What is the optimal oil change interval?

[BigOleFordFan]

My Expy doesn't have an actual "warning" so to speak, but will tell you what % of oil life is left while scrolling thru the menus....

My wifey's Acadia OTOH, will bug her to death every 30 seconds with that pesky "Change engine oil soon" starting at 5k, which she promptly dismisses each time & then sends me a text about gettin it scheduled for a change...

 

[CharPatton]

Many thanks to all who weighed in; we appreciate your sharing your knowledge, experience, and thoughts!!!

 

[SyndicateZ]

I havent changed my oil in 20,000 miles and shes still running strong

 

[Boosted]

I havent changed my oil in 20,000 miles and shes still running strong

Which oil are you running?

Please get an oil analysis from Blackstone when you change it. I'd love to see the results.

Many of us change the oil due to fuel dilution more than the depletion of the additive package. At 20K there should be some solid data.

 

[SyndicateZ]

Which oil are you running?

Please get an oil analysis from Blackstone when you change it. I'd love to see the results.

Many of us change the oil due to fuel dilution more than the depletion of the additive package. At 20K there should be some solid data.

I decided to change the oil and nothing came out so I wasnt able to send it in. Just a couple drops of goop fell though. You think I can send that in?

 

[Boosted]

I decided to change the oil and nothing came out so I wasnt able to send it in. Just a couple drops of goop fell though. You think I can send that in?

I would just put it back in the oil fill hole for recycling. I've spent too much time on BITOG looking at extended oil change intervals.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

5k or 1 year is factory set and normal depending on what year Expedition you have. My 2019 warns me at 5k or 1 year. As stated I always change oil and filter every 5k.

my 2019 oil life remaining seems VERY dependent on how I've been driving. lots of long trips and driving mellow and it will go 10-12000. lots of city driving, or aggressive country road driving (mountains, twisty roads abound around me), and then its closer to 5K.

I last changed it at 78122 miles in March, now I'm at 79843 and its saying 80%, 6000 miles estimated remaining. this has been mostly local driving around Santa Cruz, and a couple trips to SF/Marin and one to Reno.

 

[Calidad]

Turbos are hard on oil. I do 5000 mile interval and high quality oils. Skip the cheap Costco garbage

 

[GaryH]

Oil is cheap. Engines are not.

 

[Hellwig]

I find Valvoline Restore and Protect 5w-30 makes the engine run a little quieter. And it is way cheaper than Motorcraft 5W-30.

 

[Left Coast Geek]

I typically use Mobil Full Synthetic or Super Synthetic 5W30 as its widely available.

 

[spo0587]

5K or 1 year, whichever comes first. Motorcraft filter. I just switched from M1 to Shell Rotella 5W-40 Full Syn. I will keep everyone updated. I also just went with a Flowmoto oil change valve. Game changer, and I have a little tube that runs out side hole of the oil filter skirt, which makes things super fast.

F137N: Long Nipple Oil Drain Valve With M12-1.75​

 

[Boosted]

I also just went with a Flowmoto oil change valve. Game changer, and I have a little tube that runs out side hole of the oil filter skirt, which makes things super fast.
F137N: Long Nipple Oil Drain Valve With M12-1.75

I'm sure you meant Fumoto. I went with F107SX so that I could clock the nipple just the way I wanted. I put a hose clamp on the valve part to prevent it from ever opening without me knowing.

F107SX: Position Adjustable Oil Drain Valve with M12-1.75

The new Fumoto Fumoto® SX-series can be rotated 360° when it is installed, allowing you to choose the position and the oil flow direction for a smaller profile and easier access for maximum protection and further convenience oil drainage.

www.fumotousa.com

I also purchased the nipple connector HK-3/8 but I think the metal one is the one to get in the long run.

HK-3/8: Hose Kit for 3/8" OD Nipples

Using this hose kit with the valve allows you to drain oil through the hose and manipulate the oil flow into your container.

www.fumotousa.com

The brass ones are:
90 Degree - https://www.fumotousa.com/ml-10.html
Straight - https://www.fumotousa.com/mh-10.html

 

[Mr Big]

5K or 1 year, whichever comes first. Motorcraft filter. I just switched from M1 to Shell Rotella 5W-40 Full Syn. I will keep everyone updated. I also just went with a Flowmoto oil change valve. Game changer, and I have a little tube that runs out side hole of the oil filter skirt, which makes things super fast.

F137N: Long Nipple Oil Drain Valve With M12-1.75​

I use a Vacuum Oil Extractor Pump. There are several to choose from. Mine will hold almost 8 quarts. No removing plug, no jacking up EX. I use ramps to remove filter, but only because it is convenient. To me, that's a game changer.

 

[Rednecked]

Change the oil when your percentage hits 50%= roughly 5k miles.

 

[zeecarr]

I get all my work from the dealership under upgraded warranty package. The computer will have you drive about 10,000 miles between oil changes. The guy at the dealership recommended 7000-8000 miles because that is a better interval for rotating and balancing the tires instead of 10K.

 

[hyattdj]

The true test is sending a sample of the oil in an oil change to a lab. When we were doing it circa 2010, it was about $15. On the Toyota Prius, the manufacturer recommend every 5,000 miles. members of the group who send the fluids were at 8,000 and 10,000 miles and the lab was indicating the mobile one synthetic (we were all using) was still in excellant shape. Nobody tried more than every 10,000 miles. Would be nice to test some ford trucks.

 

[hyattdj]

I get all my work from the dealership under upgraded warranty package. The computer will have you drive about 10,000 miles between oil changes. The guy at the dealership recommended 7000-8000 miles because that is a better interval for rotating and balancing the tires instead of 10K.

You realize that the reason for rotating the tires is as much marketing as everything else.. but is for even tire wear. Fronts wear faster than rears, and it gets you in the shop to buy four tires, instead of two. The tire engineering expert I knew said to rotate the tires until 50% wear, then just save the money for the next set of tires. I also save the best tire for an emergency spare tire. So many times, for $20 they mount the tire, giving me a week or two to pick my next set of tires, order them if needed, and wait for them to come in.. I live in St Loius Region, so I NEED tires that are for excellant wet weather performance and some snow performance. Rather than the model of tire some saleperson who doesnt know one tire from another ordered from the manufacturer.

 

[Mr Big]

My official warning from Ford through my 2019 Expedition Platinum and my 2021 Explorer is 5000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. My Expedition, Explorer and Ford Pass app keeps track and notifies me, Expedition usually 5000 miles, Explorer 1 year since it is almost 4 years old with less than 12000 miles on it.

 

[bubba871]

The 2025 Ford Expedition's maintenance schedule includes regular oil changes and tire rotations every 10,000 miles, along with other services like air filter replacements and brake inspections at various intervals. To assume you are smarter than the engineers at Ford seems silly but the great oil debate has been going since the dawn of automotive maintenance .