Couple questions: Oil level on the dipstick and MPG's during cold/warm weather

[guido2358]

I had my oil changed by a local Mazda dealership a few weeks ago. Since I got my car back I have felt like the throttle response is a bit slower, and it seems to idle a bit rougher. It may be in just in my head. It could also be because it recently got colder during the day and night around that time.

However, yesterday when I checked the oil(in my garage on a level surface, four hours after I got home) the level was above the top circle by about a half inch. I read the manual and it states the oil level should be between the two holes on the dipstick, and I would assume closer to the "full" circle. Could the dealership have put too much oil in my car?

Also, to the members that have owned a 2.0 ltr engine CX-5 for at least a year that also live in a climate like the STL area that gets up in the ninety's during the summer and below freezing in the winter, do you notice a decrease in MPG average in the colder months? I bought mine on July 3rd this year and MPG's dropped when the temps dropped to around freezing at night and highs in the 50's during the day. I was averaging 34-35 and now I am getting around 32. No driving habit changes and this has happened over multiple tanks of gas from different stations.

I realize these should two subjects could be in different threads, however they might both be related to the oil situation. Thanks

 

[wbw]

If the gas stations in your area are using the 'winter blend' of gas now, that will lower your MPGs. Also check the air pressure in your tires. Colder temps will result in decreased tire pressure.

 

[yrwei52]

Couple questions: Oil level on the dipstick and MPG's during cold/warm weather

I had my oil changed by a local Mazda dealership a few weeks ago. Since I got my car back I have felt like the throttle response is a bit slower, and it seems to idle a bit rougher. It may be in just in my head. It could also be because it recently got colder during the day and night around that time.

However, yesterday when I checked the oil(in my garage on a level surface, four hours after I got home) the level was above the top circle by about a half inch. I read the manual and it states the oil level should be between the two holes on the dipstick, and I would assume closer to the "full" circle. Could the dealership have put too much oil in my car?

Also, to the members that have owned a 2.0 ltr engine CX-5 for at least a year that also live in a climate like the STL area that gets up in the ninety's during the summer and below freezing in the winter, do you notice a decrease in MPG average in the colder months? I bought mine on July 3rd this year and MPG's dropped when the temps dropped to around freezing at night and highs in the 50's during the day. I was averaging 34-35 and now I am getting around 32. No driving habit changes and this has happened over multiple tanks of gas from different stations.

I realize these should two subjects could be in different threads, however they might both be related to the oil situation. Thanks

Yeah, too much oil is not good to your engine and you should drain or suck the oil out a bit (0.4 ~ 0.5 US quarts may be?) to bring down the oil level ASAP. I suspect your dealer put 4.8 US quarts of oil into your 2.0L engine thinking it's a 2.5L but your 2.0L actually needs 4.4 US quarts! In fact, people have been putting 5 quarts of oil for 2.5L but the oil level only reaches to 2/3 of the Low and Full mark.

Like wbw said above, winter blend gas affects your MPG about 5 ~ 10% and that should be the main reason of your worsen MPG at this time. And make sure to add some air to your tires as colder temperatures will drop your tire pressure which affects your MPG too.

 

[MikeM.]

However, yesterday when I checked the oil(in my garage on a level surface, four hours after I got home) the level was above the top circle by about a half inch. I read the manual and it states the oil level should be between the two holes on the dipstick, and I would assume closer to the "full" circle. Could the dealership have put too much oil in my car?

Yes, it's over-filled. This will reduce MPG and it could be contributing to the rough running. Have the dealership remove the extra oil. Anywhere between the high and low marks is fine.

Also, to the members that have owned a 2.0 ltr engine CX-5 for at least a year that also live in a climate like the STL area that gets up in the ninety's during the summer and below freezing in the winter, do you notice a decrease in MPG average in the colder months? I bought mine on July 3rd this year and MPG's dropped when the temps dropped to around freezing at night and highs in the 50's during the day. I was averaging 34-35 and now I am getting around 32. No driving habit changes and this has happened over multiple tanks of gas from different stations.

Yes, colder engines will be less efficient. Also, rolling resistance increases in cold weather. Winter gas is not regulated as tightly as summer blends in terms of vapor pressure and this allows refiners to use cheaper, more volatile compounds which have less embodied energy.

 

[inlinev]

Did you wipe clean the dipstick first, before taking a measurement?

 

[guido2358]

Did you wipe clean the dipstick first, before taking a measurement?

Yes. I actually wiped it twice just to make sure. I will be visiting the dealer. I also remember that I upped the tire pressure to 36, and the dealer put it back down to the factory 34. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[yrwei52]

Couple questions: Oil level on the dipstick and MPG's during cold/warm weather

Yes. I actually wiped it twice just to make sure. I will be visiting the dealer. I also remember that I upped the tire pressure to 36, and the dealer put it back down to the factory 34. Thanks for all the replies.

That's why I don't like to go to dealers. They seem always be doing something wrong where they're not supposed to (such as overfill your oil) or something we don't really want them to do (such as lower your tire pressure to the specs). I'd suggest you to adjust the oil level as soon as you can, and put back your tire pressure to 36 psi as the weather can only be getting colder...

 

[ALafya]

The dealer I used was overfilling. One of the reasons I stopped going there for routine maintenance.
The first time it happened I asked them to drain it back to the top hole. However, I did not notice any ill effects until it was done, but this is directly related to how high the oil level is. Too high and catastrophic engine failure will happen. The second time they overfilled it was my last time I took the CX-5 for an oil change there. I am taking it there only for warranty work now.

 

[Buzzer777]

Not just the Dealers!

That's why I don't like to go to dealers. They seem always be doing something wrong where they're not supposed to (such as overfill your oil) or something we don't really want them to do (such as lower your tire pressure to the specs). I'd suggest you to adjust the oil level as soon as you can, and put back your tire pressure to 36 psi as the weather can only be getting colder...

Lowering tire pressure to specs is a problem that I have fought for years around here...Dealer or 3rd party. Now I own a decent compressor! I questioned the practice once and was greeted with the standard "it is a liability issue for us". I guess it could be in an extreme case but *&^%$. In an area like Reno with wild temp. swings, this freaks out the TPMS. Luckily the CX-5 has that nice TPMS reset function!! owned a Hyundai Tuscon once where you had to go back to a tire shop or the dealer to reset the TPMS.

Last time a dealer overfilled the oil, was with my departed 2013 Subie Outback. They were trying to cover up the oil consumption problem at the expense of engine life! *&%$

 

[yrwei52]

Couple questions: Oil level on the dipstick and MPG's during cold/warm weather

The dealer I used was overfilling. One of the reasons I stopped going there for routine maintenance. ... I am taking it there only for warranty work now.

I'd learned too many lessens and I don't even bother to bring the car in for warranty service if I can fix it by myself. Just on the other day I opened the windshield sensor cover to fix the loose auto-dimming rearview mirror as I'll never know if I bring it to the dealer and they broke the plastic tabs on the covers. Not to mention a half day is wasted there.

 

[yrwei52]

Lowering tire pressure to specs is a problem that I have fought for years around here...Dealer or 3rd party. Now I own a decent compressor! I questioned the practice once and was greeted with the standard "it is a liability issue for us".

I invested a decent AC air compressor too and a nice digital tire pressure gauge. I do the checking by myself and can put any tire pressure I want. Discount Tires where I normally go will put in any tire pressure I request though (within tire specs of course).

 

[madar]

Lowering tire pressure to specs is a problem that I have fought for years around here...Dealer or 3rd party. Now I own a decent compressor! I questioned the practice once and was greeted with the standard "it is a liability issue for us". I guess it could be in an extreme case but *&^%$. In an area like Reno with wild temp. swings, this freaks out the TPMS. Luckily the CX-5 has that nice TPMS reset function!! owned a Hyundai Tuscon once where you had to go back to a tire shop or the dealer to reset the TPMS.

Last time a dealer overfilled the oil, was with my departed 2013 Subie Outback. They were trying to cover up the oil consumption problem at the expense of engine life! *&%$

The tire pressure thing is a big pet peeve with me, especially in winter. Mechanic lowers tire pressure to "specs" inside a warm garage then the tires get underinflated outside on a 20 degree day.