The F-150 is the best-selling truck of all time, there is no doubt about that. Over the years, Ford has come out with several innovations that have helped the blue oval company stay on top. Features such as aluminum body panels and best-in-class towing have propelled the F-150 into the mainstream to become a brand that every American knows and loves.

When it comes to changing the oil on your F-150, nearly anyone with a bit of mechanical knowledge can do it. All you need is the right oil and proper air filter. But, how much oil does your F-150 take?

For the sake of this article, we will refer to the most common engine this truck is sold with. That being the 3.5 EcoBoost V6. Yes, the popularity of having 8 cylinders isn’t what it once was, but it’s not dead as Ford still sells the F-150 with a 5.0L Coyote V8.

Today’s modern F-150’s equipped with the 3.5 EcoBoost V6 can have upwards of 375hp and an oil capacity of 6 quarts, including the oil filter. Not only do you get unbelievable power numbers that weren’t even possible from a V8 even 15 years ago, but when it comes time to change your oil, the overall cost will be lower due to the lower displacement. This way, you can have your cake and eat it too.

Now that you know how much oil the 3,5L EcoBoost V6 takes, let’s have a look at some of the other questions commonly encountered when owners decide its time to change their oil

What Kind Of Oil Should I Use In My F-150?

Not all engine oil is made the same. The viscosity or thickness is crucial if you want your truck to last. Ford recommends using 5W-20 oil that is approved by the factory. On top of that, all Ford F-150 engine oil should have an API stamp of approval. The American Petroleum Institute is essentially the gold standard that ensures your F-150’s engine oil is tested and approved by Ford engineers.

Of course, other 5W-20 engine oils can be used, but something as simple as using an unapproved engine oil can have serious consequences down the road. After all, your truck should be able to give you unlimited reliability and man trouble-free miles.

How Often Should I Change My Motor Oil?

Changing the engine oil in your Ford F-150, like many other vehicles, should be done every 5,000 miles. However, this number is just a recommendation and it may have to be done sooner if you use your truck heavily.

Towing, excessive revving or any other tasks that are especially rough on an engine may require the engine oil to be changed sooner. To avoid complications, checking the oil level and quality should be done regularly. This is especially important with older trucks as they can be prone to leaks.

Circulating dirty oil in your engine can be just as bad as not having enough oil. The engines in modern-day F-150s produce more horsepower than ever and can be very finicky to dirty, contaminated oil. By having clean motor oil, you help reduce the chances of potential mechanical issues later on. 

How much Oil Does a 3.5L Ecoboost F-150 Take?

So, it’s time to change the engine oil. You’ve searched online and checked the owner’s manual. 5W-20 engine oil weight. Check! API certification. Check! New oil filter. Check! One question remains. How much oil do you purchase? We’re here to help lay this question to rest once and for all.

Depending on the year of your EcoBoost V6 F-150, regardless if it is a 2.7 or 3.5L, will require a total of 6 quarts. Alternatively, 2018 and newer 5.0L V8s will need as much as  8.8 quarts of oil. The savings of going with a smaller displacement can be seen right away. When in doubt check with the dealer or your owner’s manual and always buy more than you need.

If this is your only mode of transport, running short on oil can mean having to jog down to your local auto parts store, and that’s not always the easiest. Besides, engine oil doesn’t expire and it’s something you will need more of in another 5,000 miles.

What Is The Max Towing Capacity Of An F-150?

The 2021 Ford F-150 has a max towing capacity of 14,000 lbs.! Yes, you read that right. Back in the 90s, the top-of-the-line F-350 with the 7.3L diesel couldn’t even come close to that number as its max towing capacity only was limited to 12,500 lbs.

With no less than six engines available in the new 2021 Ford F-150, the right engine is out there waiting for you. No matter if you are looking for ultimate fuel efficiency or need the added power of a big, burly V8, Ford has thought of everyone.

However, to achieve the advertised 14,000 lbs. max towing capacity, the truck must be equipped as follows. The truck must have the SuperCab with the 8” box, be 2WD, and come with the popular 3.5L EcoBoost V6. That’s right, you don’t even need a V8 to tow that amount of weight. Technology has advanced so much in the past 2 decades that motors with just half the displacement of an old school diesel engine can tow more than a 7.3L diesel ever could.

Can An Oil Change In My New F-150 Void The Warranty?  

As ridiculous as this question sounds, there have been reports out there of warranties being voided or certain engine repairs not being covered under warranty. Why you might ask? It’s simple, engine oil is essentially the blood your truck needs to run smoothly. Truth be told, we car guys may have some engine oil coursing through our veins at well.

If you are into cars, changing the engine oil with your dad in the driveway on a Saturday afternoon was a regular occurrence. Nowadays, some drivers don’t even know where the fuel filler cap is. Auto manufacturer’s factory warranties have become increasingly longer and made to cover more parts. As a bonus, most dealerships will cover regular oil and fluid changes for a set period after buying your brand new F-150.

Planning to and oil change even though the dealer may do it for free? Here are some things to take into consideration.

Keep receipts

Unfortunately, trucks break down. Parts get used and ultimately fail. If your F-150 has a mechanical failure that could have been affected by changing the oil, your dealer may not honor the warranty as it was not done at a certified facility. By keeping records of everything you bought, including filters and the API-approved oil, they have a lesser chance of rejecting your warranty claim.

Record Everything

Ever heard the saying: “A picture is worth a thousand words”? Well, in this situation it is definitely true! Chances are that you are reading this article on your phone. That phone has a camera, right? When changing your oil, take a few pictures of the oil and oil filter, both old and new.

Check With Your Dealer

There have been a few cases where dealers have refused to repair certain mechanical parts, even though the vehicle was under full warranty. In recent years, many of these cases have been taken to court and customers eventually won the right to do their own, minor work on the vehicle they bought without the fear of voiding the warranty. To be 100% sure, call up your local Ford dealer and ask them what the process is and if chancing your oil will affect the warranty.

Is Changing The Oil Yourself Really Worth It?

Simply put, changing the motor oil on your new F-150 can be worth it. The answer to this question depends on the age of your truck and how much you trust your local dealer. If the vehicle is still under factory warranty and you benefit from free oil changes, go ahead and do it!

There have been reports of dodgy drive-through oil change places not changing all of the oil, using lower quality or recycle oil, and even leaving the old oil filter in. Once the warranty on your F-150 is up and oil changes are no longer performed free of charge by the dealer, we recommend setting a couple of hours aside to do it yourself.

Not only is changing your oil a good skill to have, but by doing it yourself, you make sure the right quality, quantity, and correct parts are used. However, if you are in a time crunch, take your F-150 to the guys who made it. Dealers have drive-through services as well(depending on location). The last option should be going to a place that may be here one day, gone the next.

If you are ever unsure of the mechanic doing the work, ask for your old parts back, or at the very least watch as they do it. Yes, you’re going to be that guy, and yes, the mechanics will hate you, but until you build a good report, that’s what has to be done. Many shops prey on inexperienced owners and oftentimes charge them for premium parts or even work that wasn’t performed.