What type of oil should I use for my Ford Explorer?
Most Ford Explorers use full-synthetic motor oil, typically 5W-30, but the exact grade depends on your engine, model year and climate. Always check your owner's manual or the oil cap for the official specification.
Understanding the right oil for your Explorer
Explorers have used several engines over the years, including the 2.3L EcoBoost, 2.7L EcoBoost and 3.0L V6, plus hybrid variants. Because of that, the recommended viscosity and Ford spec can vary by year and engine. The guidance below helps you verify the exact requirement for your specific vehicle.
Engine options and years
As Ford updates engines and emissions rules, the correct oil grade may change. Use the owner's manual or Ford's official service resources to confirm the exact viscosity and specification for your exact year and engine combination.
How to determine the correct oil for your Explorer
To ensure you use the right oil, follow these quick steps:
- Check the owner's manual for the recommended viscosity (for example, 5W-30) and the Ford specification the oil must meet.
- Inspect the oil filler cap under the hood; some caps print the required viscosity right on the cap.
- If the manual or cap isn’t clear, contact a Ford dealer or look up the exact specification for your VIN on Ford’s official service site.
- Choose a synthetic oil that meets Ford’s specification for your engine. For most modern Explorers, a full-synthetic 5W-30 is standard; some engines or climates may call for a 5W-20, so verify before purchase.
- Select a reputable brand that clearly states it meets Ford specifications (Motorcraft is the OEM option; other brands should explicitly claim compatibility with Ford specs and API SN/SP or newer).
Following these checks will ensure you have the correct grade and specification for your Explorer’s engine, improving protection and efficiency. If you’re unsure, a quick service visit can confirm the right choice.
Recommended brands and how to buy
To simplify shopping, choose oils that are known to meet Ford specifications. The options below are widely compatible with Ford engines that call for 5W-30 or 5W-20, but always read the label to confirm Ford compatibility.
- Motorcraft 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil — Ford’s OEM option, designed to meet Ford specs.
- Mobil 1 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil — commonly used in Ford engines that specify 5W-30.
- Castrol EDGE 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil — a popular choice that meets the needs of many modern engines.
- Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 — widely available and designed to meet current API specs for modern engines.
Note: If you operate in extremely cold or hot climates, or you have a unique engine variant, your manual may call for a different viscosity such as 5W-20 or 0W-20. Always verify before buying.
Summary
For most Ford Explorers, use a full-synthetic oil that matches the viscosity and Ford specification for your engine and climate, typically 5W-30. Verify the exact grade in the owner's manual or on the oil cap, and consider OEM Motorcraft as a safe option. If in doubt, consult your dealer or a qualified technician to confirm the right oil for your specific Explorer.
