Keeping your 2017 Ford Fusion running smoothly for years to come hinges on a few key maintenance habits, and perhaps none is more critical than using the correct oil. It’s the lifeblood of your car’s engine, reducing friction, managing temperature, and keeping internal components clean. If you’ve ever found yourself staring at a wall of oil bottles at the auto parts store, feeling a little unsure about which one is right for your vehicle, you’re not alone. Getting the right 2017 Ford Fusion Oil Type and Recommendations is essential for protecting your investment and ensuring optimal performance.
The specific oil your Fusion needs isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer; it actually depends on which of the several available engines is under your hood. Using the wrong viscosity or type of oil can lead to reduced fuel economy, potential engine knocking, and even long-term damage. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from decoding the owner’s manual to the simple steps for checking and changing your oil, empowering you to make the best choice for your car’s heart.
Finding the Right 2017 Ford Fusion Oil Type and Recommendations
The most important place to start is your owner’s manual, as it holds the factory-approved specifications for your specific vehicle. Generally, for the 2017 Ford Fusion, the recommended oil type is motor oil that meets the industry standard of API Certification and is labeled as SAE 5W-20. This viscosity rating is ideal for a wide range of temperatures, providing good engine protection during cold starts and stable performance once the engine is warmed up.
However, there is a key exception. If your Fusion is equipped with the powerful 2.7L EcoBoost V6 engine, Ford specifically recommends using a slightly different viscosity: SAE 5W-30. This highlights why checking your manual is so crucial. Using 5W-20 in a 2.7L engine, or vice versa, is not advised and could affect engine performance and longevity.
Conventional, Synthetic Blend, or Full Synthetic?
When it comes to the type of oil, you have three main choices. Conventional oil is a refined petroleum product and is the most basic option. A synthetic blend mixes conventional oil with synthetic base stocks, offering better performance and protection than conventional oil alone, often at a mid-range price point.
For the best protection, especially in a modern, efficient engine like the Fusion’s, full synthetic oil is the way to go. Full synthetic oils are engineered to provide superior lubrication, withstand higher temperatures, and resist breakdown for longer periods. They also flow better at low temperatures, which is great for engine start-up. While full synthetic is more expensive per quart, it often allows for extended oil change intervals, which can balance out the cost over time. Most experts and mechanics would recommend a full synthetic for your 2017 Fusion to keep it running in peak condition.
How Much Oil Does Your Fusion Need?
Knowing the oil capacity prevents you from overfilling or underfilling, both of which can cause problems. Again, this depends on your engine:
- 2.5L Engine: Requires approximately 5.7 quarts of oil with a new filter.
- 1.5L & 2.0L EcoBoost Engines: Both require about 6.0 quarts of oil with a new filter.
- 2.7L EcoBoost V6 Engine: Requires approximately 6.3 quarts of oil with a new filter.
It’s always a good practice to buy a little extra—a 5-quart jug plus an additional single quart is a common strategy—to ensure you have enough for the entire change and any top-offs.
When to Change Your Fusion’s Oil
The old rule of “every 3,000 miles” is largely outdated for modern vehicles. For your 2017 Fusion, Ford typically recommends an oil change interval of every 7,500 miles or 6 months under normal driving conditions. However, this is a general guideline. If your driving consists mostly of short trips, frequent stop-and-go traffic, or extreme weather conditions, it’s wise to change your oil more frequently, perhaps every 5,000 miles.
Your car is also pretty smart about this. The Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor system in your Fusion calculates the optimal oil change interval based on your actual driving habits. It will display a message in the information display when an oil change is due. Trust this system, but also use your own judgment based on your driving style.
A Simple Guide to Checking Your Oil Level
It’s a great habit to check your oil level at least once a month. Here’s how to do it properly:
- Park your car on a level surface and ensure the engine is turned off and has been cool for at least 10 minutes. This allows the oil to drain back into the pan.
- Open the hood and locate the dipstick, which usually has a bright yellow or orange handle.
- Pull the dipstick out completely and wipe it clean with a lint-free cloth or paper towel.
- Re-insert the dipstick all the way back into its tube, then pull it out again to get a clear reading.
- Look at the end of the dipstick. The oil level should be between the two marks or holes indicating “MIN” and “MAX.” If it’s at or below the “MIN” mark, you’ll need to add a quart of oil.
In summary, using the correct oil is one of the simplest and most effective ways to care for your 2017 Ford Fusion. Always default to your owner’s manual for the final say, but remember that for most models, SAE 5W-20 full synthetic is the ideal choice, with the notable exception of the 2.7L V6 requiring 5W-30. Pairing the right oil with regular checks and timely changes will help ensure your Fusion remains a reliable and enjoyable car for many miles down the road.