During a vehicle’s oil change, most car owners get confused thinking about what the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l Oil Type is. Right oil type and on-time replacement of car oil keeps the engine clean and eliminates immature wear and tear.
Following the manufacturer’s recommendation is a must when selecting the oil type for your vehicle. Ford recommended SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 engine oil for the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l.
I love to put words on paper. That is why I am going to present to you more details about the oil type of the 3.5l Ford Explorer 2012. Keep on reading.
What is the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l Oil Type?
For your 2012 Ford explorer 3.5l model, don’t forget to choose an oil with a viscosity rating of SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30.
You will never experience any trouble if you choose any viscosity rating. However, consider the climate before making a buying decision.
SAE 5W-20 is ideal for the winter climate. On the other hand, choose SAE 5W-30 for a hotter climate.
However, you will get a little better fuel efficiency from the SAW 5W-20. But both viscosity ratings provide the required protection to your 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l engine.
What are the Different Types of 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l Oil Type?
You can choose 3 different types of oil for your 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l.
- Mineral Oil: This oil type consists of refined crude oil, which is why it is called mineral oil. They offer the necessary thickness, which is suitable for old engines. However, they lose lubricating properties faster. As a result, these oils require replacement quickly compared to other oil types.
- Semi-Synthetic: The quality of this oil is better than mineral oil. It features certain elements that prolong the lifespan of an engine by cleaning the motor surface. Also, this oil type helps in cold starts.
- Synthetic Oil: This is the best oil type among all others. They provide optimal protection to the Ford engines. Also, rust, dirt, dust, deposits, sludge, etc. can’t damage the engine parts when you use synthetic oil.
What is the Purpose of the Motor Oil of Your 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l?
One of the significant aspects of motor oil is to provide proper engine lubrication. You must pay attention to the manufacturer’s viscosity rating if you want optimal performance from your car engine. Due to inadequate oil, your vehicle may be irreversibly damaged within a few minutes. This will lead you to expensive repairs.
The prime responsibility of the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l motor oil is to ensure good lubrication. Thus, engine noise and wear will reduce, saving energy since friction between different engine moving parts gets reduced.
Here is the main purpose of motor oils
- They prevent rust and corrosion from engine parts efficiently
- Dust and dirt can’t build up in different parts of the engine. As a result, holes don’t get blocked by deposits
- They consist of a cleaning formula to clean the surfaces
- They perform as defoamers, preventing any bubbles from forming in the engine equipment
- Motor oil features anti-friction properties, eliminating metal-to-metal contact between pieces
- They are good at performing as antioxidants
- Improves viscosity, allowing viscosity levels to remain accurate at different weather temperature
How to Change the Oil in the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l?
The oil-changing process of the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l is an effortless task. Do it yourself, following the below steps carefully.
Required Items:
- Manufacturers recommended motor oil
- Oil drain pan
- Jack stand
- Dipstick
Step 01: Park your Ford car on a flat surface. Turn off the engine and Leave it for a few minutes to cool down. Generally, it may take 5 – 10 minutes.
Step 02: Use a jack stand at the end of your vehicle. It will help you access the oil drain bolt under the car in the front center.
Step 03: Now unfasten the drain bolt. Then place a drain pan to store the old oil.
Step 04: Once the old oil drain is done, fasten the drain bolt again.
Step 05: The hood needs to be opened, and the oil cap requires to be located.
Step 06: Fill up the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l tank with the recommended oil.
Step 07: Next, tighten the oil cap and the hood.
Step 08: Then the jack stand needs to be removed, and let your vehicle rest for 15 – 20 minutes.
Step 09: Finally, get a dipstick. Check the level of the oil to ensure that you have added the right amount of oil.
Remember to change the oil filter when changing the oil. The Motorcraft FL-500S Original Version Oil Filter is a deal breaker for the 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l model. It is made of steel and metal blend, giving you many years of service. This oil filter screens out different abrasives, including sand, carbon, dirt, and dust, from getting into your car oil. Overall, it is a great filter well-known for capturing engine-harming particles efficiently.
FAQ
When do I need to replace the motor oil of my 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l?
Remember that the motor oil replacement time depends on the oil type you use in your car. Find the below chart to learn the motor oil intervals for your 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l.
| Oil Type | KM / Miles |
| Mineral Oil | 5,000 km / 3,000 miles |
| Semi-Synthetic Oil | 8,000 – 10,000 km / 5,000 – 6,000 miles |
| Synthetic Oil | 10,000 – 15,000 km / 6,000 – 9,000 miles |
Why is oil level checking important for my 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l?
Motor oils are basically performed as a lubricant for the moving parts of an engine. Due to low oil levels, the friction of these moving parts can increase, decreasing the engine’s life span. For this reason, regular oil level checking is a must.
Is it possible to change my 2012 Ford Explorer oil on my own?
With the Ford-recommended oil and special tool, you can easily change your 2012 Ford Explorer oil. However, if you are not confident enough to handle the process, don’t hesitate to take assistance from a professional.
Why is my 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l releasing blue exhaust smoke?
If you notice blue exhaust smoke from your 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l, chance is that your car has an oil leak or burning oil. In this case, consult a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
Last Words
Choosing the right 2012 Ford Explorer 3.5l oil type is significantly important. The right oil will increase the overall performance of your car engine by minimizing regular wear and tear. Also, deposits or sludge will be unable to build up in the engine’s moving parts, letting your car engine perform at its best efficiency.
Remember to follow the car manufacturer’s suggestions without fail when selecting oil type and oil-changing intervals. Also, avoid exceeding the mileage mentioned on the container between each oil change.
