oil change..
- Thread starter arthurx01
- Start date
dandydaniel
Member
- :
- 2008.5 Mazdaspeed 3
I have 520 on the odo and I plan to go full synth at 1k, then at 3k, then at 5k and then go on regular 5k/6mo intervals. don't drive too much so probably every 6 months.
I did mine at 2800 with regular oil and will probably do 2 more with regular too. Then I will switch to synthetic around 9000mi or so. I've heard that the synthetic is somewhat thinner than regular oil and the regular oil helps all of the seals and gaskets set properly. I think this is especially important with the way the turbo in the MS3 was designed with the floating seals. I've heard from others on the forum that there is more of a chance that synthetic oil will leak into the turbo and burn off.
If it helps, my dealer told me to stay away from synthetics for the first 30,000 k. They also told me they prefer if I changed the oil twice per service interval. I was going to to do this anyway, but the dealer seems to nod at my habit of washing engines out with oil the second it turns color.
Service interval on the wall at Mazda says 8,000 km (5,000 miles) so I changed it at 4,000 km (2,500 miles). Since I change it so often, I'm gonna let my skepticism of regular oil slide for now and tell myself the dead fish will help seal the turbo.
Only reason I agree with it is because when we put in synthetic gear oil into this old Jetta my family had, the lower heat generated by the sythentic lube caused the gaskets to not expand as much, which eventually caused the gaskets to desintegrate and leak (all over the clutch too).
Service interval on the wall at Mazda says 8,000 km (5,000 miles) so I changed it at 4,000 km (2,500 miles). Since I change it so often, I'm gonna let my skepticism of regular oil slide for now and tell myself the dead fish will help seal the turbo.
Only reason I agree with it is because when we put in synthetic gear oil into this old Jetta my family had, the lower heat generated by the sythentic lube caused the gaskets to not expand as much, which eventually caused the gaskets to desintegrate and leak (all over the clutch too).
MikeHTally
Member
- :
- 2008.5 Speed3, 2006 Chrysler 300C, 2003 Ram 1500
The 9K mark is my plan as well. Don't think it's thinner, but I've read the molecules are smaller. This supposedly makes it easier for the oil to find a path out.
As for changes, I did mine at 1K, 3K and I'll be putting my spin-on filter conversion at about 4,500. Then a change at 6K and every 3K afterwards.
MikeHTally
Member
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- 2008.5 Speed3, 2006 Chrysler 300C, 2003 Ram 1500
Two changes per interval?! I've never heard of that. I change mine at 3,000 miles on every vehicle, but I've never done a double.
30,000 is a bit excessive to delay the synthetic switch. Even the Chrysler Hemi doesn't need that long, and it supposedly takes longer to "season".
Lastly, the lube doesn't generate the heat -- the motor does. I suspect that leakage was because it was a VW.
I'm REEEEAALLLY OCD when it comes to oil.
FrequentFlyer
Member
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- 2008 CWP Mazdaspeed3
Ya don't say?
And color does not indicate the oil's life. How about confirming your OCD with oil analysis?
I follow the manuf guidelines. Changing your oil every 3K is on CNBC's top 20 ways to waste money on your car...Oil is not the same as it was in your Grand-dad's buick and it lasts longer than 3K. Several cars even come with oil life-sensors which will notify you when the oil is too dirty or thin and needs changed. Im not saying don't be cautious but anyone that puts synthetic in every 3K miles is just not thinking.... There is no point, if your changing it so often you should use the cheapest crap you can find or take it to a grease monkey. If you auto-x or often push your car, then don't blindly change the oil every 3K, actually monitor your oil with that great dipstick tool. Check it weekly, if its too dark, smells hot/burnt or seems to easily come right off the dipstick then its probably a good idea to change it. This is just my opinion and take it for what its worth but oil is expensive enough in this country without un-needed oil changes 10 times a year.
Ok my turn, had the dealership do the first oil changes with the regular oil as recommended. At 1,500, 3,000 and 5k. At 7500 I switched to synthetics all around. I just had my oil changed and alignment done at 27,000 or so. The Royal Purple synthetic oils have done me very well in all my vehicles. Kind of expensive but to me it is the best investment for a car that is run to redline, um, on occasion. i change at 4-5000. I would suggest at some point you switch over to a good synth and move your oil change intervals out a little bit.
MikeHTally
Member
- :
- 2008.5 Speed3, 2006 Chrysler 300C, 2003 Ram 1500
Mazda's guidelines are 3,000 miles for the turbo. They don't differentiate between lizards and modern chemistry. Those oil change monitors often go off at less than that, so the dealer has a chance to make more money on maintenance.
The dealership that I use always wants to put non synthetic in. They have suggested 3000 to 5000 depending on driving style. Know your oil and know your car. With this, a lifetime relation ship can be developed. And Mike you are correct that it is all about getting the customer in the garage door to find that the brake pads need replacement when you went in for an oil change! eg, you have good points!
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