The Ford Expedition is built to handle family road trips, towing, and just about anything you throw at it. But like any vehicle, it performs best when it’s properly maintained. In the previous article, we explored the Ford Expedition reliability rating and researched the most common problems.

Below, we’ll break down the Ford Expedition maintenance schedule step by step, so you’ll always know what to expect at 5,000 miles, 20,000 miles, 35,000 miles, and beyond.

Every 5,000 Miles: The Basics

Think of this as your Expedition’s routine “checkup.” About every 5,000 miles (or every 6 months, depending on how much you drive), you’ll want to take care of the essentials:

Oil and filter change – Fresh oil keeps your engine running smoothly and protects against wear.

Tire rotation – Rotating your tires helps them wear evenly, giving you a smoother ride and longer tire life.

Safety inspection – A quick look at your vehicle’s lights, wipers, and key systems ensures everything’s in working order.

Visual inspection of brakes, belts, and hoses – Catching small issues early helps prevent big breakdowns later.
This routine visit is simple but critical—it’s the foundation of keeping your Expedition in good shape.

At 20,000 Miles: New Filters and Brakes

By the time your Ford Expedition hits 20,000 miles, it’s ready for a little more attention:

Brake pads and rotors – Worn brakes can affect your stopping distance. Replacing them keeps your driving safe.

Cabin air filter – This keeps the air inside your Expedition clean, especially important if you drive in dusty areas.

Tires – Depending on wear, it may be time to replace your set. Your mechanic will let you know if they’re too worn down.

At 35,000 Miles: Fluids and Belts

Around 35,000 miles, your Expedition needs some deeper maintenance to keep everything running strong:

Coolant replacement – Fresh coolant prevents overheating and protects the engine from corrosion.

Drive belt replacement – Belts wear down over time, and replacing them keeps your engine accessories running properly.

Automatic transmission service – Smooth shifting is key for an SUV this size.

Cabin filter replacement – Even if you replaced it earlier, it’s smart to swap it out again now.

At 60,000 Miles: Heavy-Duty Maintenance

When your Expedition reaches 60,000 miles, you’re hitting one of the big checkpoints in its lifespan:

Transmission fluid replacement – Fresh fluid keeps your transmission performing like it should.

Differential fluid replacement – Important for SUVs with 4WD or heavy towing use.

Spark plug replacement (if needed) – Old spark plugs can affect your fuel economy and engine performance.

At 75,000 Miles: Suspension and Stability

Finally, around 75,000 miles, it’s time to refresh the parts that keep your Expedition riding comfortably:

Drive belt replacement – Another check-in for belt health.

Shock absorbers and struts – These wear down gradually, and replacing them restores smooth handling and stability.

Ford Expedition Lighting Maintenance Tips

Older Ford Expedition models often develop dim or uneven headlights. Based on our research and owner reports, the main reason for this is aging halogen bulbs, though the problem isn’t always the bulb itself.

Fogged lenses, cracked housings, or misaligned reflectors can also make lights appear weak, so checking lens clarity and headlight aim is a good first step before considering a bulb upgrade.

For a brighter, longer-lasting solution, upgrading halogen bulbs to high-quality LEDs is a popular choice. Well-designed LED bulbs provide stronger, more focused light and longer lifespan, improving night visibility and safety.

Quality LED headlight bulbs often come with built-in CANbus, which helps prevent flickering and other electrical issues. It’s still important to choose bulbs that match the original filament position to maintain proper beam pattern and avoid glare.

Electrical issues like corroded sockets, bent terminals, or moisture inside the housing can also affect performance. Inspecting wiring, fuses, and resealing the headlight if needed ensures new LEDs operate reliably.

Final Thoughts

Maintaining your Ford Expedition doesn’t have to be complicated. Think of it like regular health checkups for your SUV—take care of the basics every 5,000 miles, and then follow the bigger service milestones at 20,000, 35,000, 60,000, and 75,000 miles.

A little consistency goes a long way toward making sure your Expedition keeps running strong for years to come. And if you want to modernize the lighting system and enhance safety on the road, upgrade the factory bulbs with SEALIGHT LEDs.