Oil Change Frequency

[terminateprocess]

I'm curious to hear how often others are changing the oil in their 6's...

If I remember correctly, the service schedule calls out for every 5000 miles. However, I went ahead and had mine changed the first time at 3000 miles by the dealer -- I've always changed the oil every 3k miles in the past with other cars. I realized later, however, that the dealer put a service due mileage of 6000 miles in the window sticker.

Any thoughts? I've heard that nowadays it's generally acceptable to go 5k miles between oil changes (I've even heard 7500 from a few), but is there any benefit to changing every 3k?

[michaelsteinbach]

At the MyMazda website, it says to change the oil every 7500. I had my free change at around 3k I think and I think I just made 7k.
That 7500 may just be with the "Light use" service reminder option on the website.
~Mike

[grmarshal]

I use Mobil 1 5W-20 and Mobil 1 filter. Change @ 10k. My friend uses Amsoil in his diesel truck. At 10k, 20k, and 30k he only changed the filter and topped off with 1 qt fresh Amsoil. He has sent a sample for analysis after each change and the numbers are still within tolerances to the point he expects at 40k he can just change the filter again. Sheesh!

[tommyz23]

I live in Chicago and my driving is somewhere in between the light and heavy use. I am going with the heavy use interval of 5,000. I also used to change the oil in my old car every 3,000, but the book says every 5,000 so that's what I'm going to do.

[Ach3r0n]

5K is fine. I have often changed mine at 3K also but honestly there was never a need. Take a look at the oil. If you're using even halfway decent oil it still looks good well past 3K. Nice to have someone who can test a sample but most of us don't have that luxury. Cool stuff though.

[Mz6GreyGhost]

It's probably a good idea to get the FIRST oil change at or before 3K miles, since the engine is still "breaking in" and the fine metal shavings from first running the engine can cause problems, both short and long term.

After that, I'd think that 5K will work...

[Ach3r0n]

QUOTE (Mz6GreyGhost @ Sep 3 2009, 04:46 AM)

It's probably a good idea to get the FIRST oil change at or before 3K miles, since the engine is still "breaking in" and the fine metal shavings from first running the engine can cause problems, both short and long term.

After that, I'd think that 5K will work...[/b]

I wasn't thinking along those lines but I did get my 1st at 3K. I figured it had been sitting on the dealer's lot for 6-8 months and I was doubtful they changed the oil on a car with 107 miles.

[c-man]

I change all my car's oil at the same intervals....3,333 / 6,666 / 9,999 mileage.

[Trippp]

I had my first oil change @ 5K. Sent the oil in for analysis to Blackstone Labs. The results were good / as expected. Some traces of expected contaminants from engine break in, but not fuel, coolant, or oil traces, otherwise the oil was still in good shape. Still active additives in the oil and they estimated it could have gone for another 1.5K miles. I'll stick with 5K unless analysis says something different.

The dealer put 5W-30 in @ 5K. Didn't bother me too much because of the summer's higher temps but it ticks me off they didn't say anything. Shame on me for assuming they would actually follow the manufacturer's instructions and put 5W-20 in. I'll be sure to tell them to put 5W-20 in up front or they'll be doing a drain and refill.

[posttosh]

QUOTE (Trippp @ Sep 4 2009, 05:21 AM)

The dealer put 5W-30 in @ 5K. Didn't bother me too much because of the summer's higher temps but it ticks me off they didn't say anything. Shame on me for assuming they would actually follow the manufacturer's instructions and put 5W-20 in. I'll be sure to tell them to put 5W-20 in up front or they'll be doing a drain and refill.[/b]

Mazda specifies 5W-20. If the dealer violated Mazda's recommendation, that should be a red flag and a warning siren that the dealer may be cutting corners elsewhere. If we were you, we would not visit that dealer again. You will want to find a good non-dealer mechanic for post-warranty maintenance and repairs, anyway; as long as you are following Mazda's maintenance schedule and can document it, your warranty will remain valid. So why not use an "outside" mechanic now? Save the dealer for free recall work, and establish a relationship now with an ASE-certified mechanic who wants and needs your business and will follow your instructions for what goes into your car (we have our ASE-certified mechanic put only Schaeffer lubricants and fluids into our Mazda6; no dealer would be that scrupulous). Then you can feel secure that somebody who cares will have maintained your car.