What 5W30 oil brand do you use in your CX-9?

[CrazyHippie]

Oil choice is influenced by a vehicle owner's goals.

-For long-term ownership the choice is typically meant to maximize engine lifespan, with maintenance cost as the tradeoff.
-Warranty requirements are also an important factor for most.
-Cost minimization has engine lifespan and warranty nullification as tradeoffs. The extreme here is to never change your oil.

Each one of us rolls the dice with our choices and its great to share our reasoning. But in the end it really doesn't matter and all of the debate is simply information sharing. No one's choices are 'better.' Most modern oil brands are adequate, certainly.

 

[RokkuAni]

Those control test is fine. But I really enjoy when a company go above and beyond like Mobile 1.

They actually do real world testing. Like running car to 120k with 20k oil interval. (Product is dead, not enough people willing to do once a year oil change). But they do these testing with their other major ones too. I think Pennzoil Ultra Platinum did something too, showing how their natural gas full synthetic don't blacken engine.

 

[Z31]

I don't believe there are any "Mazda specs" unlike Ford/GM/Mercedes/Acura and some others, only to use the latest API/ILSAC spec for direct-injected internal combustion engines (sadly their manuals are still behind the times with mentions of GF-5 which you should avoid due to not having the latest formulation including reduced calcium to prevent LSPI). So stick with the latest spec which keeps oil performance between brands fairly tight. I'm glad we have these standards. But there are still differences.

Like I noted, one of the oils here was putting out a little more power and was seeing lower oil temperatures, which indicates less drag, which will also cause lower fuel consumption since those are all related. It may also run quieter as a result. That is meaningful to some. But the percentage is small and you'd have to weigh the cost difference. At the time of writing I'm seeing Molygen at $52 for 5 liters (5.28 qt) vs the Pennzoil at $28-30. The only nice thing here is that the jug is actually enough for one full oil change instead of being slightly short for the Mazda 2.5T, causing you to dip into the next jug to complete your fill.

5L Supertech jug for the win!

I've been sending oil for analysis with every change, target around 4k miles (6500 kms). While doesn't really tell you everything, it's definitely clear to me that the Warren Oil products are completely sufficient for this engine. I'd buy the Kirkland if on sale, but is annoying size 4.78L vs 5L, but just so easy to grab the Supertech. And nothing else at Walmart I want to buy, so I don't leave the store hundreds of dollars lighter.

PUP had the right size jug, but would only consider if on sale. Comparing the analysis, they're so similar in composition, I couldn't really justify. Maybe when the car is out of warranty and I wanted to qualify for that Pennzoil warranty for peace of mind.

I tried Valvoline when it was on sale, but it's 4.78 L which is just a bit less than you need. Had to buy two jugs and then end up sharing over two vehicles..

 

[Lazy2.5]

I just use Costco's. It's cheap. I may consider using a high mileage blend at some point.

 

[N7turbo]

PUP had the right size jug, but would only consider if on sale. Comparing the analysis, they're so similar in composition, I couldn't really justify.

They are very different base oils and overall perform differently.

Also, PUP had a change in formula according to two of us on here. I haven't seen it talked about yet.

What is the difference in price? PUP is only $26.50 at Walmart right now.

 

[SparkYellow]

Valvoline Restore & Protect 5w30 is currently $29.97 on Amazon. How much is SuperTech by the way? I know at least one other member here who uses SuperTech oil/filter with short OCI.

For my lifestyle, $30 oil plus $15 OEM filter is $45 for 5K miles every two months. 45÷60=0.75. Less than a buck a day.

I respect those of you who stick with one oil/filter/OCI. I seem to have a wandering eye and am always ready to try something different.

 

[N7turbo]

But if you use a different oil every time, the previous oil is still coating the inside of the engine. You need to run an oil 2 times to not have them mix.

 

[theblooms]

I use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum in Mazdas.

 

[SparkYellow]

But if you use a different oil every time, the previous oil is still coating the inside of the engine. You need to run an oil 2 times to not have them mix.

I thought it's ok to mix if they're the same type (synthetic/conventional)? The CX-3 has gotten mixes between different brands and viscosity (0w20/5w30). Will use VRP for at least 4 cycles. There may or may not be any difference that I can feel.

 

[Z31]

They are very different base oils and overall perform differently.

Also, PUP had a change in formula according to two of us on here. I haven't seen it talked about yet.

What is the difference in price? PUP is only $26.50 at Walmart right now.

Ahh okay, so a higher quality base stock with a similar additive package? If I was extending OCI, maybe i'd more inclined to use something 'higher end', but I think for my OCI, I'm just throwing money away.

I wish it was that cheap up here! Pennzoil Platinum is $40, and Ultra Platinum is $57. Regular prices mind you.. I think I paid $37 one sale the one time i tried it.. Supertech Synthetic is $28.88 regular price, which is as cheap as you're likely to find for a GF-6 compliant synthetic.

 

[RokkuAni]

Ahh okay, so a higher quality base stock with a similar additive package? If I was extending OCI, maybe i'd more inclined to use something 'higher end', but I think for my OCI, I'm just throwing money away.

I wish it was that cheap up here! Pennzoil Platinum is $40, and Ultra Platinum is $57. Regular prices mind you.. I think I paid $37 one sale the one time i tried it.. Supertech Synthetic is $28.88 regular price, which is as cheap as you're likely to find for a GF-6 compliant synthetic.

You live in Alaska or something? Highest I ever saw ST full synthetic was $25 during covid. Been around $19 a jug for a while. I think beside Hawaii in Alaska, or crazy city super high taxes. Walmart price is usually stable.

 

[Z31]

I just use Costco's. It's cheap. I may consider using a high mileage blend at some point.

How much oil do you use to fill? I stick with 5L, puts it 3/4 up between the dots. When I used Valvoline ( 4.78L), I bought an additional 1L bottle to top up and put half in. Ended up around 5 1/4 L on that fill. More satisfying having it fully topped up, but i always check level when gassing up, and has never consumed a measurable amount thankfully.

Do you have a second car to share the oil with? Or do you just always keep a second jug for top ups?

 

[N7turbo]

I thought it's ok to mix if they're the same type (synthetic/conventional)? The CX-3 has gotten mixes between different brands and viscosity (0w20/5w30). Will use VRP for at least 4 cycles. There may or may not be any difference that I can feel.

It's "ok", it's just that if doing oil analysis, your sample will be contaminated with the previous oil if a flush wasn't done. So you will see something of a mix of the two additive-wise.

 

[Z31]

You live in Alaska or something? Highest I ever saw ST full synthetic was $25 during covid. Been around $19 a jug for a while. I think beside Hawaii in Alaska, or crazy city super high taxes. Walmart price is usually stable.

Atlantic Canada. We get absolutely gouged!

Save $10 on the oil, and then spend $30 on the oil sample. Might be a flaw in my logic, but at least i'm committed!

 

[SparkYellow]

It's "ok", it's just that if doing oil analysis, your sample will be contaminated with the previous oil if a flush wasn't done. So you will see something of a mix of the two additive-wise.

Thank you! I didn't think about that. So the Idemitsu 5w30 I plan to send in will have traces of Royal Purple 0w20. Should probably still send it in to check on the potassium/sodium values.

My filter is going to Pete who cuts them open on YT.

 

[SparkYellow]

Atlantic Canada. We get absolutely gouged!

Save $10 on the oil, and then spend $30 on the oil sample. Might be a flaw in my logic, but at least i'm committed!

Oil analysis is $40 for me (who pays about $30 for oil). $30 UOA is a better deal!

 

[Lazy2.5]

How much oil do you use to fill? I stick with 5L, puts it 3/4 up between the dots. When I used Valvoline ( 4.78L), I bought an additional 1L bottle to top up and put half in. Ended up around 5 1/4 L on that fill. More satisfying having it fully topped up, but i always check level when gassing up, and has never consumed a measurable amount thankfully.

Do you have a second car to share the oil with? Or do you just always keep a second jug for top ups?

I get a pack of 2 4.73L tubs at costco for around $50 CAD and have my oil changed at a local oil change shop. They usually top up the small bit of extra that's needed. So I just use one jug per O. Change.

 

[Z31]

I get a pack of 2 4.73L tubs at costco for around $50 CAD and have my oil changed at a local oil change shop. They usually top up the small bit of extra that's needed. So I just use one jug per O. Change.

Well that's a good arrangement!

 

[Z31]

Oil analysis is $40 for me (who pays about $30 for oil). $30 UOA is a better deal!

I've been ordering through the Toromont/CAT dealer. They send to a lab in Montreal daily, and included in price, so no messing around with postage.

It's a good service, but basic. I had sent to Blackstone on my previous vehicle. I did like the personalized blurb they would provide, but sending the container through Canada Post was always a hassle. They never knew what it was, or if they were allowed to accept oil (they 100% are). Also stupid expensive to send.

 

[RokkuAni]

I've been ordering through the Toromont/CAT dealer. They send to a lab in Montreal daily, and included in price, so no messing around with postage.

It's a good service, but basic. I had sent to Blackstone on my previous vehicle. I did like the personalized blurb they would provide, but sending the container through Canada Post was always a hassle. They never knew what it was, or if they were allowed to accept oil (they 100% are). Also stupid expensive to send.

In USA, the lable is pre paid with Blackstone already. It's already accounted for during the price of testing. They send it to you for free, until you send it back.

You happen to test your atf too? I did one sample at a 90k I think only.