Ford F-150 Maintenance Schedule
Keeping your F-150 in good shape means following a reliable service plan. That is why our North County Ford team provides recommended intervals for major tasks, and maintaining them supports durability, performance, and safety, whether you’re putting in heavy mileage or using the truck for everyday driving around Vista, Ramona, Escondido, and Valley Center, California. See what services your Ford F-150 is due for next!
Smarter Oil Changes with the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™
Every modern F-150 comes with an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™, a smart system that determines when you actually need an oil change based on your driving habits. Instead of relying on a fixed mileage schedule, it monitors things like engine load, operating temperature, and trip length to calculate oil life in real time.
When it’s time for service, a reminder will appear in your instrument cluster — so you’ll always know exactly when to change your oil. At each oil-change interval, our technicians will also inspect your tires, brakes, suspension, and cooling systems to catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. Think of this as your truck’s regular check-up: a quick way to keep everything running smoothly between longer service visits.
Routine Maintenance Intervals
While the oil-life monitor helps with the essentials, there are still key services your F-150 needs at certain mileage milestones to keep it in top shape.
Around 20,000 miles, both the cabin and engine air filters should be replaced to keep airflow clean and efficient. At roughly 30,000 miles, most F-150s benefit from a transfer-case and front-axle fluid change — especially four-wheel-drive models that see off-road use.
As your odometer reaches 60,000 miles, it’s time to inspect the spark plugs and accessory drive belts. For trucks used in tougher conditions or equipped with a pickup-bed power outlet, those spark plugs may need replacement at this stage.
By 100,000 miles, plan for a more comprehensive service that includes changing the automatic transmission fluid and filter, inspecting belts again, and replacing spark plugs. At 150,000 miles, fluid changes for both axles and the transfer case become important to maintain smooth performance, and by 200,000 miles, the engine coolant should be replaced to keep the cooling system strong and efficient.
Brake fluid, on the other hand, follows a time-based schedule — Ford recommends changing it every three years regardless of mileage.
Tailoring Maintenance to How You Drive
No two F-150 drivers use their trucks the same way. Some tow heavy trailers through hot Southern California summers; others use their truck mainly for highway commuting. Ford’s schedule allows for this flexibility. If your truck frequently tows, idles for long stretches, or sees off-road use, you’ll want to shorten some of these intervals.
It’s also smart to log each service visit and keep receipts. This not only helps track what’s been done but can also boost resale value as Kelley Blue Book states.* Using geniune Ford parts and fluids will ensure your truck continues to perform as the engineers intended — tough, efficient, and dependable.
Keeping Your F-150 at Its Best
Following the Ford F-150 maintenance schedule is the easiest way to protect your investment and keep every drive as confident as the first. From oil changes guided by the Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor™ to interval-based services like fluid replacements and spark-plug checks, each step is designed to keep your truck ready for whatever comes next out on the roads of Vista, Ramona, Escondido, and Valley Center, CA.
When it’s time for service, your local Ford-certified technicians here at North County Ford can help you stay on track, making sure your F-150 runs like new for years to come. Schedule your service appointment now.
*Source: Kelley Blue Book