Which oil brand does Ford recommend?
Ford’s official guidance centers on Motorcraft motor oil as the default choice for most Ford vehicles. Other brands can be used if they meet Ford’s specifications; always consult the owner’s manual to verify the required viscosity and specification for your model and driving conditions.
Ford's recommended oil brand
Motorcraft is Ford’s own lubricants line and is widely recommended by dealers and service centers. It is designed to meet Ford specifications and is readily available through Ford channels. If you prefer a different brand, you should verify that the product explicitly meets Ford’s approved specification for your engine and model year.
If you're evaluating oil options for your Ford, here are the two main paths you can take.
- Motorcraft motor oil (Ford’s official brand), designed to meet Ford specifications and available at Ford dealers and service shops.
- Other brands that offer oils labeled as compatible with Ford specifications (brands such as Mobil 1, Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline, and others). Always confirm the product packaging states it meets Ford's specifications for your engine and viscosity.
Regardless of brand, the key is to match the oil’s viscosity and Ford-approved specification for your engine, climate, and driving style. If in doubt, consult your owner's manual or a Ford dealer for the exact requirement.
Choosing between Motorcraft and other brands
Choosing between Motorcraft and a third-party option comes down to assurance of compatibility and warranty considerations. Motorcraft provides guaranteed Ford-approved compatibility, while top-tier third-party brands may offer performance benefits, but you must ensure the specific oil meets Ford’s spec for your engine and model year. For most owners, sticking with Motorcraft offers a straightforward path, especially for warranty considerations.
Summary
Ford generally recommends Motorcraft motor oil as the default option, but other brands that explicitly meet Ford specifications are acceptable. Always verify viscosity and engine-specific requirements in the owner’s manual, and consult a dealer if you’re unsure.
What kind of oil does a Ford dealership take?
Ford dealerships use a bulk oil that meets Ford's specifications, most commonly Motorcraft synthetic blend, but may use other oils depending on the vehicle and a customer's specific request. Motorcraft is Ford's own brand, and while it is often a synthetic blend, some modern vehicles may require or benefit from full synthetic, so it's best to check the owner's manual for specific requirements, according to Superior Ford.
What kind of oil is used
- Motorcraft: Dealers typically use Motorcraft oil, which is Ford's own brand. This can be a synthetic blend or full synthetic, depending on the vehicle and engine specifications.
- Bulk oil: Many dealerships use bulk oil that meets Ford's specifications, which can sometimes be a less expensive alternative than Motorcraft brand in bottles.
- Synthetic blend: Ford's recommended minimum requirement for many vehicles is a synthetic blend.
- Full synthetic: Some modern vehicles, especially those with specific engine designs, may require or recommend full synthetic oil for optimal performance and protection.
What to do
- Check your owner's manual: Always consult your owner's manual for the correct oil type and weight for your specific vehicle.
- Ask your service advisor: When you take your car to the dealership for an oil change, ask your service advisor what kind of oil they will be using.
- Request specific oil: If you have a preference for a specific type of oil, such as full synthetic, be sure to request it when you schedule your service.
What OEM brand does Ford use?
Motorcraft
In fact, Motorcraft is the official parts brand of Ford and has been since its inception in the 1950s. Ford used Autolite as its parts manufacturer for a brief period in the 1960s. Ford owns Motorcraft.
Is Mobil 1 approved by Ford?
Warranty. It is important to use the right oil in your car to comply with the Ford manufacturer specifications. Using the right Mobil 1 product during routine servicing and according to your vehicle's handbook will not affect the Ford manufacturer's warranty.
What brand of oil does Ford recommend?
Ford recommends its own Motorcraft brand oils, with the specific type (e.g., 5W-20, 5W-30, or 0W-20) depending on the vehicle and engine model, as detailed in your owner's manual. While other brands that meet Ford's specifications are acceptable, using Motorcraft is the most direct way to ensure the oil meets the manufacturer's requirements for performance and engine longevity.
- Motorcraft: This is Ford's own brand, which the company recommends for most of its vehicles.
- Other brands: You can use other brands if they meet the specifications listed in your owner's manual. Look for an approval or specification statement on the oil bottle that confirms it's Ford-approved.
- Check your owner's manual: The most crucial step is to consult your owner's manual to find the specific oil weight (e.g., 5W−205 cap W minus 205𝑊−20, 5W−305 cap W minus 305𝑊−30) and type (e.g., synthetic blend, full synthetic) recommended for your vehicle's engine.
- Newer vs. older models: Newer Ford models often require full synthetic oil for optimal performance and protection, while older models might be compatible with a conventional oil, according to Woody Anderson Ford.
