How to Change Your S550 Mustang's Oil

Oil is the lifeblood of your S550 Mustang's engine, so make sure it has a fresh supply by regularly changing your Mustang's oil. Oil not only lubricates the engine, but it helps keep the engine clean, cool, and operating at peak efficiency. You should change your S550 Mustang's oil every 3-4 months, or 3,000-5,000 miles, to keep your engine running its best.

Below, you'll find all the information you need, including step-by-step instructions, to change your 2015-2023 Mustang's oil.

What Oil to Use In Your 2015-2023 Mustang

The oil you use in your Mustang is just as important as how often you change it. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to poor performance and other issues. For 2015-2023 Mustangs, Ford recommends 5W-20 oil for GTs (and 2015-2017 V6s), 5W-30 oil for EcoBoosts, and 5W-50 oil for GT350 and GT500 Mustangs.

S550 Mustang Oil Change Instructions

Required Tools and Supplies:

• New Oil Filter
• 5 Quarts of Fresh Oil
• Oil Pan
• Oil Filter Plier
• Funnel

Step 1: Lift Your S550

First, you'll need to get your S550 off the ground so you can access the drain plugs and oil filter. A lift makes this very easy, but a jack and jack stands or ramps will work, too.

Related: Not sure where the jack points are on your Mustang? Check out our guide on how to jack up an S550 Mustang.

Step 2: Remove Belly Pan

The next thing you'll want to do is remove the belly pan that covers the oil plug. Take out the four screws holding the belly pan in place to access the plug.

Step 3: Place Drain Pan Below Drain Plug

Once you find the plug, you'll want to put down an oil pan or some other container to catch the oil once the drain plug is removed. Putting cardboard below the container or pan to catch drips or oil splatter is also a good idea.

S550s can hold 10 quarts of oil, so make sure whatever drain pan you're using can hold that amount.

Step 4: Remove Drain Plug

Remove the drain plug to start draining the oil. No tools are required for the removal. The plug can be removed by hand.

Step 5: Drain Oil

Once the plug is removed, the oil should start draining in a smooth stream. Let the oil drain until the stream lessens to a slow drip. Once the oil drip has stopped, reinstall the drain plug.

Step 6: Check O-Ring for Damage

Once the oil plug is removed, remember to check the O-ring seal to make sure there is no damage that could cause an oil leak. If there's no damage, go ahead and reinstall the drain. If there is damage, get a replacement oil drain plug as soon as possible.

Step 7: Remove Old Oil Filter

The oil filter on your S550 can be found on the underside of the frame just in front of the power steering rack. Keep your oil pan from the previous step handy, as the oil from the old filter may spill out when removed.

You should be able to unscrew the filter by hand, but you can use a wrench if the seal is too tight. Simply twist off the filter. It's normal for some oil to leak out while you remove it.

Pro Tip: Keep the old filter facing up as you remove it from the body. This will keep excess oil from leaking. Dump the filter oil in the pan once it's removed.

Step 8: Lubricate New Oil Filter

Dab some oil from the old filter onto the new one to lubricate it. This'll make it easier to install.

Step 9: Install New Filter

Screw the new filter in at the same spot the old one was removed. Tighten by hand, no need for a wrench. Clean up the area around the new filter with a rag to get rid of any excess oil.

Step 10: Add New Oil

With your oil drained and your new filter in place, it's time to add fresh oil to your S550. Most S550 models will require 5W-20 oil, however, Ford made a change in 2021 models to begin recommending 5W-30. Make sure to check your Mustang's manual for the recommended oil type.

After you have selected your oil, locate the oil cap under the hood of your Mustang (pictured below) and unscrew the cap.

Use a funnel to fill the tank with fresh oil.

Step 11: Check Oil Level

To make sure your oil has been topped off correctly, locate the oil dipstick under the hood of your mustang, remove it, and clean it off.

Reinsert the dipstick and remove it again for an accurate reading. Check to make sure the oil level is between the x's above “add” and below “max”.

Step 12: Dispose of Used Oil

Take your used motor oil to a local auto parts store or garage that offers recycling, or donate it somewhere that uses a waste oil heater.

Keep Up with Maintenance on Your S550

Before your next oil change, be sure to check out upgrades for your Mustang's oil system. To learn more about oil viscosity and the differences between conventional and synthetic oils, check out our in-depth Mustang oil guide. If you want great deals on S550 parts and more helpful content like this, don't forget to sign up for our newsletter.

Check out our other three Ford Mustang oil change guides.

• 1964.5-1973 Mustang Oil Change Guide
• Fox Body Mustang Oil Change Guide
• S650 Mustang Oil Change Guide