Ford Taurus

[shepdogwv]

Hey all, I've been readin this forum for quite a few months and just wanted to ask you guys for an opinion on my wife's car.

I have a 2003 Ford Taurus that is mostly driven 2 miles to work and back every day, with usually a some longer trips every other weekend or so. It has 145,000 miles on it (we bought it about 10,000 miles ago). Currently I'm using Valvoline 5w-20 in it and it has consumed (not burning it though) about a quart over 3,000 miles. I really wanted to use Maxlife 5w-20, but I have only been able to find it for close to 4 bucks a quart...no walmart 5 quart jugs around here...and I'm not paying that much for it. In your guy's opinions do you think I should just keep using the Valvoline 5-20 or should I step up to a 5-30? Also, would the Maxlife be that advantageous, there's no oil leaks and I usually try to change the oil every 4,000 miles because of the short drives.

P.S. I'm a valvoline guy, my family has had good luck with it for as long as I can remember. I'm currently using the maxlife in my Jeep Cherokee. Thanks for the help

 

[Dyoel182]

I'd step up the weight for sure. If you have an autzone nearby I'd go grab some of the MaxLife specials and do the $1 off per quart rebate through Valvoline basically making it $8.99 for 5 quarts and a filter.

 

[02zx9r]

the walmarts should have it cheaper than $4/qrt.

whats it say on the oilcap? My 02 taurus speced 5w30

 

[Bill in Utah]

I'd try a OCI of Valvoine 5w30 and see how she goes.

1 qt every 3k is nothing to worry about.

You do not need maxlife. The conventional valvoline every 4k sounds perfect for your Taurus.

Take care, bill

PS:

 

[robl]

I have a Taurus too, and it loves the 5w20 Motorcraft blend, a very good oil, Which I get at Walmart as well for 11 bucks for a 5 qt jug....it's a good oil for them Fords! I believe they do have 5w30 too there if you wanted that

 

[02zx9r]

the walmarts here only carry the 5 quart jugs of MC 5w20 but do have the quart 5w30, 10w30 and 10w40

 

[Greggy_D]

Go for the Xw-30. I use 10w30 in my 02 Duratech Taurus, even though it calls for 5w-20. The engine originally speced Xw-30 before Ford's CAFE change.