Maintenance And Longevity
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Maintenance And Longevity
Okay.....The 2015 F-150. How many miles/years do you think we can get out of this by strictly adhering to the maintenance schedule? And I mean STRICTLY.
I am one of those oddballs who want to take their truck to the grave with them.
I am one of those oddballs who want to take their truck to the grave with them.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
The only real area of concern I have is the transmission. 150,000 miles is way outside my level of comfort, as the fluid surely degrades over time. There have been plenty of cases in the past where Ford recommends lengthy transmission service intervals that have caused issues in the past.
I plan on changing my fluid every 60-90,000 miles, and would probably do the same for all the components on the 150,000 mile list.
I plan on changing my fluid every 60-90,000 miles, and would probably do the same for all the components on the 150,000 mile list.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
Likes: 4
From: Seattle area
I error on the side of caution when it comes to preventative maintenance. For oil, I run full synthetic and change it when I'm at about 20-25% remaining on the oil indicator. I verify the indicator is accurate (or not) with a few used oil analysis tests. As for all the other fluids and long-life parts, I also have problems going 100K+ miles on the original fill/part. I personally plan to change them all around the 90k mark.
Having said all that, I don't see why an OEM would suggest such a long cycle if it wasn't feasible. Heck, they're taking money away from the dealership and themselves. For me, it's cheap insurance to up the preventative maintenance cycle.
This is just my opinion and I've never held any of my Fords long enough to travel past the 100K mile mark (yeah, I have a problem). There are a lot of folks here that have and I bet many have strictly adhered to the maintenance schedule.
Having said all that, I don't see why an OEM would suggest such a long cycle if it wasn't feasible. Heck, they're taking money away from the dealership and themselves. For me, it's cheap insurance to up the preventative maintenance cycle.
This is just my opinion and I've never held any of my Fords long enough to travel past the 100K mile mark (yeah, I have a problem). There are a lot of folks here that have and I bet many have strictly adhered to the maintenance schedule.
Moderator
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 8,232
Likes: 1,248
From: San Antonio, TX
The OLM probably gets more people in the doors. Just think of how many people never change the oil. How many stories have you heard of original factory fit filters still being on cars with 80-100K miles on them, or 5 year old vehicles traded that have never had an oil change? It's far more common than you think.
Years ago, around 1995, a friend of mine got his hands on his grandmothers 1970 Caprice that she bought brand new. He tuned it up and when he changed the oil, it still had the original filter in place. He said that she and Grandpa told him it made no sense to change the oil because they always has to add a quart every couple months. His Grandpa had a 1975 F100 that he treated the same way. He wouldn't even pay for balancing on the tires because he though that was just a way to up charge. Funny, both of those vehicles lasted decades of farm use.
Years ago, around 1995, a friend of mine got his hands on his grandmothers 1970 Caprice that she bought brand new. He tuned it up and when he changed the oil, it still had the original filter in place. He said that she and Grandpa told him it made no sense to change the oil because they always has to add a quart every couple months. His Grandpa had a 1975 F100 that he treated the same way. He wouldn't even pay for balancing on the tires because he though that was just a way to up charge. Funny, both of those vehicles lasted decades of farm use.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
The OLM probably gets more people in the doors. Just think of how many people never change the oil. How many stories have you heard of original factory fit filters still being on cars with 80-100K miles on them, or 5 year old vehicles traded that have never had an oil change? It's far more common than you think.
Years ago, around 1995, a friend of mine got his hands on his grandmothers 1970 Caprice that she bought brand new. He tuned it up and when he changed the oil, it still had the original filter in place. He said that she and Grandpa told him it made no sense to change the oil because they always has to add a quart every couple months. His Grandpa had a 1975 F100 that he treated the same way. He wouldn't even pay for balancing on the tires because he though that was just a way to up charge. Funny, both of those vehicles lasted decades of farm use.
Years ago, around 1995, a friend of mine got his hands on his grandmothers 1970 Caprice that she bought brand new. He tuned it up and when he changed the oil, it still had the original filter in place. He said that she and Grandpa told him it made no sense to change the oil because they always has to add a quart every couple months. His Grandpa had a 1975 F100 that he treated the same way. He wouldn't even pay for balancing on the tires because he though that was just a way to up charge. Funny, both of those vehicles lasted decades of farm use.
Some good friends of ours just blew up their '15 Kia Sorento at 31,000 miles. They did their own oil changes and didn't keep receipts. They took the valve covers off, saw sludge, and denied the warranty claim because of neglect.
I think engines are far more forgiving than people think, but that can only be pushed so far. My wife's '08 CR-V would routinely go more than 10,000 miles before the OLM went below 40%. I ended up switching to synthetic for my peace of mind, but I don't think the engine ever cared.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
I can't speak to the 15+, but I can provide some evidence from an 09 that's still humming along at 178K and a 14 that was traded in at 225K. Both were 100% functional, burned zero oil (or so little I couldn't measure it with the dipstick), and I would have hopped in either and driven across the country with no worries. Both were 4x2, so if you're talking 4x4, add the necessary service.
Mobil 1 5W20 oil every 5K (both trucks idled a fair amount)
Transmission fluid every 75K (the proper Motorcraft, not some aftermarket fits-most fluid)
Diff every 100K
Plugs every 75K
All other fluids (coolant, brake, power steering, etc.) every 100K
And, of course, all the wear items as needed. Tires, brakes, shocks, etc.
Both trucks suffered the transmission connector leak, but that's basically it besides normal wear and tear. When they departed, they were running great... no squeaks, tight steering, etc.
Our 08 Mariner, with basically the same maintenance schedule, is purring along at almost 175K.
Mobil 1 5W20 oil every 5K (both trucks idled a fair amount)
Transmission fluid every 75K (the proper Motorcraft, not some aftermarket fits-most fluid)
Diff every 100K
Plugs every 75K
All other fluids (coolant, brake, power steering, etc.) every 100K
And, of course, all the wear items as needed. Tires, brakes, shocks, etc.
Both trucks suffered the transmission connector leak, but that's basically it besides normal wear and tear. When they departed, they were running great... no squeaks, tight steering, etc.
Our 08 Mariner, with basically the same maintenance schedule, is purring along at almost 175K.
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 97
Likes: 4
During my career in Volvo dealerships, I saw many well maintained cars with milage in excess of 400K, including turbocharged engines. I expect nothing less from this this truck.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 40,046
Likes: 1,524
From: Maine, Virginia
IMHO the maintenance schedules are ridiculously set with the first owner in mind. A car builder isn't making squat on a vehicle after it's been sold unless future owners all use the dealership for maintenance and repairs.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
Sells new vehicles.
Senior User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Central Florida
Just curious when you did the 1st oil change on those vehicles?
I can't speak to the 15+, but I can provide some evidence from an 09 that's still humming along at 178K and a 14 that was traded in at 225K. Both were 100% functional, burned zero oil (or so little I couldn't measure it with the dipstick), and I would have hopped in either and driven across the country with no worries. Both were 4x2, so if you're talking 4x4, add the necessary service.
Mobil 1 5W20 oil every 5K (both trucks idled a fair amount)
Transmission fluid every 75K (the proper Motorcraft, not some aftermarket fits-most fluid)
Diff every 100K
Plugs every 75K
All other fluids (coolant, brake, power steering, etc.) every 100K
And, of course, all the wear items as needed. Tires, brakes, shocks, etc.
Both trucks suffered the transmission connector leak, but that's basically it besides normal wear and tear. When they departed, they were running great... no squeaks, tight steering, etc.
Our 08 Mariner, with basically the same maintenance schedule, is purring along at almost 175K.
Mobil 1 5W20 oil every 5K (both trucks idled a fair amount)
Transmission fluid every 75K (the proper Motorcraft, not some aftermarket fits-most fluid)
Diff every 100K
Plugs every 75K
All other fluids (coolant, brake, power steering, etc.) every 100K
And, of course, all the wear items as needed. Tires, brakes, shocks, etc.
Both trucks suffered the transmission connector leak, but that's basically it besides normal wear and tear. When they departed, they were running great... no squeaks, tight steering, etc.
Our 08 Mariner, with basically the same maintenance schedule, is purring along at almost 175K.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 2
Call me old-fashioned, but I do the first change at 1K, the second change at 5K, then every 5K thereafter. I've seen enough UOAs showing quite high wear metals in the first fill, so I'd rather get that out of the motor.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 25,479
Likes: 742
From: Isanti, MN
For what it's worth, here's a post an an EcoBoost forum(Not FTE) from a guy with an '11 over 300,000 miles:
I'm now at about 293k. Getting to 300k fast. I change my oil when the computer tells me to, which is about 6-7k miles. I've run conventional Valvoline since it was new, with the exception of a couple changes when my quick change shop was out of Valvoline so I had them put Castrol in. Since my last post, at about 290k, the range sensor went out in the transmission. The computer couldn't detect that it was in park so it wouldn't allow the engine to start. At the Ford dealer it cost me $125 for the part, $300 labor plus fluid. I went ahead and had them replace the original battery at $135. The total came in at $644. The first signifIcant money I've spent on the truck, but it wasn't on the engine.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,710
Likes: 77
From: Central Florida
On my EcoBoost I get the oil changed when there is some where between 10 & 20 percent life left on the OLM. On my 6.2 I've been going down below 5%. Everything else I just do it at the recommended dealer interval.
Lead Driver
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 5,889
Likes: 360
From: Mts. S. of San Francisco
Oils have changed so much in the last few decades that I think we worry too much about this particular issue. Today's oils are very, very good. I think full synthetics (like Mobil 1) are perhaps a bit better, but not that much any more.
New User
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Getting 300k out of a vehicle is pretty darn good. I'm sure everything around the engine will fall apart first before engine internals.
I would be concerned about Turbo bearings as the spin very fast and dirty oil will kill a turbo. The EB torture test vids indicate they are extremely durable though.