I have concerns about determining proper oil for my rides, which are an 08' Ranger with 78,000 miles and the wife's 07' Edge with 95,000 miles. I know that both vehicles specify 5W20 and that the owner's manual states a specific property must be meet. For example, the correct oil for the Edge (according to the manual) states, 'XO-5W20-QSP' for US where I live, but then further states 'WSS-M2C930-A with API Certification Mark'. I thought that all oil sold in the US had to be API certified? Also, how exactly do I easily find whether my choice of oil meets the WWSS-XXX-etc criteria? It seems odd to me that say Valvoline could meet the criteria for the Edge yet not the Ranger when both vehicles accept the 5W20 oil. Could someone please shed some light on this. I belong to several automotive forums and all these oil change brand and filter threads had me shaking my head. But, now, I'm seriously somewhat concerned of not the oil I use but rather the non Motorcraft filter. Both my vehicles get whatever the shop uses. The Edge started with PenZoil because that is what the Quick Lube carried before switching to Valvoline. Now, it has seen Coastal. My Ranger has seen Aqip (Shell), Valvoline, PenZoil, and Coastal. Anyway, I have been trying to break myself of the 3K oil changes that I used to have done, and i am continually increasing my intervals based on the belief that today's oils are far better than yesterday's. I increased first to 3500 miles between changes and now, I'm averaging 5000 between changes (w/o analysis). The filters is where I am concerned because evidently Motorcraft is the only brand with the anti-drain valve, which seems important. (On a side-note, I know that MC filters are manufactured to spec by Wix or Purolator). I am seriously considering stopping my whoever-is-cheapest method of shop selection and having my local Ford Quick Lane perform all future oil changes so that I get my semi Synthetic MC oil and filter with anti-drain valve. Thoughts and sorry for the long post. Thanks in advance.

 

i have let ford service dept change the oil in my vehicles for close to 10 years now. cost is online for what it would cost for me to do it, and i don't have to worry about getting rid of the old oil.
when i started, it was $19.95 for the crown vic and $99.95 for the diesels.
it is now $29.95 and $119.95.

my dealer uses motorcraft filters and valvoline all fleet plus oil.

 

So, I know that Ford doesn't manufacture oil, but if I frequent a dealer, I'd want an MC filter and oil. If I wanted Valvoline, then, I'd go there myself. I see your reasoning and price is good. I don't work on cars. I'm 37 and wasn't given the wrenching skills. Plus, I live in an apt., which hinders everything.