Bought a 2023 F-150 in Sept 2023. Has about 5,000 miles, so we're averaging 600 or so miles a month. We're going to be on the road from Mid-July thru Sept, so based on avg usage, we should be around 6,000 miles when we hit the road. We're going to put on 5,000+ miles on our trip, and will return right around the one year anniv purchase date.

I have no idea what the oil change schedule is, and assume it probably has a built-in nanny that says "Time for an oil change". I'd rather not get one on the road, but would prefer to use my trusted Ford guy here in town. An oil change before we leave seems an obvious choice, but I thought I'd ask here in case there's anything I'm not thinking thru.

Also, what else would you recommend looking at or changing before we hit the road? We will not be towing, just my wife and I and a small dog.

Thanks!!

 

I would recommend every 5,000 at least.

 

My 2023 recommended the first change at 10k miles, which I did around 9k. Now going forward it's 5k. I was surprised the first one was so long.

 

I feel less confident giving you an actual interval before when the truck tells you... but I would recommend going full synthetic in pretty much any turbocharged engine you plan on keeping. It just won't degrade nearly as quickly as non-synthetic. I was at around 7k before a long road trip so I went ahead and did it a little early, but only because I didn't want to deal with it while on the road.

 

I don't let any of my vehicles go over 5,000 before I change the oil and filter.

 

I do mine every 5K. Mobil1 EP and motorcraft oil filter.

 

Your truck is pretty new. I say change the oil to get it out of the way, and give fluids, filters, and tire pressures (including your spare) a look over and enjoy your trip! I change my oil every 7,500 miles and all is well.

 

Anyone who changes their oil at X miles that is NOT based on past oil analysis (e.g., Blackstone Labs) is doing little more than wasting money. Fact. I don't care if it makes you feel better. I don't care if you can afford to change it every 1,000 miles. Unless oil analyses tell you that you NEED to do oil changes at X miles, you're accomplishing nothing besides wasting money and throwing away good oil.

OP - I would change it now, before your trip. You will get back long before another is due. Wait for the IOLM to advise your next change. With EVERY change, send a sample to Blackstone Labs. Their analyses will tell you EXACTLY what's happening inside your engine, and will advising you on oil change interval based on past oil analyses.

BL will send you the test/collection kits for free.

Standard Oil Analysis | Blackstone Laboratories (blackstone-labs.com)

 

There is a fantastic book that should have come with the truck that is "magical" ...... it answers all your questions regarding scheduled maintenance.
As a bonus it even shows you how all the doodads and thingamajiggies work all around the vehicle!!
But it is not automated... it is manual.

 

The OCI is as specified by the OLM and owners manual. It roughly equates to approx 10k. The manual states that you must use XX weight oil, XX ford specification, etc. So long as you meet the specs in the manual, youre good for the 10k interval. 5k mile oil change intervals is really early on modern oils. I go 7500 on the MC semi-syn, and even thats probably too early.

That said, there is nothing wrong with an early oil change other than wasted money. I would change it before the trip as to not worry about it on the trip or when you return.