Oil Changes for 1988 Mercury Cougar

Get an Oil Change for Your Mercury Cougar

Give your Cougar’s engine a little TLC with routine oil changes. Schedule your next appointment today.

How Often to Change 1988 Mercury Cougar Oil

Looking for oil change recommendations for your 1988 Mercury Cougar? Look no further than Firestone Complete Auto Care! Our expertise goes beyond tires. We know the ins and outs of motor oil, too. After all, like our maintenance technician Brianna says, “Oil is the blood of the engine. It’s the #1 thing you can do for your car.”

Your 1988 Cougar’s oil should be changed according to Mercury’s recommended oil change intervals. See mileage and month specifics in the above table. No matter the mileage, your Cougar may need its oil changed ASAP if your check engine light is on, you hear knocking sounds coming from the engine, smell oil inside the car, or see an excess amount of vehicle exhaust. You may also need an oil change more frequently than Mercury recommends if you haul heavy loads, drive in dusty terrain, enjoy off-roading, or go long distances at low speeds. More frequent oil changes generally won't harm your Mercury Cougar. In fact, every oil change is an opportunity to diagnose and treat any other issues, such as bad brakes or a failing battery.

What Kind of Oil Should I Get for My Mercury Cougar?

Your local Firestone Complete Auto Care has the right 1988 Mercury Cougar motor oil: either synthetic or conventional. Mercury has specifically identified either synthetic or conventional as the ideal engine oil for your 1988 Cougar. This oil helps lubricate engine parts, keep the engine cool, and keep harmful substances from building up inside the engine. During an oil change, a technician will change your Cougar's oil, replace and recycle your used oil and filter, inspect all of your other filters, top-off important fluids, and visually inspect the rest of the vehicle. You can rest assured knowing that we seek to do what’s best for your Cougar by considering your driving preferences, and mileage.

Types of Motor Oil for Mercurys

Wondering if we carry the right motor oil for your Mercury? Your Cougar engine deserves the very best, which is why we only stock the best! Check your owner's manual and talk with a technician to select the right Mercury Cougar oil, whether it's Pennzoil® High Mileage Vehicle® motor oil, Pennzoil Platinum® Full Synthetic motor oil with PurePlus™ Technology, or Shell Rotella® heavy-duty engine oil. There's a reason we carry these motor oil brands. They are proven winners. For instance, Pennzoil Synthetics are the most technologically advanced, fully formulated motor oils available and exceed current industry and manufacturer requirements. Then there's Shell Rotella heavy-duty engine oil. It's made for gasoline and diesel engines that need to overcome the strenuous working conditions, and is uniquely fortified to offer improved oxidation resistance, heightened performance in extreme temperatures, and increased wear protection. For help selecting the right motor oil for your 1988 Mercury Cougar, defer to Mercury's recommendations.

Where to Get an Oil Change for Mercury Cougar

When it's time for a 1988 Mercury Cougar oil change, you know where to turn. Your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care has the ideal oil for your Cougar’s engine. We’ve got convenient appointment times to take care of you, with the right oil at the right price. To find out how much a 1988 Cougar oil change costs, call ahead. Let the experts take care of your Cougar’s engine by making an oil change appointment today. For your convenience, many of our stores are open late and on weekends!

[1] ILSAC GF-5 represents the latest performance standard set by the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), a joint effort of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers. Most automobile manufacturers are expected to recommend oils that meet ILSAC GF-5. API SN is the most recent service category issued by API’s Lubricants Group. Oils meeting API SN and the new “Resource Conserving” designation meet all ILSAC GF-5 performance requirements.

1988 Mercury Cougar Oil Change Q&A

  • What can low oil do to my Mercury Cougar engine? Engine oil lubricates moving parts in your engine. If your oil runs low, these parts can grind together, generate too much heat, and cause your Mercury Cougar engine to fail. That’s why you’re better off checking your oil levels and investing in routine lube services.
  • Can I change my Mercury oil on my own? Changing your own oil isn't as convenient as you might think. It requires special tools and old oil must be disposed of properly. Getting a professional oil change reduces the risk of something going wrong during the service, but it’ll also help your car perform smoothly down the road.
  • Why is my Mercury exhaust smoke gray or blue? Your engine could be burning oil due to a leak. It may be time for a pro to take a look. A leak can be caused by a variety of issues including faulty valve seals, damaged piston rings, or old cylinder walls.
  • Who offers Mercury Cougar oil changes? Firestone Complete Auto Care performs Mercury Cougar oil changes and more! Our technicians also replace oil filters, troubleshoot oil leaks, and advise on the right oil for your ride.
  • Why is the oil light on in my Mercury Cougar? Your Mercury Cougar oil change reminder light might illuminate if it’s been too long since your last oil change. On the other hand, the oil pressure light might illuminate due to a clogged oil filter, a faulty oil pressure sensor, low engine oil levels, or a malfunctioning oil pump.
  • Do I need to change my Cougar's oil filter when I get an oil change? It's recommended that you replace your Mercury Cougar oil filter with every oil change. Otherwise, you send fresh, clean motor oil through a dirty filter. That's like putting on muddy socks after a shower.