2010 Mazda 3 2.5L Oil?

[VanMazda3]

Maybe i'm just being an over concerned new car owner but I shall ask nevertheless.

I bought a 2010 Mazda 3 2.5L in Sept of this year. Mazda requires a 5w20 spec oil. I changed the factory conventional oil out at 2500KM and my mechanic put in LubroMoly 5w40 with the old adage that thicker oil was better for temperate climates here in Canada (Vancouver) and a larger Mann oil filter.

After reading a lot of the information here, i'm nearly convinced to put Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 in, instead of the LM-5w40. And keeping the larger MANN oil filter, that fits perfectly and seem to have a great track record.

Am I going to cause any adverse effects on the 2.5L with this heavier oil? I've only put on 6500KM total. Or am I just wildly imagining things going wrong with what I have done? And put the Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 in ASAP.

I've been reading this website for sometime now and I want to say thank you to everyone who's ever contributed, it's a vast array of great information.

 

[Eddie]

I think you are very correct that Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 would have been a better choice. However, now that you have a heaver oil, just do a shorter than normal oil change interval. I doubt any harm will be done with the 40wt oil but, certainly not the best choice. JMO. Ed

 

[mpvue]

40wt in Vancouver in the winter? how long does it tick when you start it up in the morning?

 

[deven]

Even though you live in Canada, I don't think LM 5w40 would do any harm especially since its a stout synthetic and would pour at a much lower temp than what you see in Vancouver.
With that said, those Ford engines love and I mean love 5w20 oils for some odd reasons so I would definitely switch to that viscosity once you are done with LM 5w40.

 

[NateDN10]

It won't do any damage. 5W-40 will flow plenty fine in the winter. But as you've guessed, 5W-20 is the better choice.

 

[Thermo1223]

I can't really prove it other than my ear. The 3 seems a bit quieter all around on Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 than the dealer bulk Castrol 5w20.

After this 7500 mile OCI I plan on doing a used oil analysis and maybe going with PU next time around.

Will 5w40 hurt it? Not really other than maybe reduced fuel economy but the engine wants 5w20, so that's what it gets.

I am not sure if the Variable Valve Timing is oil pressure actuated or not.

 

[tig1]

Try Mobil 1 5w20, or 5-20EP, or Mobil 1 0w20. All of these will work very well in your Mazda.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Havoline 5w30. A mislabeled 20w oil with good moly. Chevron. 2 bucks a litre.

 

[VanMazda3]

My greatest worry was the VVT being affected, whether now or later. I will try the Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 and see what it feels like for this oil change, and perhaps on the next one will try a 0w20.

Thanks everyone for the help. Next time i'm visiting the USA, i'll be sure to pick up more of it, as it's rather expensive here in Canada.

 

[kcfx4]

I put Castrol EDGE 5w20 in my wifes 08 escape 2.3, its so quiet @ a stop i cant tell its running, mpgs went up too, i have 08 mazda 6 2.3 running Mobil 1 0w20, she has a lead foot, she still gets btr mpgs and hers is quiter, now my engines are 2.3's but 2.5 is their replacement, my vote is Castrol EDGE 5w20, but i havent tried Castrol EDGE 0w20

 

[shpankey]

I 2nd the Castrol EDGE. Since it's winter and so far north I would recommend the Castrol EDGE 0w20 if you can find it. Though the 5w20 is fine. Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 would work great as well, as would Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w20 or 5w20. I really like the Castrol EDGE though. A lot.

I run Mobil 1 5w20 in son-in-law's Ford Focus and he is absolutely ecstatic with it. Says it's very smooth and quiet and revs quicker. Though he came from Valvoline Conventional.

Everything I've tried Castrol EDGE in so far has made each vehicle run smoother and quieter according to my wife and daughter and I can say the same for my car which is currently running it. It seems a few other bitogers around here cite the same thing. Consider me extremely impressed and happy with it. Though I think all 3 of these are very good quality and you will be happy with any of them so you may just see which one you can catch on sale.

 

[Thermo1223]

Maybe I'll try Edge then, always on special around here.

 

[kcfx4]

You wont regret it!!