2018 Ford Explorer 3.5 oil capacity and type are critical details for any owner looking to perform routine maintenance or simply understand the lifeblood of their vehicle. Knowing the correct specifications for your engine oil isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a fundamental aspect of ensuring the longevity, optimal performance, and efficiency of your 2018 Ford Explorer with the 3.5L V6 engine. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY mechanic or prefer to have professionals handle your service, being informed about your vehicle’s oil requirements empowers you to make better decisions for its care.
The Vital Role of Engine Oil in Your Explorer
Before diving into the specifics of the 2018 Ford Explorer’s 3.5L engine oil, it’s worth understanding why these details matter so much. Engine oil serves multiple crucial functions within your vehicle’s powertrain:
1. Lubrication: This is the primary role, reducing friction between moving parts like pistons, crankshafts, and camshafts. Without adequate lubrication, these components would quickly wear out due to heat and abrasion.
2. Cooling: As oil circulates, it helps dissipate heat generated by friction and combustion, carrying it away from critical engine parts.
3. Cleaning: Engine oil contains detergents and dispersants that help prevent the formation of sludge and varnish, carrying contaminants to the oil filter where they are trapped.
4. Sealing: Oil helps create a seal between the piston rings and cylinder walls, preventing combustion gases from escaping and maintaining compression.
5. Corrosion Protection: Additives in the oil protect internal engine components from rust and corrosion, especially during periods of inactivity.
Neglecting these functions by using the wrong oil or allowing levels to drop too low can lead to reduced fuel economy, decreased performance, increased emissions, and ultimately, severe engine damage.
2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L: Oil Capacity and Type Explained
For owners of the 2018 Ford Explorer equipped with the naturally aspirated (non-EcoBoost) 3.5L V6 engine, adhering to Ford’s recommended oil specifications is paramount.
Understanding the Oil Capacity
The 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L V6 engine requires approximately 6 quarts (5.7 liters) of engine oil when performing an oil and filter change. This capacity is standard for the non-EcoBoost version of this engine. It’s crucial to note that while 6 quarts is the general guideline, slight variations can occur depending on the specific oil filter used or if the engine isn’t completely drained.
Why is knowing the exact capacity important?
Underfilling: Running your engine with insufficient oil can starve critical components of lubrication, leading to excessive wear and overheating. The oil level should always be between the “MIN” and “MAX” marks on the dipstick.
Overfilling: While seemingly harmless, overfilling can be equally detrimental. Excess oil can become aerated by the crankshaft splashing through it, forming foam that reduces its lubricating effectiveness. It can also create excessive pressure, potentially damaging seals and gaskets, and even fouling spark plugs or catalytic converters.
Always check your oil level on a flat surface after the engine has been turned off for at least 5-10 minutes, allowing the oil to drain back into the pan. Use the dipstick to confirm the level after adding oil.
Recommended Oil Type and Viscosity
For the 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L V6 engine, Ford specifically recommends using SAE 5W-30 motor oil. This viscosity grade is chosen for its ability to provide excellent protection across a wide range of operating temperatures, from cold starts to high-temperature driving conditions.
Beyond just the viscosity, it’s critical that the oil meets Ford’s specific material specification, which for this engine is typically WSS-M2C946-A. This specification ensures the oil contains the necessary additives and performance characteristics designed by Ford engineers for optimal engine protection and longevity.
Decoding Oil Labels:
“SAE 5W-30”: The “5W” refers to the oil’s viscosity (thickness) at cold temperatures (“W” for winter). A lower number here means the oil flows more easily in cold weather, crucial for lubricating engine parts quickly during startup. The “30” refers to its viscosity at operating temperature; a higher number means thicker oil at engine operating temperature.
API Certification: Look for the API (American Petroleum Institute) “starburst” symbol on the oil container, indicating that the oil meets the current engine protection standards. For the 2018 model year, this would typically be API SN or the newer SP specification.
ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6: These are fuel-economy standards. GF-5 was current for 2018, while GF-6 is the newer standard. Oils meeting these specifications contribute to better fuel efficiency and engine protection.
Synthetic, Conventional, or Blend?
While Ford’s primary recommendation focuses on viscosity and specification, the type of base oil (synthetic, conventional, or blend) is also a common consideration:
Conventional Oil: Derived from crude oil, it’s the most basic and typically least expensive option.
Synthetic Blend Oil: A mix of conventional and synthetic base oils, offering improved performance over conventional oil at a moderate price.
Full Synthetic Oil: Manufactured to provide superior lubrication, protection against wear, better resistance to temperature extremes, and extended drain intervals. Many modern engines, including the 3.5L V6, benefit significantly from full synthetic oil due to its advanced formulation. While not always strictly required by Ford for the naturally aspirated 3.5L, using full synthetic oil that meets the WSS-M2C946-A specification can offer enhanced protection and peace of mind, especially if you drive in severe conditions or wish to maximize engine life.
Oil Change Intervals for Your 2018 Explorer
Your 2018 Ford Explorer is equipped with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) system. This system doesn’t just calculate mileage; it monitors various factors like engine temperature, driving conditions, and engine load to determine when an oil change is truly needed. The IOLM will typically recommend an oil change between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, or every 6 to 12 months, whichever comes first.
However, severe driving conditions can shorten these intervals. If you frequently:
Drive in extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold).
Tow heavy loads.
Drive in dusty conditions.
Engage in extensive idling or stop-and-go city driving.
It’s wise to consider changing your oil more frequently, perhaps every 5,000-7,500 miles, even if the IOLM hasn’t indicated it yet. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidelines and follow the recommendations of your IOLM.
Conclusion
Maintaining the correct 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5 oil capacity and type is one of the most impactful things you can do for your vehicle’s health. Using approximately 6 quarts of SAE 5W-30 full synthetic or synthetic blend oil that meets Ford specification WSS-M2C946-A will ensure your engine is properly lubricated, cooled, and protected. Regularly checking your oil level and adhering to the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor’s recommendations (or more frequently under severe conditions) will help keep your Explorer running smoothly for many years and miles to come.
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Source:
Ford Motor Company. (2018). 2018 Ford Explorer Owner’s Manual. Retrieved from Ford.com or equivalent vehicle documentation.