Dealer going against Mazda

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Hello,

New poster here. My emails to Mazda will explain below.

I just brought my new 2009 Mazda 3 Value Touring 2.0L in for it's first oil change. I've been using synthetic oil since 1975 and I continue to do that.
When they were done, I was surprised to see "XYZ" Mazda used Mobil 1 5-30w. I know the owners manual says to use 5-20w.
The service manager told me they are now using 5-30w, both dino and synthetic in all new vehicles calling for 5-20w. He said because of the heat here in Florida they have had issues with the 5-20w. I asked if engine tolerances and warranty could be problems and he said absolutely not.
Do you concur with your dealer on this issue?

That was my question to Mazda, here is their answer:

Thank you for your e-mail inquiry for correct oil. If your 2009 MAZDA3 has the 2.0L engine then the recommended oil would be the 5 w -20 and the manufacture would not recommend synthetic oils or a different weight oil, they have not be approved or tested. If any other oil is being used it could void warranty. If you have additional question please call me at xxx.

Thank you,
XXXXX
Specialist, Customer Service

My owners manual says nothing about NOT using synthetics.

Thoughts anyone?
 
I am pretty sure my fox honda dumps 5w30 in ridgeline which calls for 20.
maybe I can make friends with an ambulance chasing lawyer! heeheee.

just take ur own oil next time
 
Hmmmm, Sounds like the dealer has a good supply of bulk 5w30. Good story (ie. fairy tale) regarding NOT using 5w20. Been through a similar story on an 01 Civic in south Ga., only it was 10w30.
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Not under warranty though.

Don't agree with the dealer, IMO he's trying to hoodoo you.

As for the sythetic, customer rep could be wrong. If your owners manual has no specific prohibition, and the synthetic meets specs, then I see no problem.

5w30 likely won't hurt a thing, but being under warranty is a consideration, IMO. I'd reread my OM, look for a viscosity chart. If 5w30 is not listed for temp range, I'd run it this time. Next time though, I'd go to a dealer or DIY with 5w20.

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The warranty will not be voided if the dealer uses 5W-30. The auto companies are under extreme pressure to increase fuel mileage and must meet increasingly stiff CAFE standards. Obama just accelerated the implementation of CAFE standards in upcoming years.

So the automakers must be very careful that they always recommend 5W-20 if that is what the auto was certified under. Trust me, there are a lot of environmentalists and EPA employees who pose as car owners and try to get the automakers to slip up and say that 5W-30 is OK after the car was certified by the EPA with 5W-20 and then they would crucify the automaker.

Bottom line is that 5W-30 is fine. If you have a concern I would recommend M1 0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy (not anything like the German Castrol 0W-30).
 
When it came to issues, he was pretty vague. He talked about turbo's smoking and having to go to 40w with those...

The manual says 5-20w, except if you're in Mexico and can't find it than use 5-30w - it says that in very fine print.

I plan on talking to the rep tomorrow, I don't think he has anything to back up the no syn claim.
 
Quote:
The warranty will not be voided if the dealer uses 5W-30.
And you know this how?

Originally Posted By: mazz3
When it came to issues, he was pretty vague. He talked about turbo's smoking and having to go to 40w with those...
Your car's not a turbo is it? Otherwise no relationship. Lot's of gobbledegoop.
 
Originally Posted By: mazz3
When it came to issues, he was pretty vague. He talked about turbo's smoking and having to go to 40w with those...

The manual says 5-20w, except if you're in Mexico and can't find it than use 5-30w - it says that in very fine print.

I plan on talking to the rep tomorrow, I don't think he has anything to back up the no syn claim.

If I had a turbo, there is not question I would use a synthetic.

Keep in mind that the automakers must diligently specify the same oil viscosity for maintenance that the car was certified with for MPG by the EPA, or else they could loose their EPA certification. So don't even bother asking the manufacturer for any additional justification for 5W-20. Any further discussion with them on this subject would be like pi$$ing in the wind.

If you go to the promotions section of the Mobil 1 website, you can get two $10 mail-in rebates for M1 0W-30 AFE, which would be perfect for your vehicle. Most places will change the oil with the stuff you supply.
 
Originally Posted By: sayjac
Quote:
The warranty will not be voided if the dealer uses 5W-30.
And you know this how?

Because the authorized dealer installed the 5W-30 oil, and they know perfectly well that the 5W-20 is an MPG issue and not a engine longevity issue.
 
It's not a turbo.

I'd be just fine with M1 5-30w or 0-30w. But once they take my car and disappear around the corner I don't know what they are doing with it. I once caught a national chain putting in their cheapo store brand in place of the syn I requested...but that's another story.

Another question; would the manufacturer accept 0w-30? It's not specified per se.
 
Originally Posted By: mazz3
Another question; would the manufacturer accept 0w-30? It's not specified per se.

No, they cannot recommend a different viscosity than what the car was certified using for the EPA fuel mileage calculations. Please do not make me repeat this again. But "recommending"
is not the same as denying a warranty claim.

When I could not change my own oil, I used a oil change shop where I could watch them poor my oil (that I gave them) into the car by standing in front of the car just outside the garage.

I would not be surprised if the M1 0W-30 gets as good as fuel economy as conventional 0W-20 (but I am not making that claim). M1 also has 0W-20 AFE. Use what you want. You have to decide whether you are a mouse or a man.
 
Urban legends/myths aside, the manufacturer, not the dealer determines what meets warranty standards. I'd run 5w20, not only because that's what the manufacturer specs but as JHZR2 says
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
It is because we have designed and enabled such good 20wt oils, that we can use them with confidence.


Couldn't have said it better.
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Good Luck
J
 
As far as turbos smoking, the problem is the with the oil seals in the K04 units. At around 25,000 miles my 2007 MS3 started smoking at idle and my dealer replaced it- no questions asked. My dealer gives me free 5,000 mile oil changes for as long as I own the car, and they said that if I wanted to use synthetic that would be no problem- so I've used M1 5W-30 since the 5,000 mile mark.
 
I usually do watch them and give them oil and filter at a oil change joint. I just went to the dealer for the first one for what ever reason.

It seems to me the dealer needs to be reined in by the manufacturer. Be professional and stick to the standards that are set.

When I talk to the rep he's either going have to put it writing that my warranty is still good or he or the dealer can pay for a new oil change.
 
Originally Posted By: mazz3
I usually do watch them and give them oil and filter at a oil change joint. I just went to the dealer for the first one for what ever reason.

It seems to me the dealer needs to be reined in by the manufacturer. Be professional and stick to the standards that are set.

When I talk to the rep he's either going have to put it writing that my warranty is still good or he or the dealer can pay for a new oil change.

Do yourself a favor and forget about the dealer using 5W-30. They are not going to deny your warranty unless there is an oil related failure and they can prove that the oil was at fault. I assume you have records of your dealer oil change, so just keep them in case they ever ask for it.
 
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