One of the things that people tend to think about these days when they’re looking for a new vehicle at their local Ford dealer is fuel economy. Choosing a vehicle with good fuel economy is only part of the equation, however. There are things that you need to do, from a service perspective, to maintain that good fuel economy.

One of those things is changing your oil.

It is recommended that you change the oil on your Ford car or truck around every 3,000 miles or so. There are experts who may tell you that you can go longer than this. However, if you go more than about 3,000 miles without changing the oil, the oil in your engine begins to break down. This makes your engine work that much harder, and causes your Ford to run less efficiently.

When you change your oil, there are some things to look for. Make sure, for example, that your oil is relatively clean and clear of debris. Make sure that the oil level is between the fill lines. If your oil level isn’t above the fill line, make sure to check your Ford for oil leaks. If you can’t find a leak, add oil until it hits the fill line and then check the oil again in a couple of days.

There are a variety of oil types to choose from. Lighter oil, such as 5W-40, is much better for warmer climates or the summer months. Heavier weight oil, such as 10W-40, is better for colder temperatures. If your Ford seems to use a lot of oil, you should consider using a heavy motor oil or a synthetic blend motor oil.

Keeping your Ford’s oil changed will not only keep your gas mileage as good as it can be, it will also help keep your Ford running smoothly.