They Said I Was Crazy For Changing My Ford F-150’s Oil Every 10K Miles Since It Was New, But They Were Wrong, It Has 217K Miles, and Still Going Strong

They warned him it was a recipe for disaster, but this Ford F-150 owner is silencing the critics with a 217,000-mile engine that thrives on controversial 10,000-mile oil intervals.

While searching the Ford F-150 5.0 Owners group for real-world reliability data, I discovered Mark Schuster, whose 2017 model has reached an impressive 217,000 miles on a controversial 10,000-mile oil change schedule. As a Senior Reporter for Torque News, I constantly analyze owner experiences to separate maintenance myths from fact, and this case caught my attention as a prime example of what F-150 and all truck owners need to know.

My research into the 5.0L Coyote V8 suggests this isn't just luck, but a testament to consistent maintenance and proper synthetic oil use. Here is why Mark's strategy is working and how you can apply it to your truck

Mark Schuster on the Ford F-150 5.0 Owners Facebook page says, 

"I've changed the oil in my 2017 Ford F-150 every 10,000 miles since new, since day one. Everyone said I was crazy and told me it's too long. But, they were wrong, it has 217,000 miles and is still going strong."

In my 30 years of covering the automotive industry, few topics ignite as much debate as oil change intervals. Manufacturers push for longer durations, while mechanics often plead for shorter ones. Mark's post perfectly encapsulates this divide.

His statement flies in the face of the "3,000-mile myth" that quick-lube shops have perpetuated for decades, yet it aligns perfectly with modern synthetic oil capabilities. As I discussed in a recent report, I Walked Into My Local Ford Dealer, and They Have a F-150 Raptor R On the Floor, understanding the specific needs of your truck, whether it's a high-performance Raptor or a reliable workhorse like Mark's XLT, is critical to long-term ownership. Mark's success story isn't an anomaly; it is a testament to how far engine machining and oil chemistry have come.

That's Not the Whole Story

However, success with extended intervals depends entirely on how those miles are driven. Mark notes, "Everyone told me it's too long," which is a valid warning for city drivers. But for highway cruisers, the Ford F-150's 10,000-mile oil change interval is a reality, provided you use top-tier lubricants. 

In my experience, the 5.0L Coyote V8 is a robust platform, but it requires regular maintenance. As I covered in my story regarding an F-150 Owner Who Won't Buy Another Ford, neglecting the specific quirks of your powertrain can lead to serious buyer's remorse, something Mark has happily avoided.

Why The 10,000-Mile Interval Works For Some (But Not All)

The secret to Mark's 217,000-mile success likely lies in his driving habits and oil choice. The 2017 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 engine is legendary for reliability, but it thrives on consistent operating temperatures. Short trips kill oil life because the engine never gets hot enough to boil off condensation and fuel. If Mark is driving long distances, his oil stays cleaner, longer.

Which Oil Should You Use?

When choosing the best full synthetic oil for high-mileage Ford trucks, look for additives that improve shear stability. Over 10,000 miles, lesser oils break down, becoming too thin to protect the cam phasers and timing chains, the Achilles' heel of the Coyote engine. Mark proves that with the right oil, the engine can go the distance.

However, you cannot blindly trust the odometer. You must check the dipstick frequently. I have documented cases where this goes wrong, such as the story: "My 2020 Ford F-150 5.0L Engine Replaced 10K Miles Ago Is Eating Oil". In that instance, extended intervals would have been catastrophic because the engine was consuming oil rapidly. If Mark hadn't checked his dipstick, his quote, "But, it has 217,000 miles and is still going," would likely be a complaint about a seized engine.

Can You Trust The Intelligent Oil Life Monitor?

Many owners ask about the accuracy of the Ford F-150 intelligent oil life monitor. Is it a gimmick? In my professional opinion, no. It uses an algorithm that tracks temperatures, idle time, and engine load. If Mark is hitting 10,000 miles, his monitor is likely showing the same because his driving conditions are ideal.

Yet, blind faith in technology can be dangerous if you rely on shops that don't care about your truck as much as you do. It reminds me of the incident where an F-150 owner watched in horror as the Ford Tech forgot the oil filter on his 2024 F-150 and ran the engine for a few minutes without oil. Even with the perfect schedule, one incompetent service visit can undo years of careful maintenance. This is why preventing Ford 5.0L Coyote engine failure often comes down to DIY maintenance or finding a mechanic you trust implicitly.

4 Key Takeaways

1. Analyze Your Drive: 10,000 miles is safe for mostly highway driving, but dangerous for city idling or towing.
2. Oil Matters: Only use high-quality full synthetic oil; never use conventional oil for extended intervals.
3. Trust But Verify: Use the Intelligent Oil Life Monitor, but check your dipstick every 1,000 miles to catch consumption early.
4. The 5.0L is Tough: With Ford F-150 high mileage maintenance schedule tips followed correctly, the Coyote V8 can easily surpass 200,000 miles.

What F-150 Owners Are Saying

To see if Mark is an outlier, I looked at what other owners are discussing on platforms like Reddit and Quora about whether 10,000 miles is too long for a synthetic oil change.

• Reddit (r/f150): User LootenantTwiddlederp notes, "9-10k miles is what the onboard computer will go to. As long as it was full synthetic, it is within engineered spec for intervals, but many Ford techs will still recommend oil changes at 5k intervals."
• Reddit (r/f150): Another owner, Robotman1001, disagrees with the long intervals: "Coming from older vehicles with 3k oil changes, going more than 5k is crazy to me. I know the oil and motors are different, but I think 10k is asking for trouble."
• Quora: A mechanic on Quora advises, "Doing short drives of just 10 miles to work every day is the real oil killer... So in this case, you would be advised to do more oil (and filter) changes, maybe 3–6 months."

So, What's the Verdict?

Mark Schuster's experience is a powerful data point in the maintenance debate. While he says, "Everyone thinks I'm crazy, and told me it's too long," his 217,000-mile odometer proves that under the right conditions, modern engineering validates the 10,000-mile interval. However, this is not a blank check to ignore your truck; it is a reward for consistent, high-quality maintenance and ideal driving patterns. If you tow a lot or idle often, stick to 5,000 miles; if you run on the highway, let the Coyote run.

It's Your Turn

In your Ford F-150 or another truck, do you stick to the "old school" 3,000 to 5,000-mile rule, or do you trust the computer and go the full 10,000 miles like Mark? Let us know in the comments below!

I'm Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012, bringing over 30 years of automotive expertise to every story. My career began with a consulting role with every major car brand, followed by years as a freelance journalist, test-driving new vehicles, which equipped me with a wealth of insider knowledge. I specialize in delivering the latest auto news, sharing compelling owner stories, and providing expert, up-to-date analysis to keep you fully informed.

Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Photo credit: Denis Flierl