Maintaining the performance and longevity of your 2016 Lincoln MKT 3.7L requires precise lubrication knowledge. This full-size crossover SUV, powered by a naturally aspirated 3.7-liter V6 engine, is designed to handle a variety of driving conditions, from daily commuting to towing. However, the engine’s tolerance for wear, thermal stress, and deposit formation means that standard generic fluids may not offer the optimal protection required for this specific powertrain. Using the correct viscosity grade, 5W-20, and high-quality synthetic base stocks ensures that moving parts remain properly separated, reducing friction and extending the service life of the engine.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers unsurpassed engine protection and can be used for up to 25,000 miles or one year under normal driving conditions.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides extended protection for up to 20,000 miles with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective synthetic option that meets original equipment manufacturer specifications and fights sludge effectively.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles to reduce sludge and oil consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, offering greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – Features premium media for improved filtration and performance over standard original equipment filters.
- WIX Oil Filter – A reliable aftermarket option utilizing premium media for consistent engine protection.
- WIX Air Filter – Protects the engine by filtering contaminants from incoming air with premium media technology.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A 50/50 pre-mixed formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that delivers exceptional corrosion protection for passenger cars and light trucks.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Designed to protect against wear and provide reliable performance for the 6F50 transmission.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the transfer case (PTU), offering advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Meets Ford specifications for the rear differential, protecting gears and bearings under heavy loads.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – A versatile gear lube that controls thermal runaway and reduces operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-110 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides long oil and seal life with friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS responsiveness and stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
- AMSOIL P.i.® Performance Improver Gasoline Additive – Restores GDI fuel injectors to 100% flow rate and helps prevent carbon buildup.
Ensuring the longevity of your Lincoln MKT begins with the heart of the machine: the engine. The 3.7-liter V6 engine in this model is robust, but like all modern internal combustion engines, it operates under significant thermal and mechanical stress. The engine requires a viscosity grade of 5W-20 to function correctly. Filling the crankcase with the correct volume, which is 6.0 quarts when replacing the filter, is critical for proper lubrication. Once the fluid is added, checking the oil level is a necessary step to ensure the dipstick reading is accurate. The drain plug should be torqued to 20 ft/lbs to prevent leaks or damage to the threads.
For those looking to maximize the protection of their engine, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 stands out as a premier choice. This oil is capable of lasting up to 25,000 miles or one year, significantly extending the intervals between maintenance. It offers 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. For drivers who prefer a slightly shorter but still extended service interval, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 provides 20,000 miles of protection and is formulated with enhanced cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother for a longer time. The OE 5W-20 option is an excellent budget-friendly synthetic that still outperforms conventional oils and fights sludge and deposits effectively. If your vehicle has accumulated over 75,000 miles, the High-Mileage 5W-20 is the ideal selection, featuring boosted detergents and enhanced anti-wear additives to support older engines.
Matching the oil with a high-quality filter is equally important. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is designed to provide filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, capturing small wear-causing contaminants more effectively than many competitors. It also allows for lower restriction, ensuring that engine parts remain properly lubricated even under high-demand conditions. For those who prefer the WIX brand, the XP Oil Filter utilizes premium media that offers improvements over standard original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, while the standard WIX Oil Filter also provides reliable filtration for the 2016 Lincoln MKT.
Moving beyond the engine, the automatic transmission in your vehicle requires specific attention. The 6F50 transmission needs a total fill of 10.9 quarts for a complete change. Proper fluid is essential to protect against wear, sludge, and temperature-related issues that can lead to costly repairs. AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is engineered to withstand the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions. It provides reserve protection during heavy use, ensuring smooth shifts and long transmission life. The OE Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is another viable option, offering protection against wear and reliable performance for those who wish to adhere closer to standard service intervals.
The drivetrain components, including the transfer case and rear differential, also require specialized lubricants to handle the unique demands of a rear-wheel-drive based crossover. The power transfer unit (PTU) specifically requires SAE 75W-140 synthetic rear axle lubricant to meet Ford specifications. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 is formulated with advanced protection against wear and helps control thermal runaway, which is critical for the longevity of the transfer case. For the rear differential, which typically holds 2.4 pints of SAE 80W-90 gear lube meeting Ford specifications, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR 80W-90 provides a robust defense against gear wear and corrosion. Alternative viscosities like 75W-90 and 75W-110 are also available to suit specific driving styles or environmental conditions, offering friction modifiers for limited-slip applications and reducing operating temperatures.
Finally, maintaining the safety and freshness of the vehicle involves other fluids and additives. The braking system relies on high-performance fluid to ensure responsive ABS and traction control. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 Synthetic Brake Fluid offers stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring reliable stopping power in all weather conditions. To keep the fuel system clean and efficient, adding AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver can restore up to 14% horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors. For seasonal storage, AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, preventing varnish and gum buildup. These combined efforts in fluid maintenance ensure that your Lincoln MKT remains a reliable and powerful companion on the road.
About the Vehicle
The 2016 Lincoln MKT represents the pinnacle of the brand’s full-size crossover lineup, blending the comfort of a luxury sedan with the utility of an SUV. Built on the Ford D4 platform, which it shares with vehicles like the Ford Flex, the MKT is renowned for its spacious interior and smooth ride quality. It offers seating for up to seven passengers, making it a versatile choice for families or those who frequently carry cargo.
Under the hood lies the 3.7-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, a naturally aspirated powerhouse that delivers 350 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 6-speed SelectShift automatic transmission, providing responsive acceleration and smooth gear changes. The vehicle features a standard all-wheel-drive system, ensuring confidence and traction in various weather conditions. While not a performance SUV in the traditional sense, the MKT is prized for its quiet cabin, refined interior materials, and advanced technology features available in higher trims.
Owners of the 2016 Lincoln MKT often appreciate its unique position in the market, offering the high-end luxury associated with the Lincoln brand without the higher price tag of a luxury sedan or a compact luxury crossover. Its design is distinctive, with a long hood and a sleek profile that sets it apart from boxier competitors. The combination of its powerful V6 engine, generous interior space, and smooth ride characteristics has made it a favorite among drivers who prioritize comfort and capability over sporty handling. Regular maintenance with high-quality synthetic fluids ensures that this versatile vehicle continues to perform at its best, providing years of reliable service.