Maintaining the 2018 Lincoln Continental with its 2.7L twin-turbo engine requires precision when it comes to fluid selection. This sophisticated powertrain, paired with the Continental’s luxurious ride quality, demands lubricants that can handle high heat, protect against turbocharger stress, and ensure peak performance over long intervals. Using the correct AMSOIL fluids not only extends the life of the engine and drivetrain but also maintains the smooth operation and handling characteristics that define the Continental experience. Whether it’s extreme temperatures, long commutes, towing, hauling, the added stress of a turbocharger or you’re simply extending the time between oil changes, AMSOIL motor oils will keep your 2018 Lincoln Continental protected.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate protection for your 2.7L turbo engine, offering up to 25,000 miles of service and superior resistance to horsepower loss and wear.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent choice for extended service intervals, delivering 37% more cleaning power and 20,000 miles of protection against sludge and deposits.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A high-performance option that outperforms conventional oils and protects turbochargers better than required by industry standards, ideal for standard factory-recommended intervals.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring enhanced anti-wear additives and a boosted detergent package to reduce sludge.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Provides 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns, allowing lower restriction to keep engine parts lubricated and capturing wear-causing contaminants for extended service life.
- WIX Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket alternative offering improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, designed to fit your Continental’s 2.7L engine perfectly.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while providing reserve protection during heavy use, ensuring smooth shifts in the 6F50 transmission.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A reliable option designed to protect against wear while maintaining fuel efficiency and meeting OEM requirements for your automatic transmission.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Essential for the transfer case, this lube controls thermal runaway and protects against rust and corrosion, recommended for AWD models.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – The ideal choice for the rear differential, meeting Ford specifications while providing advanced protection against wear and reducing operating temperatures.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique OAT formulation that protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years, compatible with all coolant colors.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated, phosphate-free option that greatly surpasses corrosion standards and offers protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars, requiring mixing with distilled water.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, surpassing DOT 3 and DOT 4 requirements.
Engine Oil and Filter Recommendations
The heart of the 2018 Lincoln Continental is its 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerplant is known for its blend of power and efficiency, but the twin-turbochargers generate significant heat and stress, requiring a robust lubricant to maintain protection. The engine requires a viscosity of 5W-30 for optimal performance in most climates. For extreme cold starts below -30°C, 0W-30 may be used, but the primary recommendation remains 5W-30.
The total oil capacity for the 2018 Lincoln Continental is 6.0 quarts when the filter is installed. It is critical to refill with the exact amount and check the oil level after the refill to ensure proper lubrication. AMSOIL offers a range of synthetic motor oils to suit different maintenance philosophies. The Signature Series provides the longest service intervals, capable of protecting the engine for up to 25,000 miles or one year. This is particularly beneficial for the high-stress environment created by the turbocharger. If you prefer a balance of protection and cost, the OE Motor Oil offers excellent performance that outperforms conventional oils and meets OEM standards, with guaranteed protection up to 25,000 miles. For those who have accumulated high mileage, the High-Mileage formula contains boosted detergents to reduce sludge and seal conditioners to minimize oil consumption.
Matching the oil with a high-quality filter is just as important. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K43-EA) is engineered for extended service life, matching the durability of the synthetic oil. It features a high-capacity media that captures small contaminants, reducing engine wear. Alternatively, the WIX Oil Filter (WL10050-EA) is a premium choice often used in conjunction with the OE or High-Mileage oils, offering superior filtration compared to stock filters.
Transmission and Drivetrain Fluids
The Continental’s 2.7L engine is typically paired with the 6F50 6-speed automatic transmission. This transmission requires a total fill of 11.6 quarts for a complete flush. Maintaining the transmission fluid is crucial for shifting precision and longevity. AMSOIL’s Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides reserve protection during periods of heavy use, which is vital for a luxury sedan that may see varied driving conditions. The OE Fuel-Efficient Transmission Fluid offers a similar level of protection, meeting the stringent requirements of modern automatic transmissions while ensuring fuel efficiency.
For the all-wheel-drive models, the transfer case requires specific attention. The PTU (Power Transfer Unit) requires 1.1 pints of lubricant. AMSOIL recommends the SEVERE GEAR 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube for this component. This fluid is formulated to control thermal runaway, a common issue in transfer cases under heavy load, and contains friction modifiers for limited-slip applications. It protects against rust and corrosion while helping to reduce operating temperatures.
The rear differential also benefits from high-quality synthetic gear lube. Depending on the specific configuration, the 80W-90 viscosity is often specified, requiring approximately 1.1 pints (or between 0.48 to 0.6 liters). The SEVERE GEAR 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is recommended to meet Ford specifications. It offers advanced protection against wear, controls thermal runaway, and extends the life of seals and equipment. The fluid’s ability to reduce operating temperatures makes it a superior choice for maintaining the differential’s performance over time.
Cooling System and Brake Fluid
Proper cooling is essential for the 2.7L EcoBoost engine to prevent overheating, especially given the heat generated by the turbochargers. The coolant capacity varies slightly depending on the drivetrain. Models with All-Wheel Drive (AWD) require 11 quarts of coolant, while Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models require 10.9 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is an ideal choice, as it is an ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix that provides protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is formulated to be phosphate, nitrate, nitrite, silicate, borate, and amine-free, ensuring compatibility with all cooling system metals and gaskets. For those who prefer to mix their own, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze is a concentrated option that meets and exceeds OEM standards for corrosion protection.
The braking system on the Lincoln Continental must perform reliably in all conditions. The recommended brake fluid is a DOT 4 fluid meeting specific Ford specifications. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is an excellent upgrade. It provides a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, which ensures consistent brake pedal feel and responsiveness. This synthetic fluid enhances ABS and traction-control performance, making it a safer choice for maintaining the vehicle’s high level of safety and control.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Lincoln Continental represents a significant resurgence for the brand, marking a return to the European-inspired design language that defined the model in the 1950s. Built on the Ford D4 platform, which it shares with the Ford Taurus, the Continental was designed to compete in the prestigious full-size luxury sedan segment. For 2018, the vehicle was a major highlight of the brand’s strategy to reclaim market share with a focus on craftsmanship, technology, and driving dynamics.
The 2.7L V6 EcoBoost engine was the primary powertrain option for the Continental during its production years, offering a compelling balance of power and efficiency. This twin-turbocharged engine delivers robust horsepower figures, providing ample acceleration for a sedan of its size and weight. The smooth power delivery is a hallmark of the EcoBoost family, though the thermal management of the twin-turbo setup places high demands on the cooling and lubrication systems. The Continental features a sophisticated independent rear suspension and a ride-tune suspension system that adapts to road conditions, contributing to its renowned smooth and quiet ride.
Owners of the 2018 Lincoln Continental often appreciate the vehicle’s spacious and opulent interior, which is equipped with premium materials and advanced technology like the SYNC 3 infotainment system. The car is designed to be a serene environment for passengers, emphasizing comfort and luxury. However, like many modern vehicles with advanced engine management and turbocharging, the Continental is not without its potential issues.
One common problem area for the 2018 Continental involves the power transfer unit (PTU) in AWD models. This component can sometimes suffer from premature wear or fluid degradation, especially if the vehicle is used for frequent towing or aggressive driving. Using a high-quality synthetic gear lube like AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR can help mitigate this issue by providing superior thermal stability and reducing the friction that leads to wear.
Another potential concern is carbon buildup on the intake valves, a characteristic issue with direct injection engines like the 2.7L EcoBoost. Over time, fuel additive deposits can accumulate, affecting performance. Regular use of a fuel system cleaner can help manage this, and the use of AMSOIL’s high-performance synthetic oils helps keep the engine internals cleaner for longer intervals.
Owners have also reported issues with engine oil consumption in some early EcoBoost engines. While the 2018 model year had refinements, some vehicles may still experience oil burning. The use of AMSOIL High-Mileage or Extended-Life oils, which are formulated with advanced anti-wear additives and seal conditioners, can be a proactive solution to help manage oil consumption and protect critical engine components from wear.
Finally, the cooling system is critical for the long-term health of the 2.7L engine. Overheating can lead to serious damage, particularly to the turbocharger components. Ensuring the coolant is fresh and possesses the correct additive package is vital. AMSOIL’s antifreeze formulations are designed to prevent corrosion and erosion in the cooling system, ensuring that the engine operates at the optimal temperature regardless of the season. By addressing these specific potential areas, owners can maintain the luxury and performance of their Continental for years to come.