3.3L V6 Ti-VCT
- Oil viscosity
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity
- 6 qt with filter
- Oil spec
- Motorcraft or API SN, WSS-M2C945-A
- Timing drive
- Chain, no scheduled service
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Yellow
Thirteenth generation (2015 to 2020)
2018 Ford F-150 Maintenance Schedule
Enter the current mileage to see what needs attention, then use the milestones below to plan the work ahead.
Review status Aug 11, 2026 Verification against the printed manual in progress
BodyPickup
DriveRWD / 4WD
Transmission10-speed automatic (10R80) / 6-speed automatic (3.3L)
Engines4 available
01 / Full schedule
Service points by mileage
Grouped the way a service booklet reads. Costs are broad national shop ranges; severe use shortens the intervals shown in that column.
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire rotation | Rotate | 7,500 mi / 6 mo | Same | $25 to $60 | Light |
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil | Replace | 10,000 mi / 12 mo | 5,000 mi / 6 mo | $65 to $125 | Light |
| Front brake pads | Inspect | 10,000 mi / 12 mo | Same | $150 to $320 | Moderate |
| Oil filter | Replace | 10,000 mi / 12 mo | 5,000 mi / 6 mo | Included in service | Light |
| Rear brake pads | Inspect | 10,000 mi / 12 mo | Same | $150 to $320 | Moderate |
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake lines and hoses | Inspect | 15,000 mi / 12 mo | Same | Up to $60 | Light |
| Suspension and steering inspection | Inspect | 15,000 mi / 12 mo | Same | Up to $90 | Light |
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine air filter | Replace | Every 30,000 mi | 15,000 mi | $35 to $75 | Easy |
| Shocks and struts | Inspect | Every 30,000 mi | Same | $600 to $1400 | Involved |
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Serpentine belt | Inspect | First at 60,000 mi, then every 15,000 mi | Same | $90 to $200 | Light |
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine coolant | Replace | First at 100,000 mi, then every 50,000 mi | Same | $130 to $260 | Moderate |
| Spark plugs | Replace | Every 100,000 mi | Same | $150 to $420 | Moderate |
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic transmission fluid | Replace | Every 150,000 mi | 30,000 mi | $150 to $320 | Moderate |
| Front differential fluid | Replace | Every 150,000 mi | 50,000 mi | $70 to $140 | Moderate |
| Rear differential fluid | Replace | Every 150,000 mi | 50,000 mi | $70 to $140 | Moderate |
| Transfer case fluid | Replace | Every 150,000 mi | 60,000 mi | $75 to $150 | Moderate |
| Service item | Action | Normal interval | Severe use | Shop range | DIY |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | Test | Every 12 mo | Same | $160 to $320 | Light |
| Battery terminal cleaning | Clean | Every 12 mo | Same | Up to $40 | Easy |
| Brake fluid | Flush | Every 36 mo | Same | $90 to $160 | Moderate |
| Tire pressure | Inspect | Every 1 mo | Same | Up to $10 | Easy |
| Washer fluid | Inspect | Every 1 mo | Same | Up to $10 | Easy |
| Wiper blades | Inspect | Every 6 mo | Same | $30 to $80 | Easy |
Time limits still apply when you drive fewer miles than the interval. Calendar-based items are listed in their own group above.
02 / Engine and fluids
The specs people need at the parts counter
Confirm the engine before buying fluids, filters, or ignition parts. Capacities and specs differ between them.
2.7L V6 EcoBoost (2nd gen)
- Oil viscosity
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity
- 6 qt with filter
- Oil spec
- Motorcraft or API SN, WSS-M2C946-A
- Timing drive
- Chain, no scheduled service
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Yellow
3.5L V6 EcoBoost (2nd gen)
- Oil viscosity
- 5W-30
- Oil capacity
- 6 qt with filter
- Oil spec
- Motorcraft or API SN, WSS-M2C946-A
- Timing drive
- Chain, no scheduled service
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Yellow
5.0L V8 Coyote (3rd gen)
- Oil viscosity
- 5W-20
- Oil capacity
- 8.8 qt with filter
- Oil spec
- Motorcraft or API SN, WSS-M2C945-A
- Timing drive
- Chain, no scheduled service
- Coolant
- Motorcraft Yellow
Common tire sizes 245/70R17265/70R17275/65R18275/55R20
03 / The year in context
What this schedule asks of you
The 2018 F-150 carries the mid-generation refresh: a 3.3L base V6, second-generation EcoBoost engines with dual injection, the updated 5.0L V8, and the 10-speed automatic on everything but the base engine. The service rhythm holds steady at a 10,000-mile oil ceiling, 7,500-mile rotations, and 100,000-mile plugs and first coolant.
Fluid identity is the trap on these years. Two oil viscosities, two transmission fluids, and a coolant formulation change mean the parts counter needs the exact engine and year, not just the nameplate. The door jamb and the owner manual settle it in seconds.
As with every F-150, towing rewrites the schedule. The special operating conditions plan cuts the transmission interval to 30,000 miles and shortens everything else. If the hitch sees regular use, run the truck on that plan and treat the normal chart as the best case.
SEV
Shorter intervals
Do you use the severe schedule?
Frequent short trips, towing, dusty roads, extreme temperatures, and long idling shorten the intervals. The severe column in the table above shows by how much; the toggle in the mileage check applies it.
Check severe-use timing04 / Worth knowing
Before you book service
- 01
Still no cabin air filter on these years; the schedule omits one because the truck does not have one.
- 02
The refreshed 5.0L V8 grew to an 8.8-quart oil capacity, and some 2018 to 2019 examples drew oil-consumption complaints. A monthly dipstick check is the cheap defense either way.
- 03
The 10-speed automatic takes Mercon ULV. The 3.3L base engine keeps the 6-speed and Mercon LV; the two fluids are not interchangeable.
- 04
A 3.0L Power Stroke diesel joined for 2018. Diesel service differs enough that this page covers the gasoline engines only.
05 / Cost outlook
What routine service may cost
Estimated from this schedule over five years or 60,000 miles of normal driving. Parts, labor rates, location, and condition all move the total; treat these as planning figures.
5 years / 60K at a shop $750 to $1,750 Independent shop rates
DIY parts estimate $250 to $670 Routine items only
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them, this site earns a commission at no extra cost to you. See the full disclosure.
Find parts for this F-150
- Engine oilAmazon AutoZone O'Reilly Auto Parts
- Engine air filterAmazon AutoZone O'Reilly Auto Parts
- Wiper bladesAmazon AutoZone O'Reilly Auto Parts
- Front brake padsAmazon AutoZone O'Reilly Auto Parts
- BatteryAmazon AutoZone O'Reilly Auto Parts
08 / Common questions
2018 F-150 service answers
01 How often does a 2018 Ford F-150 need an oil change?
The published interval is every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Under severe conditions such as short trips, towing, dust, or extreme temperatures, the interval drops to 5,000 miles.
02 Does the 2018 Ford F-150 have a timing belt or a timing chain?
Every available engine, the 3.3L V6 Ti-VCT and the 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (2nd gen) and the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (2nd gen) and the 5.0L V8 Coyote (3rd gen), uses a timing chain. There is no scheduled timing belt replacement.
03 What oil does the 2018 Ford F-150 take, and how much?
3.3L V6 Ti-VCT: 5W-20, 6 quarts with filter. 2.7L V6 EcoBoost (2nd gen): 5W-30, 6 quarts with filter. 3.5L V6 EcoBoost (2nd gen): 5W-30, 6 quarts with filter. 5.0L V8 Coyote (3rd gen): 5W-20, 8.8 quarts with filter. Confirm the grade printed in the owner's manual before buying.
04 When do the spark plugs need to be replaced on a 2018 Ford F-150?
The schedule calls for spark plugs every 100,000 miles. Heavy towing wears plugs faster, especially on turbocharged engines. Pull one for inspection around 60,000 if the truck works hard.
05 Does the 2018 Ford F-150 ever need automatic transmission fluid changes?
Plan on automatic transmission fluid every 150,000 miles, or 30,000 miles under severe use. Normal duty is 150,000 miles. Towing, plowing, or fleet duty moves it to 30,000.
06 When does the 2018 Ford F-150 need a coolant change?
Engine coolant is first due at 100,000 miles, then every 50,000 miles. The specified coolant is Motorcraft Yellow.
07 What extra maintenance does the 4WD F-150 need?
The driveline adds its own fluids: differential gear oil and, where fitted, transfer case fluid. They are inexpensive services with long intervals under normal use, and much shorter ones under towing or off-road duty. The schedule table lists each with its interval.
08 What counts as severe service for the 2018 Ford F-150?
Repeated trips under about five miles, extended idling, stop-and-go traffic in heat, dusty or gravel roads, towing, and sustained sub-freezing starts. If a few of those describe a typical week, use the severe column in the table above; most manufacturers write their fine print around exactly that kind of driving.
09 / Sources
Where this schedule came from
- 2018 Ford F-150 Owner's Manual, maintenance section Accessed 2026-08-11
- 2018 Ford scheduled maintenance guide Accessed 2026-08-11
Reference only. Confirm the schedule for your exact vehicle in the owner's manual. This site is not affiliated with Ford or any manufacturer.
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