Ford F-150 Maintenance and Oil Change Guide

Even the most rugged and dependable vehicles need routine maintenance to stay in optimal condition. From routine oil changes to more extensive services, adhering to your Ford F-150 maintenance schedule can extend its life span and make driving it more enjoyable. In this article, our team at Planet Ford Dallas will guide you through the most important maintenance tasks and oil change recommendations and provide expert tips for taking care of your truck.

The Importance of Regular Ford Maintenance

Regular maintenance and oil changes keep your Ford F-150 truck in optimal condition to ensure an enjoyable driving experience. Although the F-150 is one of the most dependable trucks on the market, it needs routine care to perform at its best. Following the recommended Ford F-150 service schedule will help you extend your truck’s life span.

Routine maintenance, such as oil changes and fluid checks, helps you identify potential issues before they turn into more costly repairs, saving you time and money in the long run.

Detailed Ford F-150 Maintenance and Oil Change Schedule

Ford recommends maintenance services at various mileage intervals to keep your F-150 running smoothly.

5,000-Mile Maintenance Service

The first major service should be performed at 5,000 miles. This service includes the following:

• Oil change: Replacing the engine oil keeps your truck running efficiently and prevents excess wear.
• Filter change: Replacing the filter allows it to continue to capture contaminants effectively.
• Multipoint inspection: This inspection assesses the overall health of your truck by checking for potential issues with its brakes, tires, suspension, and other critical components.

10,000-Mile Maintenance Service

When your Ford F-150 reaches 10,000 miles, bring it to the Planet Ford service center in Dallas for a comprehensive service that includes everything from the 5,000-mile package, as well as the following:

• Tire rotation: Rotating your tires allows even wear, extending their life span and improving your truck’s responsiveness.
• Transmission fluid check: Topping off your transmission fluid to the correct level prevents costly transmission issues down the road.
• Cooling, exhaust, and brake system check: Thoroughly checking your car’s vital systems ensures that you stay safe on the road.

20,000-to-40,000-Mile Maintenance Services

Once you reach the 20,000-mile mark, your Ford F-150 will require more comprehensive care to keep it running optimally. This service included the 10,000-mile service tasks, as well as the following:

• Cabin air filter replacement: Replacing the cabin air filter every 20,000 miles ensures clean air circulation through your truck’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system. This service also inspects your cooling system and transmission in more detail.
• Engine air filter replacement: Replacing the air filter every 30,000 miles encourages proper airflow and improves fuel efficiency.
• Comprehensive inspection: At 40,000 miles, your truck requires another comprehensive inspection that includes an oil and filter change, tire rotation and alignment, and another cabin air filter replacement.

60,000-to-150,000-Mile Maintenance Services

As your Ford F-150 accumulates miles, following the recommended maintenance schedule becomes even more critical. Some of the basic services you can expect include the following:

• Engine air filter replacement: At 60,000 miles, your truck requires an engine air filter replacement and a more thorough inspection of the engine, transmission, cooling system, suspension, tires, and brakes.
• Spark plug replacement and coolant check: At around 100,000 miles, your F-150 will need new spark plugs, fresh coolant, and possibly an accessory drive belt replacement.
• Critical maintenance services: At 150,000 miles, your Ford F-150 will likely need several critical services, including a transmission fluid change, a transmission filter replacement, and a rear axle lubricant change.

Special Conditions and Extended Maintenance

Certain driving conditions may require more frequent maintenance. If you frequently tow heavy loads, drive off-road, or travel in extreme weather conditions, you’ll want to schedule the following maintenance services more often to keep your truck performing at its best:

• Oil changes: Your Ford F-150 oil change frequency may vary depending on the type of oil you use. Conventional oil typically needs to be changed every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, while synthetic oil can last 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
• Transmission fluid change: Schedule a transmission fluid change for your Ford F-150 every 30,000 to 60,000 miles, depending on the driving conditions.
• Air filter replacement: You may need to replace your air filter more often if you drive in dusty or off-road environments to prevent strain on the engine.
• Brake inspection: Inspect your brake pads and rotors regularly to make sure you can stop safely when necessary.
• Tire check: Monitor your tread wear and rotate your tires every 5,000 to 10,000 miles.
• Battery maintenance: Test your battery regularly, especially in extreme weather conditions.

DIY Maintenance Tips

While professional maintenance is essential, there are plenty of DIY tasks you can perform at home to keep your Ford F-150 running smoothly, including the following:

• Checking tire pressure and tread
• Monitoring engine oil levels
• Inspecting exterior and interior lights
• Topping off windshield wiper fluid
• Checking the battery

Keep Your Truck Running Smoothly With Planet Ford

If you’re in Dallas, Texas, bring your Ford F-150 to our service center at Planet Ford Dallas. We’ll take care of all your maintenance needs to keep your truck in optimal condition. Schedule a service appointment today and let our trained technicians handle the rest. You can also explore our Ford service coupons to find discounts on routine maintenance services such as oil changes and brake repairs. Contact us with any questions. Our friendly team will be happy to help you keep your Ford F-150 running smoothly.