If you own a Ford Escort, you know how important it is to take care of your vehicle. Knowing the correct oil type and capacity for your Ford Escort can significantly affect how your vehicle runs and how long it will last. This blog post will discuss why oil type and capacity matter and the recommended oil type and capacity for your Escort.
Why do oil type and capacity matter?
Oil type and capacity are two important aspects of engine maintenance that you should overlook when caring for your vehicle. The oil used in a car is essential because different types are better suited to different engine designs and temperatures. The incorrect type of oil can lead to decreased performance, increased wear and tear, and even engine damage.
The engine oil’s capacity, or amount, is also vital to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Too little oil can cause the same problems as using the wrong type of oil, while too much oil can lead to overfilling and potential damage. Additionally, using the wrong oil type or capacity can void warranties and lead to expensive repair bills. Hence, knowing the correct oil type and quantity for your vehicle is essential to keeping it running correctly and extending its life.
Recommended oil type for each generation of Ford Escort
Ford Escort has been classified into two major categories depending on the region. Vehicles sold in North America are divided into three generations. The second category is vehicles sold in Europe, divided into six generations. Each generation of Ford Escort has a recommended oil type with a specific capacity that varies slightly between models.
The following tables show which oil type and capacity should be used with each model of Ford Escort. It applies to Europe as well as North American models.
Ford Escort oil type
| Model year | Recommended oil type (All TEMPS) |
| Sixth generation | |
| 2000 | Semi synthetics, Mineral 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-30, 5W-40 |
| 1999 | Semi-synthetics, Mineral, Hydrocracking 10W-40, 15W-30, 15W-40 |
| 1998 | Semi-synthetics, Mineral, Hydrocracking 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-30 |
| 1997 | Semi-synthetics, Mineral, Hydrocracking 10W-30, 15W-30, 15W-40, 5W-30 |
| 1996 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-30, 15W-40 (All Temps) |
| 1995 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-30, 15W-40 (All Temps) |
| Fifth Generation | |
| 1994 | Mineral, Hydrocracking, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-30, 15W-40 |
| 1993 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-30, 15W-40 |
| 1992 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 15W-30, 15W-20 |
| 1991 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 15W-30, 15W-20, 10W-30, 10W-20 |
| 1990 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 15W-20, 10W-30, 10W-20 |
| Fourth Generation | |
| 1989 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 15W-20, 10W-30, 10W-20 |
| 1988 | Mineral, Hydrocracking 15W-20, 15W-30, 15W-40, 10W-30 |
| 1987 | Mineral 15W-20, 15W-30, 15W-40, 10W-30 |
| 1986 | Mineral 15W-20, 15W-40 |
| Third Generation | |
| 1985 | Mineral 15W-30, 15W-20, 15W-40, 10W-40 |
| 1984 | Mineral 15W-20, 15W-30, 15W-40, 10W-40 |
| 1983 | Mineral 15W-30, 15W-20, 10W-30 |
| 1982 | Mineral 15W-20, 10W-30 |
| 1981 | Mineral 15W-20, 10W-30 |
| 1980 | Mineral 15W-30, 15W-20, 10W-30 |
| Second Generation | |
| 1979 | Mineral 15W-20, 10W-20, 10W-30 |
| 1978 | Mineral 15W-20, 10W-20, 10W-30 |
| 1977 | Mineral 15W-20, 10W-20, 10W-30 |
| 1976 | Mineral 15W-30, 10W-20, 10W-30 |
| 1975 | Mineral 15W-40, 10W-20, 10W-40 |
| First Generation | |
| 1974 | Synthetics SAE 10W-40 |
| 1973 | Synthetics SAE 10W-40 |
| 1972 | Synthetics SAE 10W-40 |
| 1971 | Synthetics SAE 10W-40 |
| 1970 | Synthetics SAE 10W-40 |
| 1969 | Synthetics SAE 10W-40 |
| 1968 | Synthetics SAE 10W-40 |
Recommended oil capacity for each generation of Ford Escort
Ford Escort oil capacity
| Model Year | Engine Type | Recommended Oil Capacity |
| Sixth Generation | ||
| 2002 | 2.0-Liter Zetec Four-Cylinder | 4.5 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 2001 | 2.0 L Inline 4 Engine | 4.5 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 2000 | 2.0-Liter Twin-Cam 16-Valve Duratec Four-Cylinder | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1999 | 2.0 L Inline 4 Engine | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1998 | 2.0L L4 SOHC 8 Valves | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1997 | 2.0L L4 SOHC 8 Valves | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1996 | 1.9L L4 SOHC 8 Valves | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1995 | 1.9-Liter Four-Cylinder | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| Fifth Generation | ||
| 1994 | 1.6 Litre Four-Cylinder | 3.43 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1993 | Inline 4 Petrol Engine | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1992 | 1.4 Litre Inline 4 Petrol Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1991 | Inline 4 Petrol Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1990 | 1.9 L Inline Four-Cylinder | 4.2 Quarts (With Filter) |
| Fourth Generation | ||
| 1989 | 1.9 L Inline Four-Cylinder | 4 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1988 | 1.6L Inline Four-Cylinder | 3.43 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1987 | 1.6L Inline Four-Cylinder | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1986 | 1.6L Inline Four-Cylinder | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| Third Generation | ||
| 1985 | 1.6L Inline Four-Cylinder Petrol Engine | 3.7 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1984 | Inline 4 Petrol Engine | 3.43 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1983 | Inline 4 Petrol Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1982 | 1.6L Inline 4, Petrol Engine | 3.7 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1981 | Inline 4, Petrol Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1980 | Inline 4, Petrol Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| Second Generation | ||
| 1979 | Inline 4, Petrol Engine | 4.5 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1978 | Inline 4 Leaded Petrol Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1977 | 1.8 Litre Naturally Aspirated 4 Cylinder Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1976 | 1.1 L Gasoline Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
| 1975 | 1.1 L Gasoline Engine | 4.49 Quarts (With Filter) |
The first-generation Ford Escort is no longer available in market. Hence, we couldn’t find reliable information regarding their recommended oil type and capacity.
FAQs
What happens if I use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in my Escort?
If the recommended oil for your Escort’s model is 5w30, then using 5w20 may cause problems. The engine may not get enough lubrication from the thinner oil, and that can cause it to wear out prematurely. As a result, you may have to replace the engine sooner than expected.
Final words
Your Ford Escort model’s oil type and capacity requirements may vary depending on the year it was manufactured. That being said, knowing the right type and oil capacity is essential if you want your car to perform at its best. It’s best to refer to your owner’s manual or consult a professional to ensure you use the right oil for your particular Ford Escort model. Furthermore, regular trips to a qualified mechanic or service centre can help ensure that your car’s engine remains in tip-top shape.