In regard to oil weight issue, we got home from colo trip saturday. I went to dealer this morning and spoke to them about the oil issue I am having. Well, they must be totally incompetent. The service writer said all the vehicles (mazdas) use 5w-20. So I showed him my owner's manual and he stated that he was not aware that any engines required 5w-30. He said that 5w-20 is the only oil that was required as far as he knew and stated the 5w-30 would probably be needed in high heat environments like AZ and NM. So I mentioned to him that we just got back from NM. And if he doesn't think Texas is hot, he needs to stay around a little longer. Try like 30+ days over 100 degrees during the summer.
So he got on Mazda's service website and sure enough, found some bulletins about oil types. He figured out that the non-turbo 2.3 requires 5w-20 but there is a service bulletin that states that the turbo engines require 5w-30. He said he was going to figure this out so we marched over to parts/service department, he showed the guy the bulletin print-out. Well, the parts/service manager said all they use is Valvoline All Climate 5w-20. Then this guy stated that he may need to order in some 5w-30. He said they have been using 5w-20 in all vehicles including the turbos. One of the guys also stated that he thought all 5w-20 oils were syn blends!
I know there isn't much difference between the two oil weights, but it is quite hot down here year-round. And, I just wanted to prove to these idiots that they dont know their vehicles. Anyway, they didn't have the right oil in stock and didn't even offer to change it. So I mentioned that I will probably buy my own oil and stop by for a change.