First oil change - 5000 or 7500 miles?

[JMJinNC]

My new 2012 Mazda 5 (Sport, 6-sp) is on the doorstep of 5000 miles. It gets driven per schedule 1 (no short trips, heavy loading, dusty condition, etc.). Mostly highway driving and 10-30 mile drives here in the southeast.

So, I'm used to changing oil every 5k, but the Mazda service schedule says 7500 for oil & filter. I'm assuming Mobil 1 0W20 will suffice.

My wife is going to be taking it on a 1000 mile road trip, so I can either do the change myself now, or wait to do a dealer change afterwards.

Anybody want to weigh in on using a shortened oil change interval?

JMJ

 

[cdnballer]

Change every 5000 miles to be on safe side. No harm done.

 

[Silentnoise713]

Just my opinion and how I would do things.

In a new car I would do the first oil change between 500-1000 miles. Reason (or myth) is thst the initial break-in period produces the most particles. Some don't believe they need to break-in their car at all and go jack rabbit on their first drive home. The difference might be minor and the affects may (or may not) appear down the road. Also, depending on quality, some oils do not become fully effective until after 1000-2000 or so miles and there is such a thing as changing your oil TOO early. If you are a regular 3k type, just stick with dino.

Afterwards, my OCI would depend on how I drive, the weather (summer vs winter), and quality of oil I use. If I were in your condition, i would change the oil now and use fully synthetic (shelf stuff) for the next 7,5k - up to 10k. Look at Amsoil motor oil if you want longer intervals.

I use Ford Motorcraft semi synthetics @ ~5k intervals or any given sale full synthetic off the shelf and go ~7,5k -I drive harder and 5/7.5 interval is easier to remember

 

[Robotazky]

My new 2012 Mazda 5 (Sport, 6-sp) is on the doorstep of 5000 miles. It gets driven per schedule 1 (no short trips, heavy loading, dusty condition, etc.). Mostly highway driving and 10-30 mile drives here in the southeast.

So, I'm used to changing oil every 5k, but the Mazda service schedule says 7500 for oil & filter. I'm assuming Mobil 1 0W20 will suffice.

My wife is going to be taking it on a 1000 mile road trip, so I can either do the change myself now, or wait to do a dealer change afterwards.

Anybody want to weigh in on using a shortened oil change interval?

JMJ

If you're going to use regular Mobil 1, I'd go with 5,000 from here on out. If you ramp up to better oil, like Redline, Mobil 1 EP, or other Group IV or V synthetics, I'd say 7,500.

 

[eyeballs]

I use the OEM 0w-20 since I get it pretty cheap from the local parts counter ($5.99/qt) and from what I researched its actually decent quality. I've been doing 5k changes to be on the safe side (though it doesn't get driven all that hard most of the time). On my 2, I changed the oil at 600 miles since I wanted fresh stuff in for an event.

As far as break-in is concerned, I've seen absolutely no evidence that easy break-in is beneficial. In fact, I've found more evidence on the contrary, especially when the motor is still allowed to decelerate from all rpm ranges (helps seal the piston rings). I just always make sure not to put any strain on the motor until it is properly warmed up.

 

[Robotazky]

I use the OEM 0w-20 since I get it pretty cheap from the local parts counter ($5.99/qt) and from what I researched its actually decent quality. I've been doing 5k changes to be on the safe side (though it doesn't get driven all that hard most of the time). On my 2, I changed the oil at 600 miles since I wanted fresh stuff in for an event.

As far as break-in is concerned, I've seen absolutely no evidence that easy break-in is beneficial. In fact, I've found more evidence on the contrary, especially when the motor is still allowed to decelerate from all rpm ranges (helps seal the piston rings). I just always make sure not to put any strain on the motor until it is properly warmed up.

My practice is to baby it to 1,000 miles, do a couple of good 0-60 runs to seat the rings, and change the oil. Drive normally afterwards, if not maybe just a little easy for the next couple of thousand.