Skip to Content

Can A Ford Fusion Use Conventional Oil: 7 Scenarios to Consider

Can A Ford Fusion Use Conventional Oil: 7 Scenarios to Consider

Every car that you will own will come with a certain amount of routine maintenance that will have to be done. From tire changes to oil changes, you will have multiple things that you will keep up with to make sure your car is working properly and running smoothly. 

When it comes to oil changes, you have the option to use either synthetic or conventional oil. There are multiple reasons for choosing one of these choices over the other, but this isn’t always the easiest decision to make. 

When it comes to having a Ford Fusion, you want to give you car the best oil to keep it running as smooth as it drove the first time you brought it home from the lot. Synthetic and regular oil is used for different reasons, and synthetic oil is not always the clear choice. 

Your driving habits can play a role in the type of oil that you choose the use in your car because different factors of driving can lead to a decrease in its effectiveness.

So, can a Ford Fusion use conventional oil?

Ford officially recommends that the Ford Fusion use full synthetic oil 5W-20 in normal climates, and OW-20 in extremely cold climates. However, depending on your driving habits and location this may not be a necessity.

While that is their “official” recommendation, there are other factors that play a role in determining what type of oil you can realistically use. Keep reading to learn how to tell if conventional oil is right for your vehicle! 

Difference Between Synthetic and Conventional Oil

Both synthetic and conventional oil work great for different reasons. 

Synthetic oil is artificially made and does not need whole crude oil for manufacturing. Conventional oil is an oil that is extracted from the Earth by drilling and does not require any artificial additives.

Why is one chosen over the other?

Well, here are 7 reasons why someone might choose synthetic oil over the traditional conventional oil option. 

Reason #1 – You Don’t Change Your Oil Often 

With many cars that use conventional oil, you will need to change your oil around every 3,000 miles. However, if you are not someone who tends to stick to that timeframe often, then synthetic oil might be the better option of the two. 

Synthetic oil is not as easily broken down and can last longer in between oil changes than conventional would. Synthetic allows you to go a longer number of miles without needing an oil change, which is perfect for those who tend to go longer anyways. 

However, if you stay on top of your oil changes, then this might not even be a factor. Plus, synthetic is often more expensive to get changed out than conventional oil, so you will be paying a higher price for each oil change. 

Reason #2 – You Don’t Drive A Lot of Miles 

Putting a lot of miles on your car might be a reason that getting oil changes more often is what you tend to do. If you have to drive a long way to work or take trips every weekend, then this adds up throughout the year. 

In this case, you would want to have multiple oil changes as you hit the 5,000 or 6,000-mile mark if you have synthetic. If you have conventional oil, then you would have to get an oil change every 3,000 miles, which will add up throughout the year. 

Although synthetic is more expensive, because you can go a long time without an oil change, you might actually come out ahead by spending more for a fewer number of oil changes in the long run.

If you drive less than 6,000 miles a year, then you would only need an oil change around every six months, which is how long synthetic oil can last.

Reason #3 – Your Car Spends A Lot of Time In Idle

Although this might not be an issue for the average driver, there are cases where drivers need to idle their car without airflow for a longer time than they’d like.

This could be a delivery vehicle that has a short time limit for deliveries, so the driver keeps the car on when stopped to save time.

In this situation, the idling can be hard on your vehicle’s engine. Conventional oil will not hold up as well in these conditions as synthetic, which makes the synthetic a better choice for any driver who idles for a long time

Reason #4 – High-Temperature Areas

If you live or work in an area where the temperature is very high throughout the year or is over 10,000 or so feet, then your oil will break down at a faster rate.

Long-term engine running in this heat can cause your conventional oil to break down and not last as long as synthetic. When your engine is running hot, it uses up conventional oil faster, and synthetic oil will be able to last much longer.

For moderate temperature areas, this will not show a major difference, but for high-temperature areas, synthetic will be the way to go.

Reason #5 – Low-Temperature Areas

Just as a high-temperature climate makes a difference in the longevity of your oil, colder areas with lower than average temperatures can also affect your oil. This is especially true when it comes to extreme weather conditions that occur in low temperatures.

Large amounts of snow, blizzards, and freezing winds will all make it more difficult for your oil to last while operating your car’s engine. The cold will strain the oil and affect the performance of your vehicle. 

Synthetic, however, is not nearly as affected as conventional oil and can still last much longer within freezing cold conditions. This makes it a better option when it comes to those who live in extremely cold areas. 

Reason #6 – Abnormal Driving Conditions 

For those of you who like to take your Ford Fusion and other vehicles out to the desert to race, go ATV riding, or camp, these are considered abnormal driving conditions because they are not your typical commute. 

Towing trailers, boats, or other large items also fit into this category because it is not something that is done often. However, when you are taking a trip or moving and need to tow an item, this will affect your oil.   

If you take long trips or tow items often, then your oil will suffer more than you might think. Both of these driving conditions make your car’s engine run a little hotter than it normally would during a commute or short trip to the store. 

If you are using conventional oil, then your oil will break down faster and need to be changed more often. Synthetic will last longer and not require you to pay for an oil change nearly as often. 

Reason #7 – You Don’t Like to Use Conventional Oil 

There are a number of reasons why people like synthetic or conventional over the other option, but although they both affect performance and engine power, it can come down to which one you like better. 

If you like staying on top of oil changes and don’t want to pay the difference for synthetic oil, then this is the choice that you want to make. If you like using synthetic, then this is your personal choice as well. 

Though there are recommendations for what type to use on each make and model, you can often choose to use whatever one fits your budget and lifestyle better. 

What is Better For the Ford Fusion 

The Ford Fusion, like other Ford vehicles, comes with a recommendation for which oil to use for the best performance. In this case, that recommendation suggests that a driver should use synthetic oils for the Ford Fusion model.

However, that is not necessarily set in stone. If you have a 4-cylinder vehicle, it can be run on conventional oil if you prefer it. 

Only high-performance vehicles that state that they must have full-synthetic oil for the engine are bound to that recommendation completely. But, for your Ford Fusion, you can choose the type that you like the best. 

A Note On Synthetic Blends 

Before you opt for an oil change to get synthetic oil, you want to know that some places use blends that don’t have the amount of synthetic oil you need to reap the benefits of synthetic oil. 

Before getting a synthetic blend, find out what percentages are used so you can make sure that you are getting something that is worth what you are paying for it.

Otherwise, you are paying more for conventional oil with a splash of synthetic that won’t make a difference in your engine. 

Final Thoughts 

A Ford Fusion is a great car to drive, and it is a reliable option that will get you where you need to be. But, when it comes to oil, not everyone has the knowledge to pick which one will work best for them. 

The recommendation may be synthetic, but if your driving habits don’t warrant the rise in the price of every oil change, then that might not be the best choice for you.

We covered many factors that will help determine which oil type is right for your Ford Fusion’s engine, and you can come back to read through this article whenever you are thinking about making a change. 

Whether you choose to stick to the recommendation strictly, or you want to test out both options to see what you prefer, you can do what feels right and get the most out of your engine with the oil that you like the best. 

Zach Reed

Hi, I'm the founder of VehicleAnswers.com! Having owned a wide variety of vehicles in my life, I was astounded at how hard it can be to find answers to common automotive questions. Rather than sit idly, I decided to create this website to help others!