The 2018 Ford Taurus equipped with the 3.5L 6-cylinder turbo engine (Engine Code [T] 1 Turbo) demands premium lubricants to maintain its performance and longevity. Proper fluid selection is critical for managing the high thermal loads generated by the turbocharger, ensuring smooth shifting in the 6-speed automatic transmission, and protecting the drivetrain components. Using the correct viscosity and meeting the manufacturer’s specific standards is essential to prevent wear, sludge buildup, and premature failure.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers the highest level of protection against wear and horsepower loss, specifically designed to handle the stress on the turbocharger and extended oil change intervals up to 25,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother for up to 20,000 miles, ideal for standard driving conditions.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective 100% synthetic option that fights sludge and deposits while delivering protection comparable to OE requirements for up to 10,000 miles.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents to reduce sludge and seal conditioners to minimize oil consumption.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Engineered for superior filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, allowing lower restriction and providing greater capacity for contaminants to help reduce engine wear.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – Features premium media that offers improvements over original equipment manufacturer branded filters for excellent contaminant control.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of the 6F55 transmission, including heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A high-performance synthetic transmission fluid that protects against wear and extends service life in the 6F55 automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid formulation that protects all cooling system metals and lasts up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, exceeding OEM requirements.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated formula that greatly surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion, offering up to 150,000 miles of protection in passenger cars.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Recommended for the Power Transfer Unit (PTU), this lubricant controls thermal runaway and reduces operating temperatures in the front-wheel-drive transfer case.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the rear differential of all-wheel-drive models, providing advanced protection against wear and containing friction modifiers for limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for safer braking performance.
Ensuring your 2018 Ford Taurus operates with the correct fluid levels and quality products is fundamental to maintaining its reliability. The vehicle’s engine requires a precise 5W-30 viscosity to function correctly, particularly given the specific needs of the turbocharged 3.5L V6 engine. The oil capacity for this powerplant is 6.0 quarts when including a filter change, making it a straightforward maintenance task for owners who stock up on the right supplies.
When selecting a motor oil, the turbocharger presents a unique challenge. High-boost applications generate significant heat, and synthetic oils are engineered to resist breakdown better than conventional blends. AMSOIL oils provide the necessary thermal stability to protect turbo bearings and prevent coking, a common issue where oil carbonizes and blocks oil passages. By choosing the AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30, you gain access to the highest levels of protection available on the market, ensuring that the turbocharger spins smoothly even under heavy load. The Extended-Life and OE options offer a balance of performance and value, delivering robust protection for the engine internals while keeping costs manageable.
Filter selection is just as important as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO17-EA) is designed with synthetic blend media that captures smaller particles than traditional filters. This reduces engine wear by keeping harmful contaminants out of circulation for longer periods. For those who prefer established aftermarket brands, the WIX XP Oil Filter and the standard WIX Oil Filter also serve as excellent replacements, offering premium media that outperforms OEM-branded filters in terms of dirt holding capacity and efficiency.
Moving beyond the engine, the transmission and differential systems require specialized attention. The 6F55 transmission is a robust unit, but like all automatic transmissions, it benefits significantly from synthetic fluid that resists oxidation and thermal breakdown. AMSOIL’s fuel-efficient transmission fluids ensure smooth shifts and protect against wear, extending the life of the transmission components. For all-wheel-drive models equipped with a rear differential, the gear lube selection is crucial. The SAE 80W-90 specification is required for the rear end, and the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 synthetic lube provides the necessary lubricity and thermal control. Similarly, the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) requires a specialized 75W-140 lube to handle the high heat generated by its operation. Without this specific grade, the PTU can suffer from thermal runaway, leading to premature failure.
Coolant longevity is another area where synthetic formulations shine. The 2018 Taurus has a cooling system capacity of approximately 11.4 quarts. AMSOIL’s Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant offers a 50/50 pre-mix solution that lasts up to 150,000 miles. Its phosphate-free, silicate-free, and nitrate-free formulation is safe for all cooling system metals and hoses, preventing corrosion that can lead to leaks. For those who prefer a concentrated formula, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant provides the same high level of protection and can be mixed to achieve the desired freeze point.
Safety systems should not be overlooked. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid in your Taurus should be replaced periodically to maintain braking efficiency. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 Brake Fluid is 100% synthetic, offering a higher boiling point and better performance under the heat generated during hard stops compared to standard glycol-based fluids. This stability ensures consistent pedal feel and reliable ABS operation. Additionally, for vehicle maintenance and care, AMSOIL offers a wide range of other products including fuel additives, cleaning agents, and protective sprays to keep your Taurus running at its best.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Ford Taurus represents the final year of the sixth-generation model, a sedan that has long been a staple in the full-size vehicle segment. Introduced in 2010 as a complete redesign, the Taurus moved away from its wagon heritage to embrace a sedan form factor that blended family practicality with a sportier, more modern aesthetic. By 2018, the model had settled into a mature phase, offering a refined driving experience that appealed to drivers seeking a comfortable, spacious, and well-appointed vehicle.
The 3.5L 6-cylinder engine code [T] 1 Turbo, which is the focus of this guide, is a compelling powertrain option. This turbocharged V6 is part of Ford’s EcoBoost family, known for delivering strong horsepower and torque figures while maintaining respectable fuel economy compared to larger naturally aspirated V8s. The engine produces significant low-end torque, which makes the heavy sedan feel surprisingly agile in everyday driving. The turbocharger, however, introduces additional thermal stress on the engine, making the quality of the lubricants even more critical. The engine is paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, a transmission that is generally robust but benefits greatly from the use of high-quality synthetic fluid to ensure smooth shifts and longevity.
One of the Taurus’s most celebrated attributes is its spacious interior. The vehicle offers ample legroom and headroom, making it an excellent choice for families or long highway commutes. The cargo capacity is also impressive for a sedan, providing a large trunk area for luggage and groceries. Despite its size, the Taurus handles with a sense of stability and confidence, thanks to a well-tuned suspension and precise steering. The all-wheel-drive version of the Taurus adds a layer of capability, providing better traction in inclement weather and making it a viable option for owners in colder climates.
Owners of the 2018 Ford Taurus often appreciate the blend of luxury features and utility that the vehicle offers. The interior is typically well-finished with high-quality materials, and the infotainment systems of the era provided a user-friendly interface for navigation and media. However, like any complex machine, the Taurus can experience common issues that proper maintenance can mitigate. One known area of concern is the Power Transfer Unit (PTU) in all-wheel-drive models. The PTU is a compact transfer case located between the engine and the transmission, and it is known to be prone to overheating if not serviced regularly with the correct AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 synthetic gear lube. The synthetic 75W-140 lubricant is essential here to prevent thermal runaway, which can lead to premature failure of the unit. Owners who neglect the PTU fluid often experience vibration, noise, or complete transmission issues, emphasizing the importance of following a strict fluid change schedule.
Another potential issue in the 2018 model is sludge buildup in the engine, particularly if oil changes are delayed or if lower-quality oil is used. The turbocharger adds heat and stress to the oil, accelerating breakdown. Using a high-performance synthetic oil like AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 or Extended-Life can significantly reduce the risk of sludge and carbon deposits, ensuring the engine remains clean and efficient over thousands of miles. Additionally, high-mileage models may experience oil consumption or minor leaks. The high-mileage specific oil formulation addresses these issues by using seal conditioners and enhanced detergents to keep the engine running smoothly and reduce oil burn-off.
The Taurus also features a sophisticated cooling system that requires proper maintenance to avoid overheating issues. While generally reliable, the cooling system components can degrade over time, leading to leaks or corrosion. The use of AMSOIL’s phosphate-free and silicate-free antifreeze helps prevent corrosion that can damage the radiator, water pump, and heater core. This proactive approach to coolant maintenance ensures that the engine stays within its optimal operating temperature range, preserving the engine’s longevity and performance.
In terms of braking, the Taurus is equipped with a system that relies on the brake fluid’s properties to function correctly. Over time, brake fluid absorbs moisture from the air, which lowers its boiling point and can lead to spongy pedal feel or brake fade under heavy use. Regular flushing with a high-quality synthetic brake fluid restores the system’s performance, providing a firm pedal and consistent stopping power. This is particularly important for a heavy vehicle like the Taurus, where stopping distances and pedal feedback are critical for safety.
Overall, the 2018 Ford Taurus is a capable and versatile vehicle that rewards owners who prioritize proper maintenance. By adhering to the recommended fluid specifications and using high-quality AMSOIL products, owners can maximize the vehicle’s performance, safety, and lifespan. Whether tackling city streets or highway miles, the right lubricants ensure that the Taurus continues to deliver the comfort and reliability it is known for, turning potential maintenance headaches into routine, manageable tasks.