What type of oil does a Ford Explorer use?
The Ford Explorer, a popular SUV, typically requires 5W-20 or 5W-30 motor oil. The specific oil type recommended for your Ford Explorer can be found in the owner's manual or on a sticker inside the driver's side door jamb.
Recommended Oil Type for Ford Explorer
According to the information found in 1 and 2, the Ford Explorer generally requires one of the following motor oil types:
- 5W-20 synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil
- 5W-30 synthetic blend or full synthetic motor oil
The owner's manual for your specific Ford Explorer model will provide the exact oil type and viscosity recommended by the manufacturer. It's important to use the recommended oil to ensure proper engine lubrication and performance.
Reasons for the Recommended Oil Type
The 5W-20 and 5W-30 oil viscosities are recommended for the Ford Explorer for a few key reasons:
- Improved fuel efficiency: The lower viscosity oils help reduce engine drag, resulting in better fuel economy.
- Enhanced cold-weather performance: The "5W" rating indicates the oil's ability to flow easily in cold temperatures, aiding in cold starts and reducing wear during engine warm-up.
- Optimal engine protection: The oil formulation provides the necessary lubrication and protection for the Explorer's engine components, even under high-stress conditions.
Using the recommended oil type is crucial for maintaining the Ford Explorer's engine health and performance over time.
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.
Is it bad to use synthetic blend instead of full synthetic?
For most vehicles, synthetic blend is a good choice. If your vehicle speficies that full synthetic is required, then a synthetic blend will not be okay – it could actually leave your engine vulnerable to damage.
Does it matter what oil I put in my car?
Using the wrong oil can also cause your engine to become clogged with sludge, which can reduce its efficiency, and cause it to run less smoothly. The wrong motor oil can also cause your engine to leak. Check your owner's manual to find out what type of oil is recommended for your car.
What type of oil do I put in my Ford Explorer?
Motorcraft full synthetic 5W-30.
What is the best engine oil for a 2017 Ford Explorer?
2017 FORD EXPLORER Motor Oil
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
- Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology Motor Oil.
- Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology Motor Oil.
- Valvoline High Mileage 150K with MaxLife Plus Technology Motor Oil.
- Valvoline Daily Protection Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
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. Plus, Motorcraft only manufactures full synthetic or synthetic blend motor oils.
What is the difference between 5w20 and 5w30?
As already said, both 5W-20 and 5W-30 are the same viscosity when the engine is cold. 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.
What is the best synthetic motor oil to use?
List of the Best Synthetic Motor Oils
- Mobil 1 Extended Performance Synthetic Motor Oil. This is our top pick for numerous reasons.
- Royal Purple High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil.
- Shell ROTELLA Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil.
- Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
- Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage Motor Oil.
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 |
Can I use 5W30 instead of 5w20 in my Ford Explorer?
Can I use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in my Ford? The Ford owner's manual states that 5w20 oil provides the best fuel economy and durability performance for your car's engine. If you use the higher thickness (30 weight), your gas mileage will definitely go down.
