Keeping your 2018 Ford F150 Pickup running at peak performance starts with selecting the right lubricants for its 3.3-liter V6 engine. Proper maintenance ensures that the engine, transmission, and drivetrain components operate smoothly, even under the heavy loads this truck is designed to handle. Using high-quality synthetic fluids minimizes wear, prevents sludge buildup, and extends the intervals between necessary service visits, allowing you to get more miles out of every gallon of fuel.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides superior protection against horsepower loss and wear for up to 25,000 miles or one year.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Offers extended oil drain intervals with enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother for up to 20,000 miles.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – An affordable entry into synthetic technology that fights sludge and deposits while providing OEM-recommended protection.
- AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Specifically formulated for vehicles with over 75,000 miles, featuring enhanced detergents and anti-wear additives to reduce sludge.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99% filtration efficiency at 20 microns to trap small contaminants that cause engine wear.
- WIX XP Oil Filter – A premium aftermarket option with media that offers improvements over standard OEM-branded filters.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A pre-mixed 50/50 formulation that exceeds OEM requirements and protects the cooling system for up to 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated option for heavy-duty use or specific applications where extended service intervals are desired.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands the rigors of heavy towing and elevated temperatures while maintaining fluidity in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A cost-effective synthetic alternative designed to protect the transmission against wear.
- AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube – Provides advanced protection against wear and thermal runaway in front and rear differentials, including limited-slip applications.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Ensures excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity across a wide temperature range.
Engine Oil and Filter Selection
The heart of your 2018 Ford F150 Pickup is the 3.3-liter V6 engine. For this powerplant, the correct viscosity is crucial for maintaining proper oil pressure and fuel economy. The manufacturer recommends a 5W-20 viscosity, and AMSOIL offers four distinct synthetic motor oil options to suit your driving habits and vehicle mileage.
If you are looking for maximum engine protection and the longest possible service intervals, AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is the top choice. It provides 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to industry standards. This oil is engineered to support drain intervals of up to 25,000 miles or one year, depending on operating conditions. It is particularly beneficial if you frequently engage in severe service, such as towing heavy loads, hauling cargo, or driving in extreme temperatures.
For drivers who want to extend their service intervals beyond what conventional oils allow but prefer a slightly more budget-friendly option than the Signature Series, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil is an excellent alternative. It features 37% more cleaning power than the OE series, helping to keep the engine running smoother and longer. This formula guarantees protection for up to 20,000 miles or one year, effectively combating sludge and protecting against Low-Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) in turbocharged applications, although the 3.3L is a naturally aspirated engine, the cleaning benefits remain valuable for long-term health.
Owners who prefer a synthetic oil that aligns closely with the specifications required by original equipment manufacturers but offers a lower price point will find the AMSOIL OE 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil to be a robust solution. This formulation is designed to fight sludge and deposits effectively, providing a solid synthetic base without the premium price tag of the top-tier line.
Finally, if your Ford F150 has accumulated significant mileage, specifically over 75,000 miles, the AMSOIL 5W-20 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil is the recommended choice. This fluid utilizes a unique chemistry including a boosted detergent and dispersant package. It features enhanced anti-wear additives designed to reduce sludge by 67% and help older engines perform better. This option provides guaranteed protection for 12,000 miles or one year, helping to revitalize aging engines and maintain their efficiency.
Regardless of which motor oil you select, pairing it with a high-quality filter is essential to trap the contaminants removed from the oil. The AMSOIL Oil Filter is engineered to provide filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns. This high level of filtration allows for lower restriction, keeping engine parts lubricated and reducing wear. It offers greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants than competing filters. For those who prefer a branded aftermarket filter, the WIX XP Oil Filter and the standard WIX Oil Filter are also available, offering premium media with improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters.
The oil capacity for this engine, including the filter, is 6.3 quarts. After refilling, always check the oil level to ensure the correct amount is in the crankcase. It is important to note that if you are using E85 or M85 fuels, AMSOIL recommends using the appropriate viscosity for the OEM recommended drain interval. Extended oil drains can only be extended through oil analysis when these fuels are used.
Transmission, Differential, and Cooling Systems
Maintaining the drivetrain and cooling systems is equally important for the longevity of your F150. The 2018 Ford F150 equipped with the 3.3L engine typically features the 6R80 automatic transmission. The initial fill capacity is 3.5 quarts, while a total fill for the 6-speed 6R80 requires approximately 13.1 quarts.
To protect your transmission from wear, sludge, and temperature-related problems, especially during heavy towing or in challenging terrain, consider the AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid. This fluid withstands the rigors of heavy towing and remains fluid even in sub-zero temperatures. It provides reserve protection during heavy use and abuse. For a more budget-conscious option that still offers 100% synthetic protection, the AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is a reliable choice that protects against wear while meeting fuel efficiency standards.
The differential and transfer case also require specific synthetic lubricants to function correctly. The manufacturer recommends the use of Motorcraft Premium Hypoid Gear lubricant, but AMSOIL provides a synthetic alternative that exceeds these requirements. For the front differential, which requires a 75W-85 synthetic oil, the AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 100% Synthetic Gear Lube is an excellent choice. It provides advanced protection against wear, controls thermal runaway, and helps reduce operating temperatures. The front differential capacity is approximately 3.6 pints.
For the rear differential, specifically those with a 9.75 rear gear, the capacity is approximately 5.5 pints of 75W-85 synthetic lubricant. The same AMSOIL SEVERE GEAR® 75W-85 is suitable for this application as well, containing friction modifiers for limited-slip differentials to ensure proper operation. Transfer cases also require synthetic lubricants; the ESOF and TOD transfer cases each hold approximately 3 pints. While the transmission fluid is sometimes used in transfer cases for specific configurations, using the dedicated gear lube ensures optimal performance.
The cooling system for the 3.3L F150 requires a substantial amount of coolant, with a total capacity of 15.6 quarts. Maintaining the correct antifreeze mixture is vital to prevent overheating and corrosion. The AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant is a pre-mixed 50/50 formulation engineered to exceed original equipment manufacturer requirements. It offers protection for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years. This OAT (Organic Acid Technology) formulation is phosphate-, nitrate-, nitrite-, silicate-, borate-, and amine-free, making it compatible with all other antifreeze colors. For those who prefer a concentrated fluid or have heavy-duty requirements, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant provides extended protection up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars and light trucks, or even longer in heavy-duty applications.
Brake Fluid and Seasonal Maintenance
Safety is paramount, and the braking system should always be in top condition. The 2018 Ford F150 recommends a high-performance brake fluid meeting specific standards. The AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness. It offers a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range, ensuring consistent pedal feel and braking performance in both hot and cold conditions.
For seasonal maintenance, especially if the vehicle is stored during off-seasons, protecting the fuel system and internal components is key. The AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup. If the engine will be idle for a long period, the AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil is designed to prevent rust on internal components during storage.
About the Vehicle
The 2018 Ford F-150 remains one of the most popular and capable pickup trucks on the market, known for its blend of rugged utility and everyday drivability. Introduced as part of the twelfth generation of the F-150 line, this model continued the industry trend of lightweighting the vehicle using high-strength aluminum alloy bodies, which significantly improved fuel economy without sacrificing towing or hauling capabilities. The 3.3-liter Ti-VCT V6 engine, the base powerplant for this year, offers a balance of reliability and efficiency, making it a strong choice for drivers who do not require the maximum output of the V8 or EcoBoost V6 options but still need substantial torque for towing and work tasks.
This generation of the F-150 was designed with a focus on versatility. Owners often utilize these trucks for a variety of purposes, from light commercial work and farming duties to recreational towing of boats or campers. The vehicle’s reputation is built on a robust platform that handles off-road trails, rough construction sites, and long highway commutes with equal competence. The cab configurations, ranging from regular cabs to the massive Super Duty crew cabs, ensure there is a layout suitable for almost any need. The interior of the 2018 model year saw significant upgrades in technology, including updated infotainment systems and improved ergonomics, making it a comfortable environment for both the driver and passengers.
While the 3.3L engine is generally reliable, owners of this vehicle should be aware of common issues that can arise over time, particularly as the truck ages or is subjected to severe service. One common challenge is the potential for sludge buildup, especially in engines that have been run with conventional oil or have not had regular changes. Synthetic oils like those from AMSOIL provide superior cleaning properties that help prevent this accumulation, keeping the oil passages clear. Another potential area of concern is valve train wear and camshaft phaser issues, which can be exacerbated by oil degradation. High-quality synthetic motor oil with advanced anti-wear additives can help mitigate these risks, ensuring the engine’s timing components operate smoothly.
Additionally, as the truck ages, seals and gaskets can begin to harden or leak, leading to oil consumption. The AMSOIL High-Mileage formula is specifically designed to address this by using additives that condition seals to reduce leaks and prevent oil burn-off. Finally, the cooling system, which is critical for the aluminum engine block, can suffer from corrosion or coolant degradation over time. Using a high-quality antifreeze with comprehensive corrosion inhibitors ensures that the cooling passages remain free of deposits, preventing overheating and costly engine damage. By addressing these common maintenance needs with premium lubricants, F-150 owners can extend the service life of their vehicles and maintain their value for years to come.