2015 Mazda 3 MT Gear Oil

[buster]

I have almost 18,000 miles on the 3 and was thinking of changing the MTF out. However, I've been driving mostly highway miles so I wonder if it's a waste? Or should I change it out to get the break-in wear out? If so, what is a good MTF for this car? I was thinking of just taking it to Mazda and having them use the OE MTF. How is it changing the MTF out on this car?

I still have my 8,000 mile Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w20 sample I need to send off for a used oil analysis. I currently have 6,800 miles on the current fill of Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w20.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

If it specifies a 75w-90 MT oil, can't go wrong with the Ford "transmission honey"

 

[Olas]

The first link on google tallies precisely with my own, personal opinion.

http://revlimiter.net/blog/2010/12/mazda3-manual-transmission-fluid-change/

 

[buster]

Great, thank you I appreciate the info. I'm going to buy the fluid and take it to the dealer to have them put it in. I don't have the time/space right now to do it. Maybe I'll go with the RL MTF. I have heard good things about it.

 

[Sluggo0018]

Not sure if the Mazda 3 transmission is the same as the 6 speed manual used in my Miata, but the Motorcraft XT-M5-QS fluid is very popular on Miata.Net for smoothing out and reducing notchiness in Miata transmissions. I switched over roughly 40,000 miles ago and have been very happy. It's not cheap (roughly $20/qt on line), but seems to work great.

If the fluid specs match what your owners manual requires, give it a try.

 

[IndyIan]

There are only benefits to changing it out early, but I would probably stay with whatever is currently in there though if its working well for you. Or atleast do some research on a Mazda3 forum, as you wouldn't want to spend the $50-60 on stuff that shifts worse.

 

[MCompact]

Originally Posted By: Sluggo0018
Not sure if the Mazda 3 transmission is the same as the 6 speed manual used in my Miata, but the Motorcraft XT-M5-QS fluid is very popular on Miata.Net for smoothing out and reducing notchiness in Miata transmissions. I switched over roughly 40,000 miles ago and have been very happy. It's not cheap (roughly $20/qt on line), but seems to work great.

If the fluid specs match what your owners manual requires, give it a try.


That's the fluid I use in my Mazdaspeed 3. It and has served me well since I switched to it at 30,000 miles- I'm now at 154,000 miles. I change it every 30,000 miles FWIW.

 

[Greasymechtech]

Check your owners manual for the spec.

If you require a 75w80, then use the OE fluid. Dont assume that dealer will use the correct fluid.

 

[bulwnkl]

I always had outstanding service from Red Line in our Mazda5. Don't know what the viscosity spec is now, but I'd look to Red Line for a match.

 

[CT8]

How long are you going to keep the car? the early oil changes and proper maintenance only show their benefits after many years and miles.

 

[buster]

^ I usually keep my cars for a minimum of 5-7 years; 150k miles +.

 

[buster]

It takes a 75w80 GL-4.

 

[DeepFriar]

Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
Check your owners manual for the spec.

If you require a 75w80, then use the OE fluid. Dont assume that dealer will use the correct fluid.



With your mostly highway use, you can get away with any good lube. Like Olas I would recommend something good like RL or RP in it myself. And if you are going to really hammer the trans from time to time in some sort of competition for instance, the RL Lightweight Shockproof Oil, according to them, performs at an 80W gear fluid function (say 30W motor oil) but with up to a film thickness of 75W140. The high horsepower (both NA and turbo) SR20 powered Nissan users swear by the stuff.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Originally Posted By: DeepFriar
Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
Check your owners manual for the spec.

If you require a 75w80, then use the OE fluid. Dont assume that dealer will use the correct fluid.



With your mostly highway use, you can get away with any good lube. Like Olas I would recommend something good like RL or RP in it myself. And if you are going to really hammer the trans from time to time in some sort of competition for instance, the RL Lightweight Shockproof Oil, according to them, performs at an 80W gear fluid function (say 30W motor oil) but with up to a film thickness of 75W140. The high horsepower (both NA and turbo) SR20 powered Nissan users swear by the stuff.


I've always wondered about the Shockproof. I thought it was for rear differentials though. Does it have the needed add pack for synchronizers and is their any advantages to using it over MT90 (for a 75W90 GL 4 spec)? What about yellow metal synchronizer comparability?

 

[Drew99GT]

Don't forget Amsoil Manual Synchromesh Transmission Fluid; it's actually thinner than Redline MTF and has good reviews.

 

[DeepFriar]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Originally Posted By: DeepFriar
Originally Posted By: Greasymechtech
Check your owners manual for the spec.

If you require a 75w80, then use the OE fluid. Dont assume that dealer will use the correct fluid.



With your mostly highway use, you can get away with any good lube. Like Olas I would recommend something good like RL or RP in it myself. And if you are going to really hammer the trans from time to time in some sort of competition for instance, the RL Lightweight Shockproof Oil, according to them, performs at an 80W gear fluid function (say 30W motor oil) but with up to a film thickness of 75W140. The high horsepower (both NA and turbo) SR20 powered Nissan users swear by the stuff.


I've always wondered about the Shockproof. I thought it was for rear differentials though. Does it have the needed add pack for synchronizers and is their any advantages to using it over MT90 (for a 75W90 GL 4 spec)? What about yellow metal synchronizer comparability?


It's GL4 and used in trans/transaxles. You can buy it on Amazon. There are three levels of it from light to heavy. Don't know if all are available on Amazon.