What is the ideal interval to change the oil in a 2007 Ford Fusion 4-cyl?

Question

The owners manual and my dealer suggests 5,000 miles but my buddy who is a mechanic(and owns a quick lube place) says for longer engine life you should still change every 3,000.

Answer 1

For a long time, it was a good idea to change the oil every 3,000 miles.

But today, engine oils are so good at cleaning, lubricating and protecting the engine, that it's just not necessary any longer. Every 5k should be fine, unless you are really hard on your car, like you drive up lots of hills, tow a trailer, or drive out in dusty conditions or on dirt roads.

I changed the oil every 5k on my last 3 cars, and never had a lick of trouble from any of them that could be considered engine oil related, and I kept 2 of them for 9 years each.

I believe the Fusion recommends a Motorcraft 5W-20 Semi-synthetic oil, so that's what you should go with. Not necessarily that brand, but that weight and type of oil.

Answer 2

On ANY vehicle, the oil change interval is always every 3 months, or 3,000 miles/5,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Don't buy into the ads for "long life" oil. Just make sure you use the 5W20 engine oil, and the Ford/Motorcraft oil filter every oil change and you shouldn't have any problems. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Go with the manual. While 3,000 mile oil changes used to be common, most new cars reccomend a 5,000 mile interval, as engines are more efficient and reliable now. It's even better if you use synthetic oil, as it is less prone to breaking down or causing sludge.

Answer 4

What people don't realize is that even though you are running a 5,000 mile "rated" oil your oil filter is still made of a paper like fiber and is usually only rated for 3,000 miles optimum performance. After that, there isn't much filtering going on. I would suggest every 3,000 miles MAXIMUM or even less if you idle alot.

Answer 5

I would take the mechanics advice , I change my oil every 3 months regardless of mileage .. it would be lucky to do more than 1000 miles in this time as I don't drive it alot , but it is my pride and joy .. happy motoring.

Answer 6

I change my oil every 3 to 4 thousand miles. It's cheap insurance. You could go another thousand or so if you drive mostly highway but I feel better changing it earlier.

Answer 7

Your buddy said 3000 because that's more money in his pocket. Go with what the manufacturer says.

Answer 8

No...it's a trap. "Salesman's car" means he beat on it because it was the company's property. Even if they were highway miles they weren't cruise control miles. Run away. That's over 30k miles per year.

Answer 9

runnin w/scizzors-
You ask for the "ideal interval"
The "ideal interval" is different for each person, based on THEIR individual driving circumstances & conditions.

The Ford Maintenance booklet that came with your vehicle :
(http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WO7FSN/~MUS~LEN/40/07frdmg1e.pdf)

CLEARLY states ( on page 46):
**********copy>>>>>>>>>>(note the word MAXIMUM)
Maximim Oil Change Interval
❑ Normal Schedule: 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever occurs first.
❑ Special Operating Conditions: 3,000 miles, 3 months, or 200 hours of engine operation, whichever
occurs first see appropriate schedule on pages 42-43.
*********end copy<<<<<<<<
***copy (page 43-43)>>>>>
SPECIAL OPERATING CONDITIONS
Items Needing Special Attention
If you operate your Ford/Lincoln/Mercury primarily in one of the more demanding “Special Operating
Conditions” listed below, you will need to have some items maintained more frequently. If you only
occasionally operate your vehicle under these conditions, it is not necessary to perform the additional
maintenance. For specific recommendations, see your dealership service advisor or qualified service professional.
Towing a trailer or using a camper or car-top carrier
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months Change engine oil and replace oil filter.
*********
Extensive idling and/or low-speed driving for long distances as in
heavy commercial use such as delivery, taxi, patrol car or livery
Every 3,000 miles, 3 months or
200 hours of engine operation
Change engine oil and replace oil filter
Every 3,000 miles or 3 months Lube front lower control arm and steering linkage ball
joints with zerk fittings, if equipped
******end copy<<<<<<<<<
That being said, BY the Manufacturer, YOUR "ideal interval"
depends on YOUR circumstances,
If you have "Special" driving conditions or circumstances, the MAXIMUM interval is 3000 (it might be better to do it sooner)
Under "Normal" conditions or circumstances, again the MAXIMUM is 6mo/5000mi.
Again, it might be better sooner.

Oil is the 'lifeblood' of your engine, frequent oil changes are the cheapest & most effective preventive maintanance.

Personally, I change my oil every 3 months.....I put VERY few miles on my vehicle. In 3 monthes I only have about 1500 (or LESS) miles on my vehicle.
To me, short drives, without the engine even having time to warm up...is just as bad as severe operating, so that is MY "ideal interval"..

Answer 10

you should go with 3000 miles and use the motorcraft 5w20