Changing Oil Filter and Oil without Removing Skidplate

[Bj517]

How often does the oil need to be changed on the hybrid engine?

I have done my own oil changes for decades, but I'm not hassling with removing a "skid plate" (or whatever they are calling it) every time, or butchering it so it becomes what it was supposed to be in the first place. I guess I could just take it off and leave it off.

I'm at the age where I'm looking to simplify my life, not make it more complicated.

You're gonna change the oil like once or twice a year. Taking off the cover adds 5 or 10 minutes to the process. It's very easy. I do not understand all the hand wringing on this forum about the cover. It's just not a big deal to take off and on, period.

Leaving it off seems like a bad idea. It's there for a reason. Your entire engine bay will be open to water and grime a debris and other shit on the road. Plus aero concerns

Sponsored

 

[thevol]

There is an aftermarket skid plate for the Bronco Sport that has access panels to do oil changes. I don't know if they make one for the Maverick but they may.

This sounds like a good solution unless the price is outrageous. What is the name of the company, I might ask them if they have plans for one. Just looking at that felt cover under there makes me cringe.

 

[Zotman]

The Maverick Hybrid underbody shield is more substantial than the one on the C-Max and that one held up fine for 9 years and over 100k miles with twice yearly DIY oil changes.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

I wish Ford would locate the oil filter up top, like Subaru does. It's so easy to change right there under the hood, next to the filler. And when the engine's off, the oil drains out of it. No filter mess.

 

[2020 GT500]

Leave the skid plate off? I mean, if not off-roading, then why need it…

 

[grumpyunk]

Given the few times a year, if that, that oil & filter will need service, I think I will keep the underbody panel intact, and just take the few minutes to remove the fasteners. I already dropped a ratchet wrench or socket and had to remove about half to gain access for recovering the socket, so can see how difficult it will be when I have it up on drive-in ramps.
Given the good fuel mileage so far, I do not want to mess with the aerodynamic effect of the panel. Cutting holes or leaving it off do not appeal, and given manufacturing costs, cut to the bone as they may be, Ford saw fit to have a panel on all models. They would not spend the few dollars unless there was good reason. They are always looking to cust costs while maintaining the 'customer experience', so hidden items like the panel would be on their cut list as it is not even visible without customer effort to see it. They had a reason...
It should prevent a lot of roadsplash in areas where the roads are salted, so I would again keep it if I lived in one. It also likely helps engine temperature control as the air coming through the radiator is somewhat ducted by the engine compartment being closed on the bottom.
To each their own.
tom

 

[Bj517]

Leave the skid plate off? I mean, if not off-roading, then why need it…

Because there's still a lot of water and debris and shit on the road that you'll encounter that you don't want spraying all up in your engine compartment.

It's not really a skid plate (except I guess on the fx4). It's just a plastic cover

 

[Johnkn]

I wish Ford would locate the oil filter up top, like Subaru does. It's so easy to change right there under the hood, next to the filler. And when the engine's off, the oil drains out of it. No filter mess.

You’re kidding, right? You want the oiling system to have to push all the air out of the dry filter before oil makes it to the main bearings, rod bearings, lifters, etc. on every start up?

There’s a reason why almost all filters are mounted inverted to remain full upon shutdown...

.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

You’re kidding, right?...

If I was kidding, I wouldn't have made the post. Apparently, it hasn't hurt my Subaru, with over 200k miles on the engine and no apparent damage.

 

[Wnbasac]

I have this on my all my cars 55 chevy, 56 f100,70’s TA and Hondas and never had a problem. You cant imagine how many oil pans end up with striped threads from oil changes. So to me its an ounce of protection and you can still do your own or take it in thats the Beauty OF IT.

 

[Dad]

When I'm done changing my oil, I just drain the old oil from my catch pan into the recently emptied oil jug and take it to the auto parts store and they recycle it.

And kudos for disposing the oil responsibly. It's a choice between saving some dollars and DIY, or just spending the $30 and saving yourself time & effort. At this phase in my life, time & effort is more precious than $.

 

[Finnster]

Doesn't want to do any off-roading. Orders FX4. j/k You could likely sell the skid plates and recoup some of the cost of the package.

Yes, I'm one of the 90% of people who will not off-road their Maverick!
I ordered the FX4 package because it was the cheapest way to get my favorite Black Mag Wheels! Doesn't hurt that ford also threw in the hitch and the larger instrument cluster for free!
I might have to add ECON mode by Forscan after the warranty expires though.

 

[Finnster]

Because there's still a lot of water and debris and shit on the road that you'll encounter that you don't want spraying all up in your engine compartment.

It's not really a skid plate (except I guess on the fx4). It's just a plastic cover

Agreed! Without the skid plate installed, a carwash under-body spray will have a chance of removing/diluting the salt.

What exactly is the FX4 skid plate made of?

 

[TCPTX65]

And kudos for disposing the oil responsibly. It's a choice between saving some dollars and DIY, or just spending the $30 and saving yourself time & effort. At this phase in my life, time & effort is more precious than $.

I get the choice, but my son is a manager at Auto Zone so I get stuff at a discount, and he usually takes the used oil to work with him. My wife takes her car to get her oil changed at a local place that does the oil change and gets it detailed afterwards. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Dad]

I get the choice, but my son is a manager at Auto Zone so I get stuff at a discount, and he usually takes the used oil to work with him. My wife takes her car to get her oil changed at a local place that does the oil change and gets it detailed afterwards. Different strokes for different folks.

No judgements by me. One should use all the resources at their disposal. Not to mention, those little trips to Auto Zone give you a chance to interact with you son. Big plus.

Sponsored