I know this probably sounds like a rookie question, but this is my first brand new vehicle. Is an oil change recommended or necessary after the first 1000 miles? Or should I wait till I hit 3000?

 

I don't think it matters either way. I didn't change mine until 3000 miles when my truck was new, I'm at 54,000 now and it's fine. Change it if it makes you feel better, but I don't think you'll do any harm leaving it be until 3000.

 

My first change was at 3000. Now have 49,275 and it barely moved on the stick between the last change, 4650 miles.

 

If it was my $40K, it change it at 1000, your engine is not broke in yet, and ya gotta give it the cleanest oil you can, on the other hand, your truck came with a maintainence schedule in your owners manual, so whatever Ford thinks will be in there.

 

These engines come broken in. I tried to have mine changed at 1500, the dealer advised I was wasting money and said I should wait til 3000.

 

Thanks for the advice all. I think I'll save my money and follow the maintenance schedule I got with the truck. I've always changed my oil at 3000mi. I just wanted to make sure there weren't any exceptions to the norm.

 

We're wasting our money at 3,000 miles, too. Don't be fooled into thinking that oil suddenly goes bad at 3,000 miles. It's a long standing gimmick and marketing scheme. Always has been, always will be...

 

Possibly, however, if you live in a dusty area, such as I do, they still advise to change it every 3000 to 3500. I usually change mine every 3500 to 3800, but put a lot of highway miles on it the last month, so went to just over 4600.

 

Georgia has one of the worst pollen seasons in the world, but I wouldn't classify us as high dust overall.

I get my engine oil tested by Blackstone Labs. Every vehicle, and regular intervals. I went 12,000 between changes on my 4.7L Dakota (had a dual filter/bypass setup), and the oil was still usable. I just didn't feel like going more than that...

 

I've bought 5 new Fords in the last 3 years. Every dealer said the same thing. First oil change at 3000. Then go to the 5000 or 7500 mile interval.

At 5000 miles, regular old Dino oil is still in pretty good shape (i.e. clean) in all my 5.4L's. I see no reason not to go to 7500.

 

It's good to get it tested anyway, just to make sure. Test like every other change at a minimum. It only costs $22.50...

 

I know the longer interval is probably just fine, but when it starts getting so dark at 3500, I can't take it. It does't cost much and makes me feel better.

 

Changing the oil at 1000mi won't hurt anything........however I did my 1st change at 3000mi.......

 

I usually get coupons for an oil change, $18. So I can just have it changed for the price of a test.

 

Testing is to make sure there are no major (or minor) problems with the engine and how it's breaking in/running. It's basically a way to track engine wear over the life of the engine.