Maintaining the optimal performance of your 2018 Ford Explorer equipped with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine requires precision. This turbocharged powertrain operates under significant thermal stress, making the selection of high-quality lubricants a critical aspect of ownership. Using the correct fluids ensures that your vehicle maintains its power output, fuel economy, and longevity, regardless of whether you are towing a trailer, driving in extreme temperatures, or simply commuting through stop-and-go traffic.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
Based on the specific requirements of the 2018 Ford Explorer 3.5L, here are the top-tier synthetic lubricants designed to provide superior protection and extend service intervals.
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The ultimate choice for maximum engine protection, offering 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear while resisting turbocharger coking and maintaining viscosity control.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An excellent option for extended drain intervals, providing 37% more cleaning power to help keep the engine running smoother and protecting against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI).
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – A cost-effective solution that meets OEM specifications, fighting sludge and deposits with a high-quality 100% synthetic formulation suitable for standard maintenance schedules.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, this oil features enhanced detergents and anti-wear additives to boost performance in older engines and reduce sludge by 67%.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO17) – Provides filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns, with greater capacity for small contaminants and extended service life to match the synthetic oil.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket filter offering improved performance over standard OEM filters, meeting the factory recommended oil change intervals.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures, ensuring smooth shifts and protecting against wear in 6F50 and 6F55 transmissions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and provides fuel efficiency in a formulation that meets OEM requirements for automatic transmission protection.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Essential for the transfer case and differentials, this lube controls thermal runaway and provides advanced protection against wear in limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Ideal for the rear differential, meeting Ford specifications and offering long oil life with friction modifiers for limited-slip differentials.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Offers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for superior braking performance.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation that protects cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Specifications and Capacities
The heart of your 2018 Ford Explorer is the 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6, known for its robust power delivery and efficiency. However, this engine operates at higher temperatures than naturally aspirated counterparts, necessitating a fluid that can withstand extreme thermal stress. The recommended oil grade is 5W-30, which provides the necessary viscosity for cold starts while maintaining a protective film at operating temperatures.
The engine oil capacity for this vehicle is 6.0 quarts when performing an oil change that includes a filter replacement. It is crucial to adhere to this specific volume. After refilling, always check the oil level using the dipstick to ensure it is within the acceptable range. The oil drain plug torque specification is 20 ft-lbs, which is important to follow to prevent leaks or thread damage. For owners living in climates where ambient temperatures drop below -30°C (-22°F), using a 0W-30 oil meeting WSS-M2C963-A1 is a viable alternative for improved cold-start performance.
Choosing the right filter is just as important as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO17) is engineered to provide 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns. This high level of filtration removes small wear-causing contaminants that standard filters might allow to pass through, thereby extending the life of the engine components. It also offers greater capacity for contaminants and lower restriction, ensuring that oil flow remains steady even under high-pressure conditions.
Automatic Transmission Fluid for the 6F50 and 6F55
Transmission health is often overlooked until problems arise, but the 6-speed automatic transmissions (6F50 and 6F55) found in the Explorer benefit significantly from high-performance synthetic fluids. The 6F50 transmission requires a total fill of 10.9 quarts, while the 6F55 requires 11.6 quarts. The initial fill capacity for both is approximately 4.5 quarts. These transmissions can be subjected to high temperatures, especially during off-roading, towing, or aggressive driving, which can lead to fluid breakdown and sludge accumulation.
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient Automatic Transmission Fluid is designed to withstand these rigors. It remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures and provides a reserve of protection during heavy use and abuse. This fluid helps maintain shift quality and reduces the likelihood of transmission failure due to heat. Similarly, the OE Fuel-Efficient variant offers a robust protection profile that meets OEM requirements while potentially extending drain intervals compared to conventional fluids.
Chassis and Differential Lubrication
The drivetrain of the Explorer includes a transfer case and rear differential that require specialized lubricants to function correctly. The transfer case, which manages the power distribution between the front and rear axles in four-wheel-drive models, requires a specific lubricant. For the PTU (Power Transfer Unit), a SAE 75W-140 synthetic rear axle lubricant is recommended, meeting Ford specification WSL-M2C192-A. The capacity is 1.1 pints, and the torque specifications vary depending on the model configuration, generally ranging from 9 to 15 ft-lbs for the plugs.
For the rear differential, which typically houses a limited-slip differential, the recommended specification is SAE 80W-90 meeting Ford specification WSP-M2C197-A. The capacity is 2.1 pints. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 is essential for the transfer case. For the rear differential, AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 80W-90 synthetic gear lube contains friction modifiers that are essential for the proper operation of limited-slip differentials, preventing chatter and ensuring smooth power delivery. Alternatively, SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140, 75W-90, or 75W-110 can be used depending on specific operating conditions, offering advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway.
Coolant and Brake Fluid Requirements
Maintaining the cooling system is vital for a turbocharged engine, as overheating can lead to catastrophic failure. The 2018 Ford Explorer’s cooling system requires a capacity of 13.1 quarts. AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a 50/50 pre-mix formulation that offers protection up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. It is phosphate-, nitrate-, and silicate-free, making it compatible with all other coolant colors and safe for all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. For those who prefer a concentrated product, the Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers flexibility in mixing ratios and extended service intervals.
Brake fluid plays a critical role in vehicle safety. The Explorer’s braking system utilizes Motorcraft DOT 4 LV High Performance Brake Fluid or an equivalent meeting WSS-M6C65-A2 or ISO 4925 class 6. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is an excellent substitute that provides superior performance. It ensures excellent responsiveness for ABS and traction control systems and maintains stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, preventing brake fade under heavy use.
About the Vehicle: 2018 Ford Explorer
The 2018 Ford Explorer represents a significant chapter in the history of American SUVs. Originally introduced in the early 1990s as a unibody SUV based on the Lincoln Continental platform, the Explorer has evolved into a benchmark for the mid-size SUV segment. By the 2018 model year, the vehicle had completed a major redesign, shifting to a rear-wheel-drive architecture that offered more precise handling and a more car-like driving dynamic compared to its body-on-frame predecessors.
This model year is particularly notable for the continued use of the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, a twin-turbocharged powerhouse that delivers substantial torque and horsepower. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine, designated by engine code [T] 0, is celebrated for its ability to provide the power of a larger V8 while maintaining better fuel economy. This engine is a favorite among those who value performance, whether they are navigating mountain roads or hauling loads. The Explorer’s design prioritizes versatility, offering a spacious interior that comfortably accommodates three rows of seating, making it a popular choice for families and adventure seekers alike.
The vehicle is well-regarded for its towing capabilities and advanced technology features. Owners appreciate the balance between comfort and rugged utility, with the 4WD options providing confidence in adverse weather conditions. The 2018 Explorer sits comfortably in the market, competing against rivals like the Chevrolet Traverse and Honda Pilot, yet it distinguishes itself with a more engaging driving experience and robust powertrain options.
Despite its strengths, the Explorer is not without its maintenance considerations. One common issue among EcoBoost engines, including the 3.5L variant, is the potential for carbon buildup on the intake valves and turbocharger components due to direct injection and high operating temperatures. Regular use of high-quality synthetic oil and periodic fuel system cleaning can mitigate this risk. Another area of concern is the potential for oil consumption in certain model years, which can be addressed by ensuring the engine is maintained with the correct viscosity and checking oil levels regularly.
Additionally, the power transfer unit (PTU) and transfer case fluid can degrade over time, leading to driveline issues if not changed according to schedule. AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-140 and other synthetic gear lubes are particularly beneficial here as they offer better thermal stability and wear protection. Finally, brake fluid hygroscopicity (water absorption) can lead to reduced boiling points, making AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid changes a prudent maintenance step to ensure consistent braking performance.
Using premium synthetic lubricants throughout the vehicle addresses these common pain points by providing superior thermal stability, enhanced cleaning properties, and extended service intervals. This proactive approach to maintenance ensures that the 2018 Ford Explorer continues to deliver the reliable, powerful performance that owners expect from the Ford brand.