How to Choose the Oil and Fluids for a Ford Taurus

The Ford Taurus shares basic characteristics and design with its sister car, the Mercury Sable. Using the wrong oil and fluids in your Ford Taurus can cause serious damage to your car. Using the right oil and fluids in your Ford Taurus will prolong its life and stretch intervals beyond servicing.

Instructions

1

Make sure that you're using Mercon(R)V automatic transmission fluid for the automatic transmissions in any 1998 or later Ford Taurus. Using the wrong automatic transmission fluid can damage your transmission. Mercon automatic transmission fluid should also be used for power steering fluid.

2

Fill your A/C compressor--only if it's running low, as too much oil can reduce its cooling capacity--with Motorcraft YN-12b refrigerant oil. If you use an equivalent it must meet Ford specification WSH-M1C231-B.

3

Mix 50% water and 50% ethylene glycol antifreeze to protect your car down to -34F. Use up to 70% antifreeze if lower temperatures are expected, but no more; pure coolant does not cool as well as coolant mixed with water.

4

Add DOT 3 brake fluid to your brake reservoir as necessary.

5

Refill your battery cells with distilled water only if they measure low when you check the battery. Each cell should be checked and filled individually.

6

Remember, before you change the oil, that Ford recommends SAE 5W-30 viscosity oil for use in gasoline engines under all climate conditions. SAE 10W-30 is acceptable in moderate to hot climates.

7

Put Motorcraft's Premium Windshield Washer Concentrate in your windshield washer reservoir for best results.