I am about to change the oil for the first time in my 1998 Ford Contour SE (65K miles on the odometer). I know that I need to use 5W- 30 oil. My question concerns the use of STP, which I was putting in my previous car, a '83 Ford Mustang with a 351 (that's right, it had a 351): Can I use STP in my new car and if so, do I need to use the 4 cylinder STP or can I use the regular STP? If STP is not advisable, then is there another additive that can be added along with the oil? Thanx

&gt;&gt; they had the Motorcraft 10W-20 ready to go.<br><br>Just curious but I think you have the wrong oil in your Escape.<br>If you check the user manual it should be 5W20 and I was told that 5W30 is good but not 10W20.<br><br>Better check that out if you don't want to void your warranty.<br><br>The spec for the oil is Ford WSS-M2C153-H 5W20.<br><br>FYI - Louis

Sorry, my mistake, that should have said 5W20. I'm not used to this new type yet ;-) And the code on my invoice says its part number CXO5W20LSP12, and they used an FL820 filter. By the way, I also neglected to mention that the change was done at 2521km. I'll do the next change at 5000km, and then onwards in 5000km increments.<br><br>Ciao,<br><br>jhg

Do you mind if I ask which dealer in Ottawa you used, and what they charged. I got absolutely hosed at Kanata Ford.

I went to Jim Keay in Orleans, where I've been going for many years because of the convenient hours. And since this is where I bought my Escape they also give me $5 off all my oil changes (hey, every little bit helps!). The going rate for a plain old oil change is:<br><br>24.95<br>+1.78 for the extra 1/2 L of oil ($3.55/L)<br>+2.00 "environmental" fee<br>+tax<br>

You won't believe this. Now, keep in mind, I am an imbecile when it comes to vehicles.......I know that stuff like this is more expensive at the dealer, but I figure, I just paid $30K plus for a truck, I'll spend $30 or so for an oil change (compared to maybe $20 at a Jiffy Lube or whatever), they know the vehicle, they'll take care of it properly...right? Has served me well with my other cars.....anyway.......I drop the truck off at Kanata.....don't ask about a price....I mean, it has about 5K on it.......all it needs is an oil change.......I go to pick it up......$63.44........I almost puked.......they did some sort of 10 point inspection......I couldn't believe it......I mean, the truck is brand new.......long story short...I kicked up a stink....they wouldn't back down....I told them I wouldn't be back......and I won't.

Maybe so, but Cdn Tire is selling the 5W20 oil<br>here for 4.99 a liter, about double anything else<br>on the shelf I could see.<br>bought 6 anyways, just in case, since I haven't<br>did my first change yet.<br>Dave.

Ouch! They must have "assumed" that you wanted the Gold Level Supreme Oil Change Package since you didn't specify otherwise. Bunch of shysters. Good on you... take your business elsewhere.<br><br>jhg

It's too bad that the dealer ripped you off. I'm not quite sure how they got away with it. My dealer has been terrific although they do cost a little more than a Jiffy Lube.<br><br>I have been watching for the 5W20 in Cdn Tire but haven't seen it so it's good to hear that it is showing up in some parts of Canada.<br><br>Just got home after a nine day trip to Eastern Canada. My wife picked me up in the Escape and I drove it home. It was just terrific to drive.<br><br>Love my Escape.<br><br>Gary

I'm glad it wasn't a bigger problem, but I'm sure the hassle was not good.<br>There was a long discussion on how to change oil on the other ford club. they talked about putting plastic over the cross member to keep the Escape clean. Maybe we should ask Ford to wash it off after each oil change? <br>They didn't talk about how to clean the drive if they messed it up. Thanks for the warning about the drip. I haven't gotten my first oil change yet. NOW I'm prepared.<br><br>Jan

Know how this feels. Traded a Nissan PU for my Escape and it had the filter change oil puddle problem. Frustrated, I started changing oil myself being careful to put rags on the cross members, drives, etc when removing the filter. Toyota, thinking they could reach the filter without removing the bottom shroud, caused a mess awhile back, so now when I get it serviced, I specifically mention that they are to wipe/clean/etc., ALL areas to remove excess oil. No problems so far as probably know that my business will go elsewhere if they don't.

Oil puddle, eh? I probably have one too, but since we just had our driveway re-paved, can't tell one black from another.<br><br>I had my Escape in yesterday for a dashfan motor replacement. Had an appointment, left Marvin at the dealer first thing in the morning, was forced to get on the TTC to get to work (I NEVER use public transit), and back to pick it up at 4:00 pm. Get there and am told that they've been trying to reach us (my husband, who was home-didn't try there), to say the fan came in, but not the motor, which is on back order. Ergo - wasted all that time on transit, came to work late and left early, and still have to bring it back another time for the work. I expect a Mustang GT loaner next time I have to leave our darling Escape at the Doc's again.<br><br>Stuck the Ventvisors on. Looks pretty nice on black and gives decent rain protection, while not impeding the view to the side.<br><br>Anne-Marie

I'm not an expert but I believe that some filings are normal for your first oil change as the engine breaks in. <br><br>I did not check mine, but also didn't have a stuck lifter.<br><br>Gary