2012 Mazda CX-9 OCI Help

[mbacfp]

Hello everyone,

I wanted to see if I could get some advice regarding my OCI on my 2012 Mazda CX-9 3.7L V6. Mazda says 6 months or 7,500 miles (non-synthetic oil). Got the 5-year service plan and had oil changes every 6 months (bulk Castrol 5w-20)...during that I had a 46-mile round trip commute.

Now, service plan has ended and now I have a 6.5-mile commute (90% of that is highway). Car has 50,000 miles on it and I just changed the oil myself (Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-20). I do drive the car farther at times, etc.

Questions is...is my commute now considered severe (short Trips)? I do not drive it hard and cruise on the highway at 65-70 for those 4.5 miles highway run. Should I maintain a 6 month OCI or can I go once a year on the Mobil 1 synthetic 5w-20? Appreciate it.

 

[SatinSilver]

At a minimum I would go at least a year on the M1 maybe longer. Every six months is willy nilly.

 

[mbacfp]

Thanks SatinSilver,

Was thinking a year or 7,500 miles...especially if I can get 5w-20 rather cheaply with rebates, etc. To test, should I get a UOA at 6 months and extrapolate from that? Not sure how hard the 3.7L V6 is on the oil?

Best,

 

[bigt61]

I'd just change it at 7500 even if it takes longer than a year - as long as it stays topped off. M1 is pretty stout - just ask tig - he goes 10k as a routine.

 

[mbacfp]

Thanks bigt61,

Appreciate the insight.

 

[Kuato]

6.5 miles/day each way? 13 x 5 days = 65 miles/week X 52 weeks (no vacation considers extra driving) = 3380 miles.

One year should be EASY on M1, and two years is certainly possible but I agree with your thoughts on getting a UOA first.

edit: yep I consider 6.5 miles to be short tripping and therefore severe service - or at least on the severe schedule.

 

[mbacfp]

Thanks Kuato. Outside temps aren't too extreme...so I have been hoping engine gets warmed fully. Yes, 6.5 miles one way. I do drive it places plenty (that are far away at highway speeds). Will plan on pushing maybe 8 or 9 months then do a UOA to see how oil is doing. Thanks to all for the guidance.

 

[Shata]

Honestly I'm into this having perfect oil things going on around here but at same time my recommendation is and what I do is run oci interval / oci indicator then run your blackstone sample and verify the interval was okay even if you short trip it. If they have severe interval I'd run that with short trips you do. My truck is down to 20% at 6k so I just change it there and I have tbn of about 2.5 on samples but every car and oil is different.

I also don't believe in month intervals it's oil scam she runs her interval till done and I haven't seen any bad samples from it.

 

[mbacfp]

Hi Shata,

Thanks. I was going to bite the bullet and change in 6 months...do a UOA. Hopefully Blackstone can tell me if the short tripping it along with my longer trips is being kind to the oil...then I will push longer OCI next time. Car is out of warranty...so trying to find a sweet spot with synthetics. Not sure how hard engine is on oil. Thanks.

 

[SatinSilver]

Blackstone sells a sample pump so you can take a sample without changing the oil. Very high quality pump.

 

[mbacfp]

I should consider doing that. Thanks SatinSilver. Take care all.