new Explorer, Oil Options & Break in

[Shrike9]

0w-30 is an all season oil for your climate. Add Microgard Select if you have O'reilly's Auto near you.

I asked the dealer about 0W-30 and we walked out to the service department where it was explained to me that 0W-30 was only recommended in extreme cold by Ford (forget how low) and otherwise in the summer 5W-30 is what Ford recommends & what the dealer also recommends

But like always it’s from a dealership so it’s suspect & not to be taken as gospel

 

[Shrike9]

We just added a 21 to the family and man it is nice, congratulations.

used oil analysis here have consistently shown the MC syn blend does not hold up well to Ecoboost abuse, so I would drain factory fill pretty early, no more than 1500 miles.

Mobil 1 ESP is great oil but it does not have the Ford spec, just something to consider since you are under warranty if that matters to you.

For Ford spec oils Quaker State Ultimate Protection and Valvoline Advanced Extended Protection are top choices that feature strong add packs and are both blended on the thicker side of grade.

Your manual probably recommends premium fuel (mine does) and using it can help reduce fuel dilution.

Enjoy your Explorer!

Yes warranty does matter & I shall look into the oils you recommended

 

[Shrike9]

Best advice: Change the oil. Follow the manufacturer recommended interval or less and you'll be fine. Not complicated.

Currently own a '21 Explorer with the 2.3. 66k miles, and no issues other than a leaking rear shock (twice now). Did an oil change at 1000 miles, and then follow the OLM and change between 20 and 30%. I'll note the OLM recommended mileage varies dramatically based on the type of driving. Driving constant 65-70 in moderate temps will push it out well past 10k, and cold (below zero) short tripping will shorten it dramatically.

Our first 4 changes were on the dealer / ford points. Did all the changes at the dealer through the powertrain warranty.

Also note the 2.3 in the 25 and up Explorer is a NEW 2.3 - not the old Mazda based engine so bear that in mind while making comparisons.

Not seeing much about the new 2.3L, my google fu is weak today

 

[Shrike9]

Oil Filter: Microgard Select MSL10290
Oil: Valvoline Extended Protection 5W30
WIX, Motorcraft, and Purolator oil filters are not recommended. All three are made by the same company and have the black glue of death and other quality control issues.

Wix was one of the highest recommended filters last time I dug into it & running one now

 

[MParr]

Wix was one of the highest recommended filters last time I dug into it & running one now

They were great filters when they were owned by Affinia. Since Mann+Hummel bought them, the Affinia designs were thrown out in favor of Purolator designs.

 

[MParr]

Not seeing much about the new 2.3L, my google fu is weak today

Research Ford MPC engines.

 

[MNgopher]

New engine started in the 24 Mustang, and then made it into the 25 Explorer, Bronco, and Ranger. Switched to dual injection and electronic wastegate on the turbo among other changes.

 

[RedEnsign]

If it's not super super cold where you live, you don't have to worry about 0w

vw504/porsche c30 spec is what the Mobil 1 ESP follows. HTHS of 3.5 and high viscosity. Find that spec and you're golden

But there are other good oils if you have to choose
Mobil 1 Truck and SUV
Valvoline Advanced and Valvoline Extended Protection are both good 5w30's. HTHS of 3-3.1
Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w30 is good
QS full synthetic shows good voa's as well.

Don't be scared to put 5w30 in. It's most likely what the engineers used when building this engine.

 

[fantastic]

I asked the dealer about 0W-30 and we walked out to the service department where it was explained to me that 0W-30 was only recommended in extreme cold by Ford (forget how low) and otherwise in the summer 5W-30 is what Ford recommends & what the dealer also recommends

But like always it’s from a dealership so it’s suspect & not to be taken as gospel

Because the dealer doesn't understand the strength of European approved oils (which is typically what you see in a 0w-30 grade). The Mobil 0w-30 Euro that has been brought up is no slouch for your application. You can use it all year.

 

[Oliveoil2]

What does your manual say about break-in?

 

[OneLonelyBurrito]

One thing to think about when it comes to oil selection on the 2026 Explorers is some or all of the 2.3L appear to have GPFs. You'll have to look at the emissions sticker in the engine bay to confirm. You'll just want to make sure Ford isn't recommending anything special because of that.

 

[GW.]

What does your manual say about break-in?

They removed break-in and added lifetime transmission fluid….

 

[RedEnsign]

They removed break-in and added lifetime transmission fluid….

Oh so it's one of these new cars, that run on magic...

 

[Highboy]

Drive normally but do some some city driving, not just highway for the first few hundred miles, and avoid the running it too hard.

I work by a Ford Explorer plant in Chicago off 130th St. Some explorers are driven to a railyard miles away. If you could only see how fast these people drive these cars weaving through traffic like grand theft auto they’re already broken in.

 

[Shrike9]

I work by a Ford Explorer plant in Chicago off 130th St. Some explorers are driven to a railyard miles away. If you could only see how fast these people drive these cars weaving through traffic like grand theft auto they’re already broken in.

Had no idea they were built in Chicago or would have driven past playing rubberneck after filling the belly

 

[Shrike9]

Because the dealer doesn't understand the strength of European approved oils (which is typically what you see in a 0w-30 grade). The Mobil 0w-30 Euro that has been brought up is no slouch for your application. You can use it all year.

I don’t understand it either & trying to learn, my biggest fear is if something happens ford won’t cover it

 

[Japanese]

Since Mann+Hummel bought them, the Affinia designs were thrown out in favor of Purolator designs.

What's wrong with the Purolator designs? Those people make oil filters for at least a few decades.

 

[GW.]

What's wrong with the Purolator designs? Those people make oil filters for at least a few decades.

Horrible quality control all the way around.

 

[Japanese]

Horrible quality control all the way around.

I've been using Purolator (the yellow rough filter and some blue) for about 10 years, prior 2018. I don't know what the quality was back then because never cut a filter open.

 

[fen1]

"..Very nice! My daughter’s 2016 RDX front cylinder head. Also 5k oci’s but with ESP 0W-30. 140k miles"

It's great to see results like this. There are some really good oils out there. We just need to know they exist and this is a great source to learn about them.