In order to help your engine operate at peak performance, it's essential to change your oil on a regular basis. The primary function of your engine's oil to protect internal engine components and provide lubrication to keep these components safe from harmful heat and friction. Ensure years of reliable performance from your Ford vehicle and safeguard against potential problems with regular oil maintenance.
While everyone has a different driving style, you can count on the factory-trained technicians at Donley Ford of Mount Vernon to help you maintain your vehicle properly. The best place to determine how often your oil needs to be changed is by consulting your owner's manual. Inside, you'll find the exact interval recommended by the manufacturer for your specific vehicle. Thanks to advancements in technology and oil life monitoring systems, the intervals between oil changes have grown longer over time - making oil changes less frequent, but not less important.
For older Ford vehicles, we generally recommend having your oil changed every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Modern Ford vehicles often have oil change intervals of 7,500 or even 10,000 miles. Consult your owner's manual or your oil life monitor inside your vehicle for more information. If you're still unsure of how often your vehicle's oil needs changed, speak with one of our helpful Ford service consultants.
Identifying an issue with your oil can save you money and prevent serious damage to your engine in the future. Below you will find a few common signs or symptoms of a problem related to your engine oil to help avoid damage.
Oil Underneath Your Vehicle
In the event that you notice oil stains or a puddle of oil collecting underneath your vehicle, it's important to have a factory-trained Ford technician inspect your vehicle. Common areas from which an oil leak can begin include the Oil Pan Gasket, Oil Pan Drain Plug, or the Valve Cover Gasket(s). Even a small oil leak can potentially lead to a loss of oil pressure, creating the potential for serious oil damage to your engine.
Oil Warning Light/Low Oil Pressure
You can cause serious damage to your engine by continuing to drive with an oil warning light displayed or with low oil pressure. In order to keep your engine properly lubricated and protected from damage, your engine requires a minimum amount of oil at all times. In the event that the oil light on your vehicle's dashboard appears and stays on after starting your vehicle, or if the oil light comes on while the engine is running (even if it goes off quickly), you should stop driving your vehicle as soon as safely possible. Contact the service professionals at Donley Ford of Mount Vernon for assistance.
Donley Ford of Mount Vernon is here to help keep your vehicle running like the day it was new. We use Genuine Ford oil filters and engine oil designed specifically to optimize performance of your vehicle. You can count on our factory-trained Ford technicians who understand your vehicle inside-and-out, better than anyone else. They will take the time to inspect and verify that your engine continues to operate in peak condition for years to come.