Maintaining your Ford F-150 is crucial for ensuring its longevity, performance, and safety. This guide will walk you through the essential preventive maintenance services typically performed at Ford dealerships, using the popular F-150 as our primary example. We’ll cover fluids, tires, brakes, oil, filters, and other critical components, along with recommended parts changes for each maintenance interval.

What is the Ford Maintenance Schedule

Ford recommends a tiered maintenance schedule based on your vehicle’s mileage or time since the last service, whichever comes first. For the F-150, the typical intervals are:

1. Every 8,000 km or 6 months
2. Every 16,000 km or 12 months
3. Every 48,000 km or 36 months
4. Every 96,000 km or 72 months

Let’s break down what each of these service intervals typically includes.

8,000 km / 6 Month Service

This is the most frequent and basic service interval for your F-150.

Oil and Filter Change

• Procedure: Drain old oil, replace with new synthetic-blend oil
• Quantity: Typically 6.2 liters for a 3.5L EcoBoost engine
• Filter: Motorcraft oil filter replacement

Tire Rotation and Inspection

• Procedure: Rotate tires, check pressure, and inspect for wear

Multi-Point Inspection

• Check all fluid levels and top up if necessary
• Inspect belts and hoses
• Check battery condition
• Inspect brake system
• Check exhaust system
• Inspect steering and suspension components

16,000 km / 12 Month Service

This service includes everything in the 8,000 km service, plus:

Brake System Inspection

• Procedure: Thorough inspection of brake pads, rotors, and calipers
• Estimated Cost: Included in service

Cabin Air Filter Replacement

• Procedure: Replace cabin air filter

Fuel System Inspection

• Check for leaks and proper operation

48,000 km / 36 Month Service

This more comprehensive service includes all previous items, plus:

Engine Air Filter Replacement

• Procedure: Replace engine air filter

Transmission Fluid Inspection

• Check fluid level and condition
• Note: Replacement typically not needed until later

Coolant System Inspection

• Check coolant level and condition
• Pressure test the system for leaks

Spark Plug Inspection

• Inspect condition, may not need replacement yet

96,000 km / 72 Month Service

This major service interval includes all previous items, plus:

Spark Plug Replacement

• Procedure: Replace spark plugs
• Quantity: 6 for V6 engines, 8 for V8 engines

Transmission Fluid and Filter Change

• Procedure: Drain and refill transmission fluid, replace filter

Differential Fluid Change

• Procedure: Drain and refill differential fluid

Drive Belt Inspection/Replacement

• Inspect and replace if necessary

Fuel Filter Replacement

• Procedure: Replace in-line fuel filter (if equipped)

Detailed Breakdown of Key Maintenance Areas

Fluids

Regular fluid checks and changes are crucial for the health of your F-150. Here’s a breakdown of the key fluids:

Engine Oil

• Type: 5W-30 synthetic-blend for most F-150 engines
• Capacity: 6.2 liters (3.5L EcoBoost)
• Change Interval: Every 8,000 km or 6 months
• Importance: Crucial for engine lubrication and cooling

Transmission Fluid

• Type: Mercon LV for most automatic transmissions
• Capacity: Varies by transmission, typically 12-13 liters
• Change Interval: Inspect at 48,000 km, change around 96,000 km
• Importance: Ensures smooth gear shifts and transmission longevity

Brake Fluid

• Type: DOT 4 low viscosity brake fluid
• Change Interval: Inspect every service, change every 3 years or as needed
• Importance: Critical for brake system performance and safety

Coolant

• Type: Orange-colored Motorcraft coolant
• Capacity: Varies by engine, typically 15-20 liters
• Change Interval: Inspect regularly, change at 160,000 km or 5 years
• Importance: Prevents engine overheating and freezing

Power Steering Fluid

• Type: Mercon LV
• Change Interval: Inspect at every service, rarely needs changing
• Importance: Ensures smooth and responsive steering

Differential Fluid

• Type: Synthetic gear oil
• Change Interval: First change at 96,000 km, then every 240,000 km
• Importance: Crucial for proper differential operation and longevity

Tires

Proper tire maintenance is essential for safety, fuel efficiency, and overall vehicle performance.

Rotation

• Interval: Every 8,000 km
• Pattern: Forward cross for 4WD/AWD vehicles
• Importance: Ensures even wear and extends tire life

Pressure Check

• Interval: Monthly and before long trips
• Pressure: Typically 35-40 PSI (check door jamb for exact specifications)
• Importance: Affects fuel economy, handling, and tire lifespan

Alignment

• Interval: Check annually or if uneven wear is noticed
• Importance: Prevents uneven wear and ensures straight tracking

Replacement

• Interval: Typically every 60,000 – 80,000 km, or when tread depth reaches 4/32″
• Importance: Critical for safety, especially in adverse weather conditions

Brakes

The F-150 brake system is crucial for safety and requires regular inspection and maintenance.

Brake Pads

• Inspection: Every service interval
• Replacement Interval: Typically every 50,000 – 80,000 km, depending on driving habits
• Importance: Critical for stopping power and safety

Brake Rotors

• Inspection: Every service interval
• Replacement/Resurfacing: As needed, often every second or third pad change
• Importance: Ensures smooth braking and prevents vibration

Brake Fluid

• Inspection: Every service interval
• Flush Interval: Every 3 years or as needed
• Importance: Maintains brake system integrity and performance

Filters

Regularly replacing filters is crucial for protecting your F-150 engine and ensuring clean air in the cabin.

Oil Filter

• Replacement Interval: With every oil change (8,000 km)
• Importance: Removes contaminants from engine oil

Engine Air Filter

• Inspection: Every service
• Replacement Interval: Typically every 48,000 km or as needed
• Importance: Protects engine from airborne contaminants

Cabin Air Filter

• Replacement Interval: Every 16,000 – 24,000 km or annually
• Importance: Ensures clean air inside the vehicle

Fuel Filter

• Replacement Interval: Every 96,000 km for vehicles with an in-line filter
• Importance: Protects fuel system components from contaminants

5. Additional Maintenance Items

Battery

• Inspection: Every service
• Replacement: Typically every 3-5 years
• Importance: Ensures reliable starting and electrical system operation

Belts

• Inspection: Every service
• Replacement: Around 160,000 km or when showing wear
• Importance: Critical for various engine components

Spark Plugs

• Inspection: At 48,000 km service
• Replacement: Typically at 96,000 km
• Importance: Ensures proper engine ignition and fuel efficiency

Shocks and Struts

• Inspection: Every service
• Replacement: Around 80,000 – 100,000 km, or when performance degrades
• Importance: Crucial for ride comfort and handling

Keep Your Ford F-150 Running Smoothly

Regular preventive maintenance keeps your Ford F-150 running smoothly, safely, and efficiently. While the costs may seem significant, they are far less than those associated with major repairs due to neglect. Always refer to your owner’s manual for the most accurate maintenance schedule for your specific F-150 model and year, as requirements can vary.

Remember, these are general guidelines. Prices may vary depending on your location, the specific Ford dealership, and any ongoing promotions or service packages. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare prices, but be wary of deals that seem too good to be true – quality parts and skilled labor are worth the investment in the longevity of your F-150.