When was the last time you changed your oil? If you can’t remember, it’s probably a good idea to check its level and condition. Nothing threatens the smooth functioning and lifespan of an engine as much as low or degraded oil, which is necessary to lubricate the many moving parts, combat corrosion, and keep the whole system clean. To optimize your car’s health and longevity, here’s how to figure out the perfect Ford oil change intervals.
Ford Oil Change Intervals: Keeping Your Engine Healthy for Longer
Follow Your Owner’s Manual and Warranty
Always read the oil-change guidelines in your owner’s manual and follow them diligently. And if your car’s under warranty, it’s also wise to be aware of what the warranty stipulates in order to prevent it from voiding.
If for some reason these two instructed oil-change intervals vary, err on the side of caution and follow the more frequent one. Remember that you can never have too many oil changes, but too few can lead to considerable wear and tear inside the engine.
Twice a Year Is a Good Rule of Thumb
Modern synthetic motor oil tends to stay in great shape for 7,500 to 10,000 miles. This means the majority of drivers need to change their oil twice a year to avoid problems. If you drive more than the average distance of just over 14,000 miles yearly, have your oil changed three or four times per year instead.
Consider How Much Strain You Put on Your Oil
There are other reasons why some drivers require more frequent oil changes. If you put your engine and oil under excessive strain, it will wear down faster. One way to do this is regular short trips of under five miles, which doesn’t give the oil time to properly warm up to optimal lubricating temperature.
Increasing the strain with heavy loads or trailers also causes the oil to degrade faster. The environment you drive in can make a difference too; if you regularly use off-road trails or rough roads with plenty of dust, dirt, and sand, your oil will thicken more rapidly. Heavy traffic, steep mountainous routes, and aggressive driving habits can also take their toll on motor oil.
Ask Our Technicians for Personalized Guidance
For peace of mind, you can ask one of our experienced technicians to figure out the ideal oil change interval for you and your car. We can then set up a routine schedule that includes polite reminders to ensure you never forget to change your oil on time.
Visit Coughlin Ford of Pataskala in Pataskala, OH, today to arrange a convenient oil-change schedule. We’re a local award-winning dealership dedicated to providing top-notch cars, deals, financing, maintenance, and customer care.
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