC – IN
      • Oil Viscosity Explained: 5w20 vs. 5w30 vs. 10w30 - AutoZone.comIn practical terms, oil viscosity affects engine start-up by determining how quickly oil reaches vital parts in colder conditions.AutoZone.com
      • Understanding the Differences: 5W30 vs 5W20 Motor Oil - A&D RepairApr 22, 2024 — Differences Between 5W30 and 5W20 Thickness at High Temperatures: 5W30 is a thicker oil when the engine is hot, provid...A&D Repair
      • 5w30 Engine Oil: Is Right for Your Car? | TotalEnergies METhe 'W' in the oil grade stands for winter. The number preceding the 'W' stands for the oil's viscosity at low temperatures, and t...totalenergies.ae



      Do Fords require synthetic oil?


      Almost all modern Ford vehicles should use synthetic motor oil because it protects the engine better from harm. Synthetic oil prevents clogging and corrosion far better and is also more resistant to changes in temperature, protecting your engine better during winter.



      What oil brand does Ford recommend?


      AI Overview You can use 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 in a pinch, but it's best to use the oil recommended by your car's manufacturer. Using the wrong oil can lead to poor fuel economy, higher oil consumption, and engine damage.  Explanation

      • Fuel economy: 5W-20 oil is thinner at operating temperatures, which helps improve fuel economy. 5W-30 oil can reduce fuel economy. 
      • Engine protection: 5W-20 oil may protect engines better at high temperatures than 5W-30 oil. 
      • Engine flow: 5W-30 oil can impede flow through the engine. 
      • Cold starts: 5W-20 and 5W-30 oils have the same viscosity during cold starts, but they flow faster in the cold than 10W-30. 
      What to do You can check your car's owner's manual to see which oil is recommended. If you're not sure, you can ask a trusted repair shop for advice.  Generative AI is experimental. Learn more
        5w-20 Vs 5w-30 Vs 10w-30: What Is the Difference? - AMSOIL INC – INThe 5W-20, however, will remain a little thinner once you reach operating temperature to help improve fuel economy and flow fast e...AMSOIL INC – IN5W-20 vs 5W-30 vs 10W-30: What’s the Difference? - AMSOIL BlogDec 16, 2021 — Good Cold Flow Benefits All Drivers Understand, too, that cold-weather protection is important regardless of your clim...Amsoil Blog(function(){
        (this||self).Bqpk9e=function(f,d,n,e,k,p){var g=document.getElementById(f);if(g&&(g.offsetWidth!==0||g.offsetHeight!==0)){var l=g.querySelector("div"),h=l.querySelector("div"),a=0;f=Math.max(l.scrollWidth-l.offsetWidth,0);if(d>0&&(h=h.children,a=h[d].offsetLeft-h[0].offsetLeft,e)){for(var m=a=0;mShow more


        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.