Should You Change the Oil in Your Ford Truck if it’s Under Warranty?
Maintaining your own Ford truck shouldn’t present any problems, so long as you take a few important steps.
While our numbers have dwindled in recent years, many of us still prefer to change our own oil. And quite a few of us also like to do the majority of our own maintenance, up to a point. These tasks (aside from oil changes) aren’t quite as easy to do on newer, more technologically advanced pickups, however. And if you’ve sprung for an extended warranty, you certainly don’t want to do anything to void it. So, we can’t blame Ford Truck Enthusiasts member MrOneEyedBoh for wondering aloud in this FTE forum thread if changing your own oil might lead to problems down the road.
“So, I bought my 2019 Ford Super Duty along with the 8-year/100k ESP warranty. Mainly for the electronics in the vehicle. I was talking to some people, and many said to take the vehicle in for service and to not do it myself. They cited that Ford can and will deny warranty claims if there is an engine related issue. They also said if I do change it myself, save all the receipts. I would also be using OEM Ford filters and Motorcraft oil. Is this a bad idea?”
Fellow member Scottyg2333 just so happens to work for Ford, so he’s able to provide a little reassurance on the matter.
“As long as you fully document everything you do, you should be fine. I’ve had several clients do their own maintenance and never have a warranty denial. Keep a detailed log book with receipts. You can even take pictures and save them all in a file in case you need them. Check and see if your Ford dealership will dispose of your used oil. If so, getting a receipt from them when you drop it off is another good indication that you’re doing them on a timely basis.”
Several members point out that receipts don’t really prove that you actually used those products. As well as question why you would need so much documentation. But Scottyg2333 points out that if you’re faced with an expensive repair claim, that sort of stuff could really come in handy.
“Come in needing a $15,000 engine swap. They’re not going to bust your chops on a small repair. But if you need a new engine they’re going to dig in and try every reason they can think of to not pay. I’m not saying they won’t. But believe me, if you walk in with a full logbook with everything they could ask for it will go much easier. Doesn’t take any extra time to throw everything in a folder, but if you have a real issue you will be glad you have it. Having receipts doesn’t show you did it, but it shows intent and gives you an extra leg to stand on.”
Fellow member senix has a great recommendation for how to keep track of this information electronically as well.
“If you have Ford Pass or the Ford owner website, you can document it there. Then, write it down on the receipt and put it in a folder which you probably have at home anyway with the window sticker and bill of purchase. One time and one time only, I had my local dealer ask me about my oil changes. I pointed him to the website and nothing further was asked.”
So far, it sounds like those who maintain their own Ford trucks have nothing to worry about. But we’re curious to hear from you. Have you ever had to file a warranty claim after doing your own maintenance? Head over here and tell us how your experience went!
Photos: Ford Truck Enthusiasts Forums
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