How Long Has It Been Since Your Last Ford Oil Change?

It’s not unusual to miss your scheduled oil change once in a while. After all, we’re all so busy with work, errands, family, and all the other distractions of modern life. But if you glance up at the sticker on your windshield and realize you’re overdue, you really shouldn’t put off your Ford oil change for much longer. That’s when serious engine trouble can rapidly develop.  

How Long Has It Been Since Your Last Ford Oil Change?

Change Your Oil Every 7,500 Miles

Under ordinary driving conditions, a modern Ford should have its oil changed every 7,500 miles. This is the case for Ford models released since 2008. If your Ford is older than this, the recommended interval is every 5,000 miles. If you’ve driven too many miles since your last oil change, it’s time to visit your local technician.

Extreme Driving Conditions

There are circumstances where your engine and oil are put under far more pressure than usual. As a result, you need to have your oil changed more frequently. These conditions include extremely hot or cold climates, heavy stop-and-go traffic, driving with extra weight such as towed trailers, and regular short trips where your engine doesn’t reach its full operating temperature.

Avoid Reduced Performance

The engine of your Ford is a sophisticated, meticulous machine with many moving parts. Oil is what keeps all those parts moving against each other smoothly. Oil provides essential lubrication, helps keep your engine clean, and prevents overheating. If you neglect to change your oil for too long, you’ll begin to experience the following problems.

Buildup of Friction 

With so much pressure and usage, engine oil always begins to thicken. If left unchanged, it becomes a sludge-like substance that can no longer lubricate properly. The resulting friction rapidly leads to parts breaking down.

Buildup of Contaminants

Engine oil contains detergents and dispersants which collect dirt and debris throughout the engine and take it all to the fuel filter. The filter is then removed and replaced during each oil change. Unless this happens often, the collected contaminants are forced back into the oil, which gradually becomes a thick, mirky sludge.

Buildup of Heat

The worst engine damage is caused by overheating. Smooth, clean engine oil draws heat from the engine. If you allow your oil to become dirty and thickened, it no longer serves this function and your engine will begin to overheat. At this point you face the risk of all kinds of major problems, such as a blown gasket or the entire engine seizing up.

Keep Your Warranty Valid

Another reason to stick to your oil change schedule is the vehicle warranty. Always check the specified frequency required by your Ford model’s warranty, and stick to it. Ford drivers very rarely need to call upon their warranties for repairs or replacements, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Head down to Lundgren Ford for an oil change today. We’re a fourth-generation, family-owned dealership in Eveleth, Minnesota, and we’ve been looking after the region’s Ford drivers since 1929.

image via ford.com

Tags: Ford Service, Lundgren Service Department, OEM Service
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