Ford Explorer Oil Change Service
Your Ford Explorer was designed to handle school pickups, grocery runs and drives to Myrtle Beach and beyond with all three rows full and a boat in tow. Since you and your family rely on your SUV every day and every weekend, it's crucial to keep it healthy.
One of the keyways you can take care of your Explorer is by keeping up with routine oil changes- and ensuring the proper type of oil is used. After all, engine oil is essential for keeping your SUV running smoothly. Our service team is here to help you do just that! Learn more about the type of oil your Ford Explorer needs and when you should schedule Ford service near you.
What Oil Does a Ford Explorer Take?
While Ford recommends using Motorcraft® engine oil for Ford models, the exact type needed for your Explorer depends on the model year and type of engine.
You can take a look at your owner's manual to find out what type of oil your Ford Explorer requires. You can also search for the owner's manual on the Ford website or check out the Motorcraft Oil Quick Reference Oil Applications and Crankcase Capacities Charts under the FCSD Chemicals and Lubricants Quick Reference Charts.
What the Wrong Oil Can Cost You
Because different Ford Explorer engines and model years can require different engine oil specifications, it's important to ensure you're using the correct type of oil for your specific model. While the results of using the wrong oil may not be apparent right away, over time, your SUV's engine can become damaged.
According to the 2026 Ford Explorer's owner's manual, using the incorrect oil may lead to:
- Component damage that your vehicle warranty does not cover
- Longer engine cranking periods
- Increased emission levels
- Reduced vehicle performance
- Reduced fuel economy
For best results, use the type of Motorcraft® oil recommended for your specific Ford model, which you can find in the owner's manual. If you can't find Motorcraft® oil, be sure to choose an oil that has the recommended viscosity grade and is API (American Petroleum Institute) certified for gasoline engines.
You don't have to worry about choosing the wrong engine oil when you bring your Ford Explorer to our service center. We know exactly what type of oil your model needs, so let our Ford service experts handle it for you!
How Many Quarts of Oil Does a Ford Explorer Take?
As with the type of oil, the amount of oil needed for an Explorer SUV varies. For example, according to the Motorcraft® Oil Quick Reference Oil Applications and Crankcase Capacities Charts, 2025-2026 Ford Explorer models with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine have a 5-quart oil capacity. 2017-2019 Ford Explorer models with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine have a 5.7-quart oil capacity, while 2020-2024 models with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine have a 5.2-quart oil capacity.
The good news is that Ford makes it easy to access this information. You can check your vehicle's owner's manual online or find the Motorcraft Oil Quick Reference Oil Applications and Crankcase Capacities Charts on the FCSD Chemicals and Lubricants Quick Reference Charts website. Or you can trust our service team to do the job right!
How Often Should You Change the Oil in a Ford Explorer?
Ford Explorer models that come with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® system make it easy for drivers to know when it's time to schedule an oil change. This system will send you a message on your cluster display, letting you know that your vehicle is due for an oil change. Oil change intervals will depend on how you use your vehicle, the operating conditions, and when the last oil change occurred.
Normal use includes commutes, highway driving, moderate (if any) towing, flat to moderately hilly roads, and no extended idling. Severe use includes moderate to heavy towing, driving through mountains, off-roading, extended idling, and hot or cold operation. Extreme use includes maximum towing, extreme hot or cold operation, and extended idling.
If you drive a hybrid Explorer, you may be able to drive longer than 10,000 miles before needing a Ford oil change, but you should not wait longer than a year. Again, always check the owner's manual for your specific model.
Signs Your Ford Explorer Needs an Oil Change
As mentioned above, if your Explorer is equipped with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® system, it will let you know when you need to schedule an oil change near you by displaying a message that reads either "Change Engine Oil Soon" or "Oil Change Required," depending on urgency. This convenient system makes it easy to stay on top of your SUV's oil changes.
Although your Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor® system should alert you when it's time for an oil change, you may notice other warning signs that indicate an oil change is needed. Symptoms may include:
- Dirty oil
- Loud engine sounds
- A smell of burnt oil
- Reduced fuel economy and performance
If you're noticing any of these signs, don't wait- schedule an appointment with the technicians at Mike Reichenbach Ford, and they'll take care of it!
Ford Explorer Oil Change FAQs
Motorcraft® is the recommended engine oil brand for your Ford Explorer, and the type of oil will depend on the model year and engine. You can find out what type of oil your specific Ford Explorer needs in your owner's manual, which you can access on the Ford website. You can also visit the FCSD Chemicals and Lubricants Website and check the Motorcraft Oil Quick Reference Oil Applications And Crankcase Capacities Charts.
As an example, the recommended Motorcraft® engine oil for the 2025 and 2026 Ford Explorer models with the 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is SAE 5W-30.
This also depends on the model year and engine of your Ford Explorer. You can check your owner's manual on the Ford website or visit the FCSD Chemicals and Lubricants Website and check the Motorcraft Oil Quick Reference Oil Applications and Crankcase Capacities Charts.
Some Ford Explorer models may be able to go from 7,500-10,000 miles before needing an oil change, but others may need one sooner than that, depending on driving conditions and how the vehicle is being used. Check your owner's manual to see its recommendations.
There's also a good chance that your Ford Explorer is equipped with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor, which takes the guesswork out of oil change intervals. This convenient feature lets you know when it's time to change your oil based on how the vehicle is driven.
Yes, but Ford recommends using Motorcraft® oil. However, if you're unable to find Motorcraft® oil, look for oil that has the recommended viscosity grade and the API certification mark for gasoline engines.
An oil change shouldn't take long at our Ford service center. We recommend scheduling an appointment to keep wait time to a minimum.
Why Get Your Explorer Serviced at Mike Reichenbach Ford?
Our factory-trained Ford technicians know the exact oil type and capacity your Explorer requires.
An oil change is one of the most important services your Ford Explorer needs. But the good news is that you don't have to do it yourself- after all, it's no fun dealing with the hassle and mess of a DIY oil change. That's where our service team comes in.
When you bring your Ford Explorer to our service center for an oil change, you can trust our Ford experts to do the job right. After all, they are highly trained to know what your vehicle requires, including the type and amount of oil.
No matter what the model year is, or whether your Explorer is equipped with a 2.3-liter EcoBoost® engine or a 3.0-liter EcoBoost® engine, our service experts will ensure your Ford SUV stays in excellent condition. We can also take care of other routine services, such as tire rotations and inspections, and we replace old parts with genuine Ford parts to maintain optimal performance.
Schedule Your Ford Explorer Oil Change Today!
If you're looking for the best oil change near you, choose Mike Reichenbach Ford to ensure your Explorer gets the proper type and amount of oil. Scheduling a service appointment is easy-you can book an appointment online or give us a call! We'll complete the oil change promptly so you can get back to driving as soon as possible.
Plus, our current Ford service specials may include an oil change coupon so you can save on your next visit! If you have any questions about a full synthetic oil change, oil change costs, or something else, let us know.
Whenever you're ready to upgrade to a new Ford Explorer for sale, a used Explorer, or a different Ford model, browse our new inventory or check out our used inventory to find a ride you love. We look forward to serving you!