2007 Mazdaspeed3 Oil Change Interval

[mghunt]

^Change the oil yourself.

I do. Have done my own for 7 years. Bought a Pela oil extractor. Best tool in my shop.

I'm suggesting that the same people that recommend 3k oil change intervals are the same people that overcharge you for service and treat you like they did you a favor. I don't trust the automotive repair and service industry because there are too many situations where they can take advantage of the consumer. Not do a service, overcharge, not listen, etc. The consumer isn't given the information to even contradict or make an informed decision. That is, unless they are enthusiasts like us. Case in point, 3k oil change intervals on a car whose manufacturer recommends 5k intervals.

There is no harm in changing it early, I just think it's a waste of my time and my hard earned money.

 

[Young Roids]

OK, right on then. I thought you were taking your car into jiffy lube or something like that.

 

[major error]

Who said Royal Purple is hard to find?

All you have to do is pay a visit to protegegarage.com (thanks Ken! )
I have a case waiting for me in the garage for my first DIY job this weekend...

 

[mghunt]

I thought you were taking your car into jiffy lube or something like that.

Ew. I think I threw up in my mouth a little.

 

[Betelgeuse]

I do. Have done my own for 7 years. Bought a

There is no harm in changing it early, I just think it's a waste of my time and my hard earned money.

I think the biggest brainwashing is thinking that anything synthetic is better. In some cases that might be so but in countless others, the difference is negligible. For people racing it makes sense as maximum stability at the very high temps is needed but in a street application it's lot less important unless the owner insists on long change intervals. This is what I gathered from my own research over the years.

Modern dino oils have so many additives that they do an excellent job as long as they're not overstretched. There's one sure way to know if an oil (synt or conventional) is adequately protecting an engine. That's by doing a UOA (used oil analysis).

I just did a UOA and while it was good overall, there was evidence of the oil thinning a little at a 3800 mile interval (castrol 5w 30). The results were no better with the cars running synthetic believe it or not. In fact some of the numbers showing wear were higher on mobil 1. It was recommended by those who viewed it to change it earlier - 3k intervals. I'd post the link but the forum would block it.

My dealer charges a little over $20 for an oil change and I've been using them for years and never had a problem. Not every repair shop / dealer is out to screw you, there are some good ones. However I wouldn't go to any old mom and pop shop or oil lube joint like Jiffy. I used to change my own oil but it's a hassle as I live in a Condo and these cartridge filters require special care. For me, getting it done at the dealer is more than worth it.