Frequently Asked Questions

Why is an oil change important for a 2026 Ford Explorer?

• Preserves engine lubrication: fresh oil reduces friction and wear on moving parts in the 2.3L inline-4 engine, helping maintain horsepower and torque.
• Maintains fuel efficiency: clean oil helps the engine run smoothly and can protect the Explorer's EPA-rated efficiency on city and highway drives.
• Protects against deposits and corrosion: old oil can form sludge that reduces performance and accelerates component wear; routine changes prevent build-up.
• Supports towing and load duties: regular oil service helps the engine withstand heavier demands like towing up to the Explorer’s rated capacity.
• Preserves resale value and longevity: documented dealership service history enhances long-term value and reliability.
• Warranty and certified repairs: any repairs covered under warranty must be performed at a certified dealership — keeping oil changes with factory-trained technicians helps ensure warranty compliance.

How long does a 2026 Ford Explorer oil change take?

• Typical service time: most oil changes at Bill Estes Ford Brownsburg take about 30–60 minutes, depending on service lane availability and whether synthetic oil or additional inspections are required.
• Comprehensive check included: our service includes filter replacement, fluid top-offs, and a multi-point inspection to catch early issues — this adds valuable preventative care without taking much extra time.
• Efficient scheduling: online scheduling and service specials help minimize wait time; express lanes are available when scheduled in advance.
• Quality assurance: while independent shops may offer quick turnarounds, our factory-trained technicians perform the work to Ford specifications to protect engine performance and warranty coverage.

How much does an oil change cost for a 2026 Ford Explorer?

• Typical price range: depending on oil type and service package, expect a range that often falls between value oil services and full synthetic service pricing; exact cost is confirmed at write-up.
• Dealership savings: Bill Estes Ford Brownsburg often costs less than independent shops when you factor in immediate savings from competitive service pricing and long-term savings from genuine parts, correct procedures, and warranty protection.
• Long-term value: using Ford-approved oil and parts reduces the likelihood of premature repairs and helps preserve fuel economy, delivering measurable savings over the life of the vehicle.
• Warranty and covered repairs: any repairs covered under warranty must be performed at a certified dealership — having routine maintenance done here helps prevent denied claims and unexpected expenses.
• Transparent pricing: ask about current service specials and package pricing at our service desk or online to maximize savings.

How often should you get an oil change for a 2026 Ford Explorer?

• Follow the owner’s manual: Ford provides the definitive maintenance schedule; intervals can vary by driving style, load, and oil type.
• General guideline: under normal driving conditions, many modern Ford engines with synthetic oil are serviced roughly every 7,500–10,000 miles; more frequent changes (around 5,000–7,500 miles) may be recommended for severe driving conditions.
• Oil life monitoring: the Explorer’s oil life monitoring system indicates the optimal time for service — our technicians will read and advise based on that system and your driving habits.
• Dealer advantage: routine checks at Bill Estes Ford Brownsburg ensure service intervals are appropriate, preserving performance and avoiding premature wear — which translates to lower long-term ownership costs.

What type of oil does a 2026 Ford Explorer take?

• Factory-recommended oil: the 2026 Ford Explorer should be serviced with Ford-approved motor oil in the viscosity and specification listed in the owner’s manual.
• Synthetic vs. conventional: many newer Ford engines perform best with high-quality synthetic oil; our service advisors will recommend the correct type for your driving conditions.
• OEM parts and oils: Bill Estes Ford Brownsburg uses Ford-approved oils and filters to maintain engine performance and warranty coverage.
• Documentation: when maintenance is done at our dealership, we record the exact oil type used, helping preserve the vehicle’s service history and warranty validity.

How much oil does a 2026 Ford Explorer need?

• Approximate capacity: many modern 2.3L four-cylinder engines require roughly 5 to 6 quarts of oil, including the filter — our technicians verify the exact amount per engine specification.
• Precision fill: we measure and fill to the precise factory spec and confirm levels after warm-up to avoid overfilling or underfilling.
• Service verification: every oil change includes a level check and test drive as part of our quality checklist to ensure correct fill and performance.