Are you wondering how often you should visit your Ford dealer for an oil change? Changing your vehicle’s oil on a regular basis is vital for its performance and longevity. Let’s take a closer look at what your engine oil does, why changing it on time is important, and how frequently you should be carrying out this routine maintenance task.
Why Is Having a Regular Oil Change Important?
Your Ford engine contains numerous moving components that, without oil to lubricate them, would rub together and cause friction. When clean oil moves through the engine, it helps to dissipate the heat that this friction generates, preventing premature excess wear and tear of the engine components and guarding against the possibility of an engine fire.
When your oil level drops too low or the oil becomes contaminated with debris and dirt, it cannot effectively lubricate the engine’s moving parts, and the result is reduced performance, poor fuel efficiency, and a greater chance of having to pay for costly repairs.
How Often Must I Visit My Ford Dealer to Change My Oil?
At one time, it was standard to change your oil every three months or after completing 3,000 miles. Now, though, technology has moved on, and you can usually wait until you’ve completed 7,500 miles before getting your oil checked and changed. Some Ford models have a warning system to alert you to an upcoming oil check, but you should always review your owner’s manual to see what interval is recommended for your specific Ford model.
If most of your driving is short journeys in heavy traffic, you should arrange for your oil to be checked and changed more frequently. If you rarely get behind the wheel, you may wait longer between checks and changes, but you should never leave a longer interval than 12 months or 10,000 miles between changes.
Can I Change My Own Oil?
Many drivers are able to check their own oil level and condition without requiring assistance from a mechanic. This can be done by parking your Ford on a level surface, ensuring the engine is cold, and then reading the oil level on the dipstick. If the oil comes to below the minimum level mark, you should top up straight away, and if it looks dark and sludgy, you should arrange for the oil to be changed.
As for changing the oil, that’s a task that you should usually leave to professionals unless you’re a skilled mechanic. Specialist knowledge and skill is required to complete this job to a high standard, so you should take your Ford to your dealership for this aspect of its ongoing maintenance.
If the time has come for your Ford’s oil to be checked and changed, call Pierre Ford of Seattle in Seattle, WA, today.
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