I’ve got a 2017 Ford Fiesta with about 89,000 miles on it. It’s been all over the US, and I usually get my oil changed every 5-7k miles. I’ve been to all kinds of places, and I usually just ask for the cheapest oil they have. I have an oil change scheduled for tomorrow, and the price is higher than usual. When I asked why, they said my manual specifies 5W-20 full synthetic oil. I’ve never really paid much attention to this and often get conventional or a blend. Full synthetic costs $102 compared to $48 for a blend. My car’s warranty is already expired and I haven’t had any issues so far. Is it fine to keep using the blend or should I start going for the full synthetic?
Ford’s Motorcraft brand uses a synthetic blend, and that’s what they’d use if you go to the dealership. If you’re getting regular oil changes, a blend should work fine.
Anderson said:
Ford’s Motorcraft brand uses a synthetic blend, and that’s what they’d use if you go to the dealership. If you’re getting regular oil changes, a blend should work fine.
How often do you get your oil changed?
@Anna
I’ve got 175,000 miles on my 2011 Fiesta and have always used the Motorcraft 5W-20 synthetic blend since new. I change it every 5,000 miles, and I’ve kept a record of all 35 oil changes. Overall, my engine’s in good shape—changed plugs and wires at 130,000 miles, and even then, they were just lightly browned. Worst problem I’ve faced was an O2 sensor going out.
@Anna
I do mine every 5,000 miles.
@Anna
For synthetic blends, keep it around 3,000 miles, and for full synthetic, try to stay under 5,000 miles.
Anderson said:
Ford’s Motorcraft brand uses a synthetic blend, and that’s what they’d use if you go to the dealership. If you’re getting regular oil changes, a blend should work fine.
Motorcraft has a full synthetic too, though it’s a bit harder to find. Before I took over changing oil on my mom’s car, that’s what the dealer used on her car, but for her Fiesta, they just use the synthetic blend.
@Kody
Most Ford models come with synthetic blend, so that’s what’s commonly available in stores. Should’ve clarified that.
I’ve always used full synthetic on mine, and the engine looks great, even with some overdue oil changes.
I’m using full synthetic on my 2019 Hatch with the DPS6. Before that, I just went with Ford’s synthetic blend since it came as part of their oil change deal. Honestly, I don’t see much of a difference, though mine only has around 55,000 miles.
@River
How often do you change the oil?
For full synthetic, it’s every 3,000 miles (I hit that in about two and a half months with all my work driving). When I used a blend, I’d go between 3,000 and 5,000 miles.
@River
Wait, why would you go further on a blend than full synthetic?
I stick to full synthetic if I’m changing it myself since I think it’s better for the price. I change it every 3,000 miles.
I’d say don’t pay $80+ at a shop for full synthetic if they also offer a synthetic blend. I don’t know all the differences, but it’s usually a better option than regular oil.
I’ve been using 5W-30 Castrol Edge.
I’ve had my 2013 Fiesta since 2020, and it’s gone from 42,000 to 126,000 miles. The engine’s still in great condition. I use Penzoil 0W-20 and change it every 3,500 miles. I drive it hard, and so far, so good.
Definitely go with full synthetic or at least a blend if you’re stretching your changes to 5-7k miles. Regular oil can cause sludge buildup and wear out the engine faster. I’d even suggest learning to do it yourself if you’re able—it’s quicker and cheaper long-term.
I change mine every 5,000 miles. It’s easy to remember when my next one is, like when I hit 105k.
@Magdaline
I’d like to try changing it myself, but parking’s tight, and my lease doesn’t allow repairs in the lot. I’ve always gotten the cheaper oil at places like Jiffy Lube. Switching to full synthetic now feels strange. If I keep changing every 5,000 miles, is synthetic blend still okay? Or should I pay more for full synthetic given my car’s age?
@Anna
Stick with the blend; it’s better for the wet belt and should keep it in good condition. Your car might be due for a timing belt soon anyway, and if that goes, the engine’s done for.
I always ask for regular oil, but once the shop said Ford suggests semi-synthetic.