Oil Change Interval

[joshb003]

Hey guys.

The dealership did my first oil change 4 months ago, and recently sent me an email stating that I should bring her in for another oil change, even though I've only drove her for 3,000 miles. I'm supposed to be able to go for 5,000 miles before the next oil change, but I haven't drove very much the past few months.

The question is, should I wait until I'm at 5,000 miles or should I bring it in because I'm at the 4 month period? The reason I'm changing ever 5 instead of 7.5, is because of a lifetime powertrain warranty provided by the dealer that stipulates I have to do that.

Thanks,
Josh

 

[fam]

5's a good number. When I go to 7 the oil gets pretty bad. Its fully synthetic oil, If youre not driving it a lot and youre at the 4 month period I would keep driving it until you hit 5k (within reason)...BUT...if your dealer is offering a lifetime powertrain warranty, and you dont mind dishing out pricey dealer oil changes (how much are they there?) feel free to do that...but. Chances are they only warranty the motor (no accessories on the motor) and maybe the tranny?...so...if a dealer oil change is 80 dollars and you can buy the materials for 30, your spending 50 bucks every 5k miles more than you should...so by the time your mazda warranty is up youve paid an extra $600 for nothing at that point, lets say you have a problem at 100k and its actually a mechanical engine issue, you have $1000 already invested in the difference between changing the oil yourself and paying the dealer.

 

[PGTBrow]

My dealer only charges me $60ish for the oil changes for full synthetic. So normally I can't argue with the $25 worth of labor every 5k miles. But to answer the questions stay with your miles, thats all that really matters unless you don't drive your car more than 100 miles for a year. Sythentic doesn't really "break down" like organic. More of a wear issue.

 

[joshb003]

Thanks for the replies. I drive a decent amount.. in 4 months I do about 3,000 miles. Regularly driven, just not long distances . I will wait until I get to 5,000 miles probably be about 5.5 months maybe 6, because it's motorcycle season again!!

The dealer oil changes are free for the first two years. The warranty covers the entire powertrain similar to a manufacturer powertrain warranty. I haven't decided if I'll keep with it though... because then I have to get all the recommended maintenances like the flushes etc, which a lot of people say are wastes of money.

Also.. I think I'd like to change my own oil. I have no problem with doing it, and after the free ones are up I'll probably begin doing it.

 

[fam]

its so easy. There's the slightest dip in the ground pulling into my garage so I park it over the dip and do it without having to jack up the car since it rides so high. Just a ratchet, one size for the oil pan plug and buy the 5 dollar metal oil filter attachment for the ratchet and youre all done...so easy....well...for me I just lowered my car so now I will have to jack it up a little bit...but....still pretty easy. our 2's have none of the crazy plastic pieces on the bottom like modern cars have...because our car is secretly from 1990.

 

[Joker2]

Careful here! Dealers around here use mineral oil even though Mazda recommends synthetic. If your oil change was free or 25 bucks, you probably got the cheapo stuff from the 55 gallon drum in 5w-30. Not that there is anything wrong with that, but you do need to adjust the interval accordingly. I do my own because I don't want the village idiot touching my car. They can stick their free or discounted junk you know where.

 

[joshb003]

Hey Joker2

I already had a huge argument with them about this. They put in a synthetic blend of 5w20 at the dealership, and I made them write me a notarized letter saying that it was safe, effective, and did not void my warranty lol..

I think that a synthetic blend should be able to last 5k miles, I might just say screw it and throw away the free coupons. And then just do the oil change myself and put full synth 0w20.

 

[fam]

A dealer not putting in the mazda recommended 0w-20....ugh....shame on them..id notify mazda of what they are doing.

 

[DaleNixon]

I change mine every 5k miles which ends up being once a year lol. I order Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 online.

 

[genericmoniker]

Nothing but 0W20, don't know how many dealers you guys got around you, but I went to 2 before deciding on the dealer that currently does my maintenance. Not having to remind and argue about what should be done is worth the trouble of driving 20 minutes out of my way IMO.