2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty Factory Maintenance Schedule

As an ASE-certified master technician, I’ve wrenched on countless heavy-duty trucks, and the 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty is a frequent visitor to the bay. Whether you're running the 6.2L Boss V8 gas engine or the 6.7L Power Stroke V8 turbo-diesel, keeping up with Ford’s factory-specified maintenance is the only way to ensure this workhorse lives to see 300,000 miles and beyond.

Heavy-duty trucks are subjected to immense stress, from heavy payloads to constant towing. Below is the comprehensive, factory-spec maintenance schedule for the 2018 Ford F-250 Super Duty, broken down by mileage, severe-duty needs, and common issues for this generation.

Quick reference

Ford uses an Intelligent Oil-Life Monitor (IOLM) for both gas and diesel engines. Under normal conditions, this will prompt an oil change between 7,500 and 10,000 miles. Never exceed 10,000 miles or one year between oil changes. The table below assumes a standard 10,000-mile interval for simplicity, but always follow your dash monitor.

Note: Always consult your owner's manual for your specific engine and drivetrain configuration. When in doubt, follow the IOLM.

Severe-duty schedule

Most F-250s are not driven under "normal" conditions. If your truck spends its life towing heavy fifth-wheels, idling for hours on job sites, driving in dusty environments, or operating in extreme cold, you fall under Ford’s "Severe Duty" schedule.

• Engine Oil & Filter: The IOLM will adjust automatically for severe duty, often requesting oil changes between 5,000 and 7,500 miles. For extensive idling (especially on the 6.7L diesel), change the oil every 200 engine hours regardless of mileage.
• Transmission Fluid: If you tow frequently, change the TorqShift 6-speed transmission fluid every 60,000 miles instead of 150,000 miles.
• Transfer Case & Axle Fluids: For heavy towing or off-road use, replace the front/rear differential gear oil and transfer case fluid every 60,000 miles.
• Diesel Fuel Filters: In severe conditions or areas with poor fuel quality, drop the fuel filter interval from 22,500 miles to 15,000 miles to protect the sensitive high-pressure fuel system.

Known issues by mileage

The 2017+ (Alumiduty) generation of the F-250 is incredibly robust, but it is not without its quirks. Here is what to watch out for as the odometer climbs:

• 30,000 - 50,000 miles: Death Wobble. This is a well-documented issue with solid front axle Ford trucks. If you experience violent shaking through the steering wheel after hitting a bump at highway speeds, the track bar ball joint or steering damper is likely worn out. Upgrading to an aftermarket track bar and heavy-duty steering stabilizer usually cures this.
• 60,000 - 80,000 miles: 6.2L Exhaust Manifold Leaks. On the gas V8, the exhaust manifold studs are known to warp and snap over time due to heat cycling, causing a ticking noise when the engine is cold.
• 100,000+ miles: 6.7L CP4 Fuel Pump Failure. While the 2018 model year has an updated pump, the Bosch CP4 injection pump on the diesel engine is still sensitive to fuel contamination. Using high-quality diesel, changing filters religiously, and adding a lubricity additive can prevent catastrophic (and highly expensive) fuel system failure.

Estimated cost per service

Heavy-duty trucks come with heavy-duty maintenance bills. Parts are larger, fluid capacities are higher, and labor can be more intensive. Here is what you can generally expect to pay at a reputable independent shop or dealership:

• Standard Oil Change (6.2L Gas): $80 - $120
• Standard Oil Change (6.7L Diesel): $150 - $220 (Takes 13 quarts of oil!)
• Diesel Fuel Filter Replacement: $150 - $250
• Brake Fluid Flush: $100 - $150
• Coolant Flush: $180 - $250 (Diesel has two separate cooling systems)
• Spark Plugs (6.2L Gas): $350 - $550 (16 plugs take time to replace)
• Transmission Service: $250 - $400

What you can DIY vs shop

What you can DIY: If you have a large drain pan and basic hand tools, you can easily handle the oil changes, engine air filter, and cabin air filter. The frame-mounted diesel fuel filter is also very accessible, though it can be a bit messy. Rotating tires is doable if you have a heavy-duty floor jack and jack stands rated for at least 3 tons each, plus a torque wrench capable of hitting the 165 lb-ft required for the lug nuts.

What you should leave to the shop: Leave the coolant flushes (especially on the 6.7L diesel with its primary and secondary cooling loops) and transmission fluid services to the professionals, as they require specialized equipment to evacuate the lines and ensure proper fluid levels at specific temperatures. Spark plugs on the 6.2L V8 can be notoriously tricky to reach near the firewall without the right swivel sockets and extensions. Finally, diagnosing front-end steering geometry issues ("death wobble") should always be done by a seasoned tech with alignment equipment.

Don't let maintenance slide on your Super Duty. Keeping your truck on the road and pulling strong is our top priority.

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