Excitement Rises as Mach-E Orders Re-Open
The automotive industry is always changing as manufacturers aim to innovate and meet increasing consumer demands. Benna Ford was recently informed that orders are re-opening for the Mach-E electric SUV. This move comes with some compelling upgrades, such as an increased EPA estimated range, improved hands-free technology, and more attractive pricing options.
Setting the Tone in the EV Industry
The Mach-E is an all-electric SUV that has been generating a lot of buzz since its release. While its exterior design has been praised for its sleek and modern look, it’s the interior highlights and upgrades under the hood that are truly impressive. Let’s take a closer look at these developments and see why the Mustang Mach-E remains a frontrunner in the electric vehicle market.
Longer EPA Estimated Range:
Ford has made significant improvements to the Mustang Mach-E’s driving range. The company has made strides in battery technology, enabling the Mach-E to cover more ground on a single charge. This extended range allows drivers to take longer journeys confidently without the need for frequent charging stops. Ford’s dedication to providing a reliable and practical electric vehicle experience is evident in its focus on increasing the EPA estimated range.
Improved Technology:
The Mach-E has advanced hands-free technology powered by Ford’s Co-Pilot360™. Ford’s Co-Pilot360™ Technology is a collection of intelligent driver-assist features. One of these features is the latest hands-free driving system called BlueCruise. With BlueCruise, drivers can navigate compatible sections of pre-mapped highways hands-free. This makes long-distance drives more enjoyable and reduces driver fatigue. Therefore, Ford is setting a new standard for convenience and safety in the EV market.
Lower pricing:
Ford is introducing lower pricing options for the Mach-E, in addition to the enhanced range and hands-free technology. The aim is to make electric mobility accessible to a broader range of consumers. This pricing strategy demonstrates their commitment to sustainability and recognition of the growing demand for electric vehicles at various price points. The Mach-E features an enticing combination of features and competitive pricing. As a result, Ford is positioning itself as a strong contender in the EV market. With more affordable configurations, the Mach-E is set to appeal to a wider range of consumers. Ford’s commitment to sustainability and affordability shows its determination to make a difference in the electric vehicle market.
Leading From the Front
Ford’s decision to reopen orders for the Mach-E and introduce notable upgrades further solidifies its leading position in the electric vehicle industry. The enhanced EPA estimated range, advanced hands-free technology, and lower pricing options reflect Ford’s commitment to providing an exceptional electric driving experience that meets the needs and desires of modern consumers. As the world transitions toward a more sustainable future, Ford is making electric mobility more accessible and attractive. The Mustang Mach-E not only offers impressive performance and convenience but also contributes to reducing our carbon footprint.
With Ford’s unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries, the Mach-E is poised to make a lasting impact and redefine the way we think about electric vehicles. If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle that combines cutting-edge technology, extended range, and affordability, Benna Ford is ready to help you take home your new Mustang Mach-E. Come on down to Benna Ford. Our friendly and helpful staff is ready to assist you with anything you need and answer any questions you may have.
Back and Better Than Ever: 2023 Ford Maverick
What is new and exciting about the 2023 Ford Maverick versus its previous model? There is so much that has changed! Here at Benna Ford, we are excited to spread the news about the upgrades to the Ford Maverick. From the interior and exterior, to what’s under the hood, the Ford Brand has certainly created a buzz around this affordable sporty pickup. When designing the 2023 Ford Maverick, there was only efficiency and innovation in mind.
What Has Really Changed?
When you break it down, the Ford Maverick is designed differently in four main categories; Exterior, interior, mechanical, and the packages offered. Let’s take a deeper dive into these four areas to check out the exciting new changes.
Exterior – The colors Rapid Red and Velocity Blue, exterior colors from the previous year, are discontinued to make way for the two new exterior colors. The 2023 Ford Maverick now comes in an Avalanche Gray and Atlas Blue Metallic.
Interior – Inside, you will see that there is a soft vinyl-wrapped steering wheel that comes standard on the Lariat trim and on the XLT trim with the optional Luxury Package. The XL and XLT without the Luxury Package come with a urethane steering wheel. The 2022 Maverick had a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel on XLT trim with Luxury Package and on Lariat trim. Cruise control is standard on the 2023 Maverick XL trim, while it was standard on the XLT and Lariat trims in previous years but not available on the XL trim. The 2023 Maverick Lariat Luxury Package also includes SYNC 3 as part of the optional package, while it was unavailable for the 2022 model year.
Mechanical – The 2023 Maverick powertrain lineup stays the same as in 2022, with a standard 2.5L I4 gasoline hybrid engine that generates 191 horsepower and 155 pound-feet of torque, paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) and front-wheel drive. The Maverick XL and XLT trims feature this engine. The optional 2.0L I4 EcoBoost engine comes with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission, offering 250 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available on all three trim levels.
Furthermore, several functional features, such as bed tie-down locking rails, spray-in bedliner, and hard drop-in bedliner, are now available as standalone options instead of being included in a package. For XLT and Lariat trims, the remote start system is also available as a standalone option, having previously been included only in the XLT Luxury and Lariat Luxury packages.
Packages – There have been significant changes to the Mavericks package lineup. The Tremor Off-Road Package is the highlight of these changes and can be added to Maverick XLT and Maverick Lariat trims for an extra $2,995. This package includes strong off-road suspension, Trail Control, front skid plates, and Advanced 4WD, as well as selectable Drive Modes for different driving conditions.
The Tremor Package also has exterior features like a redesigned front bumper, unique grille, and 17-inch Machined-face Tarnished Dark Aluminum wheels with Orange painted pockets. The Tremor Orange theme is carried to the vehicle’s interior, which features Black Onyx seats with Tremor Orange stitching and logos. The Tremor Appearance Package and the Black Appearance Package are also available options.
Come See Us
Benna Ford is the perfect place to test drive the new Ford Maverick, one of the best vehicles on the market. This compact pickup truck is versatile and practical, with a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain option that is perfect for city driving. It also offers impressive towing and hauling capabilities, making it a great option for those who need a vehicle that can handle both work and play. To make sure that customers receive the best possible product, Ford chose to update all aspects of the Ford Maverick. This makes the Maverick new and exciting for all that choose to get behind the wheel. So, come to Benna Ford and experience the best that the new 2023 Maverick has to offer.
Ford Performance have proven time and time again that they can take any vehicle and make it the absolute best of the road, track, and off-road. And, once again, the Ford Bronco took a clean 1-2-3 finish at the recent King of the Hammers off-road competition in the Ultra4 4600 Stock Class. Oh, by the way, they did the exact same thing at the same race in the same class last year. So, two years in a row, Bronco absolutely dominated.
You may be asking at this point, what is the King of the Hammers? To put it simply, it’s an off-road race that’s held every year that puts vehicles through both high-speed desert racing and intense rock crawling. This year was the 18th running of the event, and it obviously didn’t disappoint.
Don’t Let Me Down HOSS
Ford Performance runs the Bronco in the 4600 class, which means it’s a stock, road-legal vehicle. Each Bronco entered into the race starts life the same way as any other 2-door model being made in Ford’s Michigan Assembly Plant. They use the 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 that makes 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque and the High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension, or HOSS as Ford calls it.
When asked why they bring the Bronco to the King of the Hammers race, Ford Performance Motorsports’ global director, Mark Rushbrook, said, “Racing and off-road competition like King of the Hammers lead to better products, like Bronco and Bronco Raptor. The stock class Every Man Bronco 4600s continue to showcase the development of new technologies, and these learnings can help us improve the vehicles our customers drive every day.”
Special Edition Bronco For You
Fox, the company behind the famous Fox Shocks and Fox Racing Shocks that Ford use for the Bronco and F-150, have developed and are selling the new Ford Bronco King of the Hammers Edition. The exclusive, Bronco-only features include: Fox 2.5 Performance Elite shocks, BDS 4” PE coilovers, 37/12.50R18 BF Goodrich KM3 tires, 18” Ojos wheels, carbon fiber fender flares, fully equipped ARB air compressor system, King of the Hammers badging, KoH seats, KoH graphics package, Nacho TM5 combo white lights, White Rock lights, among other things, plus a 3-year, 36,000-mile warranty. Talk to us today about ordering a King of the Hammers edition Bronco, or any of the other Bronco and Bronco Sport models available.
For College and Beyond – The ‘23 Ford Maverick
Heading off to college can be an exciting and even overwhelming experience for many who attend. With so much new information to ingest, it’s important that our future leaders are set up for success on their way into the world. As a proud promoter of the Ford brand, Benna Ford embraces what it means to live with an adventurous spirit and is proud to introduce a ride meant to match the drive.
Hitting the Ground Running
The 2023 Ford Maverick hits the ground running with a low starting price, throwing it high in the ranking of potential options. As one of the most affordable pickups presently on the market, it’s a savvy choice for a student on a budget. Ford tough and built to last, the Maverick confidently comes with a three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. This noteworthy contender can get college students through their college years and beyond, making it a wise investment and a safe bet.
Compact and Versatile
Small and mighty, the Maverick is made for tight spaces and city drives just as much as trips into the wild to get away from it all. As it is a compact truck, finding a space to park before class doesn’t have to be a source of stress. However short in length, it still offers plenty of room for cargo as well as spacious seating for five. With such a roomy interior and a bed with a 1,500-pound capacity, successfully getting everyone to the spring break destination can be a breeze.
Firing on All Cylinders
Adding to its value, the Maverick features a standard hybrid powertrain that pairs a four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, making it fuel efficient. Saving on gas can make a considerable difference on a budget and is especially helpful for those who make longer commutes to get to and from school. As if this was not enough, the standout vehicle is also packed with technological features. It comes with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a Wi-Fi hotspot, wireless phone charging, and a 10-speaker audio system.
Truly Remarkable
The perfect car can enhance a student’s college experience and set them up for success. As convenient transportation to class, extracurricular activities, and weekend events, this adaptable pickup is the perfect fit for the adventurous academic. In its offering of security and durability, it can also give the reassurance needed to keep a busy mind on the things that matter most. With all its versatile and admirable qualities, the 2023 Ford Maverick makes for a truly remarkable option.
Contact us today at Benna Ford to inquire about a Maverick for your college-bound child, or perhaps, yourself.
With the rise in demand for clean energy and renewable resources, a new industrial revolution has begun. We here at Benna Ford, along with the majority of the automotive industry, have returned with renewed enthusiasm for the evolution, enhancement, and more efficient manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Despite the recent rise in popularity and the increasing need for EVs, the lack of charging infrastructure in the United States is hindering widespread adoption.
A Need for Counteraction
The need for EVs is becoming more pressing in order to counteract the impact of fossil fuel-based transportation on the environment. The transportation sector is responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change. By switching to EVs, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and help mitigate the effects of climate change. Additionally, EVs are becoming the more fiscally responsible option. Not only do they have lower operating costs and require less maintenance than traditional vehicles, but the cost of batteries is now also decreasing, making EVs more affordable for the general public.
Lighting Up Liverpool
Despite these benefits, the lack of charging infrastructure remains a significant barrier for users across the country, particularly in rural areas. There are not enough charging stations to meet the needs of EV drivers, and some charging stations are only compatible with certain types of EVs. A company called Ubitricity, a recent addition to the Shell group, has taken steps to eliminate this impediment in Liverpool, UK. Working brilliantly with the existing city infrastructure, Ubitricity has used the city’s lampposts for over 6000 charging points in London and plans to add 300 to Liverpool.
Increasing Coordination
Perhaps we can take a page from their book here in the US in our efforts to make EVs more mainstream. It would take the collaboration and coordination of all potential stakeholders as well as continuity across all brands. Local governments, utility companies, and private businesses will need to work together to provide incentives and funding, improve standardization, and increase coordination. With these solutions, we can ensure that EVs become a viable and practical alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
A Mighty Ambition
The ambition of this might may seem too great a task, but in human history, seemingly insurmountable heights have been surpassed again and again. When people unite over a common goal, next to nothing is beyond our reach. At Benna Ford, we believe wholeheartedly in the power of the human spirit and know that if we come together on this, the impossible will become possible yet again.
What Benna Ford understands from our many small business and fleet manager customers is that people who purchase business vehicles are significantly more focused than your average vehicle consumer. While personal buyers can be motivated by a wide variety of factors, the small business owner and fleet manager will be looking foremost at initial cost, operating cost, reliability, and capability. And for the past 18 years, the annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America™ Awards have helped show them the vehicles that represent their concerns. And this year, Ford vans and trucks swept the competition.
Our Winners
Ford vehicles came out on top nine times at the 18th annual Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America™ Awards. That is significantly more than any other manufacturer. Of four available truck awards, Ford claimed three. Of nine van awards, Ford won six. The specific Ford winners are:
- Transit Connect cargo vans (Six-time winner)
- Transit Connect passenger vans (Seven-time winner)
- T150 cargo
- T250 cargo
- T350 passenger
- E-Transit 350 cargo
- Maverick Hybrid XL (Two-time winner)
- F-250 XL (Three-time winner)
- F-350 XL
How Winners are Selected
Vincentric’s methodology in determining their awards involves a cost of ownership analysis of over 2,000 vehicle configurations based on their typical use in fleets. They focus on eight different cost factors, including:
- Depreciation
- Fees & taxes
- Financing
- Fuel
- Insurance
- Maintenance
- Opportunity cost
- Repairs
“The Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America Awards provide guidance to fleet professionals by identifying vehicles that will bring proven value to their fleets,” said Vincentric President, David Wurster. “Managing costs is a critical part of fleet management, and our awards give valuable insight into which vehicles offer the lowest lifecycle costs in their segments.”
Who is Vincentric?
Vincentric is a privately-held Michigan-based research company that provides data, knowledge, and insight into the automotive industry with a focus on the many many aspects of automotive value. Vincentric data is frequently cited by several well-known automotive sites and publications, including Autoblog, Automotive Fleet Magazine, AAA, among others.
If you are to invest in a vehicle for your business, be it a light or heavy-duty pickup, or any size van, the numbers and accolades point to Ford. And in the Superior-Duluth area, that means Benna Ford. Contact the fleet specialists at Benna Ford to see how we can best serve your business vehicle needs.
Ford To Return To Formula 1 In 2026
Ford has been a global powerhouse in racing since 1901. Henry Ford, attempting to repair his reputation after a failed attempt at running his first car company, beat an established and accomplished car maker and racing driver, Alexander Winton, in a sweepstakes race in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. Ever since then, Ford has understood the phrase, “Race on Sunday, sell on Monday,” to be true for them.
Most people know Ford’s racing success at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the Ford GT40, re-popularized by the blockbuster film by James Mangold starring Matt Damon and Christian Bale, “Ford v. Ferrari”. However, did you know that Ford were an engine supplier in Formula One from 1967 until 2004? Even more, they are the third-winningest engine manufacturer behind Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari. But something even more wild … to date, they have the most successful engine track record of all time.
Racing History Personified
In 1967 when Ford debuted their engine called the “Double Four Valve”, or DFV for short, which was a combined partnership between Ford and Cosworth, another famous engine builder. It won the first race it had entered. The Dutch Grand Prix in June of 1967 was won by Jim Clark in a Lotus Ford.
From 1967 until 1985, the DFV Ford engine would undergo a few tweaks, but it powered a staggering 155 race wins out of 262 races it entered during that time. Let’s do the math on that quickly: if it entered 262 races, winning 155 of them, that’s an average winning percentage of 59%. In 18 years, it won FIFTY-NINE PERCENT of the time. To give you some perspective, Tom Brady played in the NFL for 22 seasons and has a career-winning percentage of 75%. Hopefully, that gives you a good understanding of how dominant Ford was at that time. Sadly, they’d only go on to win 19 more races between 1986 and 2004. They then sold what was the Jaguar Racing team they powered to Red Bull Racing in 2005.
To date, Ford is tied with Mercedes-Benz for powering 13 Formula 1 driver championships. Only Ferrari has more at 15. The first driver to win a championship with a Ford motor was the fantastically mustachioed Graham Hill in 1968 with a Lotus Ford. The last was Michael Schumacher’s first championship in 1994 in a Benetton Ford. Keep in mind Ford had just entered F1 as an engine builder in 1967.
To The Future, And Beyond!
Starting in 2026, Ford will be coming back to the glory that is F1 to power the Red Bull Racing team, with two-time (so far) world champion driver Max Verstappen, who is contracted to be with the team through 2028.
Red Bull Racing has won the Formula One Constructors’ Championship a total of five times, sweeping four years in a row from 2010 to 2013 and then once again in 2019. Red Bull’s drivers have won a total of 6 driver’s championships. Sebastian Vettel won four in a row driving for them from 2010-2013, and now their current hotshoe, Max, has won the last two in a row for 2021 and 2022, with a high likelihood of winning his third championship this year in 2023.
In 2021 Red Bull created a new engine manufacturer called Red Bull Powertrains, RBPT, to take over for Honda after they decided to leave Formula 1 as an engine supplier after 2022. From 2026 onwards, it will become Red Bull Ford Powertrains.
Benna Ford
Benna Ford is excited to bring you updates on our favorite sport, racing! If you have any questions regarding our new or used inventory, contact us today and let one of our expert staff help you. Should your Ford need maintenance or service, use our easy scheduling tool to get your vehicle taken care of the right way!
The 2024 Ford Mustang Info and Order Guide Now Live
Ford aren’t done yet, folks. No, the new 2024 Ford Mustang shows how dedicated they are to providing fun and amazing gas-power vehicles, especially with V8s.
Starting now, you can order your brand new Ford Mustang in pretty much any flavor that you choose. Whether you want an automatic or a manual, an EcoBoost or a V8, a nice riding car with some oomph, or a full-on track devourer, it’s all here.
The Mustang’s base price is $30,920, which really is not expensive when you consider what you’re getting. The base 2.3-liter EcoBoost Inline-4 puts out 315 horsepower, available only with a lightning-quick shifting 10-speed automatic transmission and an optional 3.55 final drive and limited-slip differential with the Performance Package.
Stepping up to the venerable Coyote V8 will cost you $41,495 and now making a whopping 480 horsepower. You can option your Mustang GT with a 12-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system and have either a 6-speed manual or 10-speed automatic.
The newest Mustang on the block is the Dark Horse, making 500 horsepower and 419 lb-ft of torque at just $57,970. Again, it can have either the manual or the automatic transmissions. The Dark Horse will carry the same 5.0 Coyote V8. Standard is the MagneRide adjustable damping system, which can change the suspension tuning on the fly via a button.
Not Just A Pony Car, A Techy Car
All Mustangs come with a 12.4-inch instrument display cluster that allows you to change and fine tune your gauges. It also comes standard with Sync 4 in a 13.2-inch center-mounted multimedia touchscreen display.
You can equip your car with Ford Co-Pilot 360 for a full 360-degree display on the infotainment screen, as well as heated and cooled seats, heated steering wheel, Recaro bucket seats, Brembo brakes, and wireless charging.
Along with Co-Pilot 360, the Mustang is available with speed limit sign recognition, Adaptive Cruise Control that will even bring the vehicle to a complete stop and start moving again with the vehicles in front of you, Lane-Centering Assist, Evasive Steer Assist, Reverse Brake Assist, and possibly the most special of all for those with the optional Performance Package: Active
Pothole Mitigation. What in the world? Yes, the car, when equipped, will monitor the road ahead and can adjust the suspension so that potholes won’t have such an impact on the vehicle and be felt less by the passengers inside. Now that’s just awesome.
Your Car, Your Way
With 10 or more exterior colors and multiple trim and upholstery options for the interior, as well as many ways to customize the look of your Mustang with vinyl racing stripes, hood stripes, or side stripes, it will be all yours. Made for you, chosen by you. Contact us today for more information or arrange a test drive with one of our expert staff.
Since 2001 Ford have had a hit on their hands. The Ford Escape has been one of the best selling crossover vehicles of all time. Now for 2023, Ford step up the performance and capabilities for you, the buyer and owner of these vehicles.
With a tweak of the styling and naming structure, the 2023 Escape is available in a new trim model naming structure. You’ll be able to option your Escape in Base, Active, Platinum, PHEV, and, for the first time on an Escape, the ST-Line.
Sporty Looking, Sporty Acting
Following in the footsteps of its bigger siblings, the Edge and Explorer, the Escape gets its own ST model featured over three different trim levels to allow everyone to partake in a sportier vehicle. ST-Line trim offers a 1.5-liter EcoBoost Inline-3 with 180 horsepower with either front or all-wheel drive in its base form. Stepping up to the ST-Line Select or Elite gets you standard all-wheel drive and a 2.0-liter EcoBoost Inline-4 putting out 250 horsepower. All ST-Line trim can be optioned as a Hybrid, too.
More Hybrids Fewer Fuel Stops
The Escape was the first-ever mass-produced Hybrid crossover when it debuted in 2005. Now, Ford will give you two Hybrid options, a 2.5-liter Atkinson Cycle Inline-4 producing a combined 192 horsepower or a Plug-In (PHEV) version that makes a combined 210 horsepower. The PHEV Escape can travel about 37 miles of electric-only driving.
Ford claims that the gas EcoBoost models can achieve up to about 400 miles of range, but the Hybrid models can go for 550 miles.
More Advanced Technology
The 2023 Ford Escape comes with the new Sync 4, with voice recognition to allow you to ask Sync to search for restaurants, gas stations, and charging stations or even just change the climate control in your car. Sync also features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard, and an 8-inch multimedia touchscreen for the Base model, and standard 12.3-inch touchscreen displays for all other Escape models. On all models, the gauge cluster is
the beautiful 8-inch screen that allows you to change various settings and gauges, and the Active and Platinum trim levels allow you to option a 12.3-inch gauge cluster display.
Optional is Ford CoPilot 360, which now adds Intersection Assist 2.0. This feature will help drivers avoid potential accidents with pedestrians around town when you are making left and right turns. Blind Spot Assist will do more than just alert you to vehicles in your blind spots, but will actually display a warning in your side mirror and “nudge” the steering wheel for you if you ignore other blind spot warnings.
Couple all of that with standard Alexa hands-free, which allows you to control your phone through Amazon Alexa. You can make phone calls, send text messages, get directions, etc., all by using your voice.
Value For Many Budgets
The 2023 Ford Escape is available now to special order and buy with a starting price for the Base of $28,000, going up to $40,500 for the PHEV model. Contact us today to arrange a test drive.
If you are already a proud owner of a Ford Escape and are need of maintenance, schedule an appointment today, or find out your trade in value to get a new 2023 Ford Escape for your driveway!
Is Synthetic Better than Conventional Motor Oil?
When you get your oil changed, you are always asked if you want synthetic or conventional. If you don’t answer “Synthetic,” you might wonder if you should. Its mere name implies something that is not real. And the real thing is always better, right? Is there a reason to pay more for a fake? Clearly, more information is needed, and Benna Ford is here to help.
Like other petroleum products such as gasoline butane, jet fuel, and heating oil, mineral oil is refined from crude oil. Distilled crude is also the basis of most synthetic oil (Pennzoil makes theirs from natural gas), but it is created in a lab where it is broken down on a molecular level and then rebuilt as a completely man-made lubricant that consists of artificially made chemical compounds. When seen through a microscope, mineral motor oil reveals molecules with different shapes, sizes, and structures. By contrast, synthetic oil shows molecules of nearly identical size and structure. There are several different kinds of synthetic oils, but motor oils mostly belong to a group known as polyalphaolefins (PAOs). All further mentions of “synthetic oil” in this article refer to PAOs.
Synthetic Oil Advantages
Although synthetic oil was first used in high-performance vehicles and jet engines, over the past few decades has found application in more mainstream engines. To determine if synthetic oils have any advantage over conventional oil, the American Automobile Association conducted what is considered the gold standard study on the matter and concluded that it does.
“Oil protects critical engine components from damage and AAA found that synthetic engine oils performed an average of 47 percent better than conventional oils in a variety of industry-standard tests,” said John Nielsen, AAA’s managing director of Automotive Engineering and Repair. “With its superior resistance to deterioration, AAA’s findings indicate that synthetic oil is particularly beneficial to newer vehicles with turbo-charged engines and for vehicles that frequently drive in stop-and-go traffic, tow heavy loads or operate in extreme hot or cold conditions.”
Here are some of the specific synthetic oil advantages:
- Greater Engine Protection
Fully synthetic oils are far more resistant to breaking down from both heat and time, thus will effectively protect your engine over a longer period of time. All things being equal, an engine is more likely to reach very high mileage, such as 200K – 250K miles, with synthetic oil. - Cleaner Engine
All mineral oil contains impurities. Deposits formed by these impurities will build up within the oil to the point they thicken and form a sludge which reduces the oil’s lubricating and cooling effectiveness. Synthetic oil is nearly impurity-free, eliminating sludge and deposit formation. Synthetic oil is also designed to accommodate a greater amount of engine cleaning additives. - More Stable Viscosity
Heat thins oil and cold thickens it. But synthetic oils maintain their viscosity across a wider range of temperatures. Thus, it protects your engine more constantly despite changes in ambient and engine temperature. Since we are in northern Wisconsin, it is worth knowing that certain synthetics can handle cold starts with no cranking or oil pressure problems at temperatures as low as -40°C (-40°F). - Longer Lasting
Largely due to its decreased susceptibility to temperature and deposit forming, synthetic oil maintains its original integrity longer than conventional oil. This matters little if you change your oil promptly every 3000 miles. But Ford now recommends changes between 7,500 and 10,000 miles, in which synthetics are likely to be better performing at the end of the period. While they don’t require it, Ford does recommend its house brand MOTORCRAFT SAE 5W 20 API GF 6A synthetic. Remember, the longer the oil change interval, the better quality oil filter you should install so it can remain effective for the duration. - Turbocharger Protection
Increasingly more common in Fords and other everyday vehicles, turbochargers are powered by hot exhaust, which makes them and related components extremely hot, and motor oil is in contact with these components. Being more heat resistant, synthetic oil can be more effective in protecting turbocharged engines.
Synthetic Oil Disadvantages
- Higher Cost
Synthetic oil sometimes costs twice as much as conventional oil. Unless you stretch your oil changes beyond manufacturer recommendations, the overall cost of oil changes will be higher.
An important myth to dispel is the idea that once you have synthetic oil in your engine, you never go back to mineral oil. This is indeed a complete myth, and it is perfectly safe to switch between or mix synthetic and conventional oil at any time. In fact, conventional oil and synthetic blends are available, which predictably bridge the gap in increased effectiveness and higher cost.
So, the answer is synthetic motor oil is better at its job than mineral motor oil. Still, mineral oil still works pretty well when changed often enough. If you trade in your car every few years, you may never realize synthetic oil’s benefits. Then again, being more effective for extreme cold starting may make it a done deal for anyone in our area. One last point, the AAA study also included a study that determined that a vast majority (83 percent) of auto mechanics select synthetic oil for their personal vehicles. If you still have questions regarding synthetic oil for your Ford, contact one of our Benna Ford service representatives for advice.
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