Blog > F-150: What Does An Oil Change At A Ford Dealership Include?

F-150: What Does An Oil Change At A Ford Dealership Include?

Regular oil changes are crucial for maintaining the health and longevity of your Ford F-150 engine. Scheduling an oil change at a Ford dealership means investing in a complete service, where trained technicians use specialized equipment and genuine Ford parts to perform more than just a simple fluid swap.

Black Ford F-150 XLT
Black Ford F-150 XLT

The Importance of Regular Oil Changes

Before we get into the specifics of the process, it’s worth understanding why this routine maintenance is so critical:

  • Engine Protection: Fresh oil lubricates engine components, reducing friction and wear.
  • Heat Regulation: Oil helps dissipate heat from the engine.
  • Cleanliness: It carries away dirt and metal particles to the oil filter.
  • Fuel Efficiency: Clean oil reduces engine drag, improving fuel economy.
  • Longevity: Regular oil changes can significantly extend your engine’s life.

For the Ford F-150, you should typically change the oil every 12,000 to 16,000 kilometers or once a year, depending on your driving habits and the specific engine.

Scheduling Your Oil Change

The process begins when you schedule your appointment. Ford dealerships often offer online booking systems or phone reservations. When scheduling, be prepared to provide:

  • Your vehicle’s year, model, and VIN
  • Current mileage
  • Any specific concerns or additional services needed

Many dealerships offer early morning, evening, or weekend appointments to accommodate busy schedules.

The Oil Change Process

When you bring your F-150 to the dealership, here’s what typically happens:

1. Vehicle Check-In

  • A service advisor will greet you and review your vehicle’s service history.
  • They’ll confirm the services and provide an estimated completion time.
  • You’ll sign a work order authorizing this and any additional services.

2. Initial Inspection

Before the oil change begins, a technician will perform a quick visual inspection of your F-150, checking for:

  • Obvious leaks or damage
  • Tire condition and pressure
  • Fluid levels
  • Battery condition

This inspection helps identify any immediate concerns that need addressing.

3. Preparing the Vehicle

  • The technician will drive your F-150 into the service bay.
  • They’ll place protective covers over the fenders and interior to prevent stains.

4. Drain the Old Oil

  • The F-150 is raised on a lift for easy access to the undercarriage.
  • The drain plug is removed, allowing the old oil to drain into a collection pan.
  • Typically, 5.7 to 7.6 liters (6 to 8 quarts) of oil will be drained, depending on your F-150 engine.

5. Replace the Oil Filter

  • The old filter is removed using a specialized wrench.
  • Cleaning of the filter mounting surface to ensure a good seal for the new filter.
  • A new, genuine Ford filter is installed and tightened to the correct specifications.

6. Replace the Drain Plug

  • The drain plug is inspected for wear and replaced if necessary.
  • Installation of a new drain plug gasket to prevent leaks.
  • The plug is reinstalled and tightened to the correct torque specification.

7. Add New Oil

  • Addition of the correct grade and amount of oil to the engine.
  • For most F-150 models, this will be 5W-30 or 5W-20 synthetic blend, but it can vary based on the specific engine and model year.
  • Add the new oil using a precise measuring system to ensure the correct quantity.

8. Final Checks

  • The oil cap is replaced, and the technician checks for any leaks.
  • The truck is lowered, and the engine starts circulating the new oil.
  • The technician checks the level using the dipstick to ensure it’s at the correct level.

9. Reset the Oil Life Monitor

  • A reset of the Ford F-150 oil life monitoring system using a specialized diagnostic tool.
  • This ensures your truck’s computer accurately tracks when the next change is due.

10. Multi-Point Inspection

Many Ford dealerships include a multi-point inspection with their oil change service, which typically covers:

  • Brake system
  • Exhaust system
  • Steering and suspension components
  • Coolant hoses and connections
  • Drive belts
  • Air filter condition
  • Wiper blades
  • Exterior lights operation

11. Tire Rotation

Often, tire rotation is part of the oil change service, involving:

  • Removing all four tires
  • Inspecting the tires for wear and damage
  • Rotating the tires according to the recommended pattern for your F-150
  • Checking and adjusting tire pressures

12. Wash and Vacuum

Some dealerships offer a complimentary exterior wash and interior vacuum as part of their service.

13. Final Quality Check

A senior technician or service manager often performs a final quality check to ensure all work has been completed correctly.

Post-Service Process

Once the service is complete:

  1. The service advisor will review the work performed and any additional findings from the multi-point inspection.
  2. You’ll receive a detailed report of the services performed and any recommendations for future maintenance.
  3. The advisor will schedule your next oil change or any other recommended services.

Costs and Time

The cost of an oil change at a Ford dealership can vary based on location and any additional services. Synthetic oil changes may cost more. The entire process usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, though this can vary based on the dealership’s workload and any additional services performed.

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