Just for fun...
The 2010 Mazda 3i is due for an oil change very soon. This car sees about 8,000 miles a year and most trips are between five to seven miles in length. Current mileage is around 8,500 miles, and the last two changes at 3k and 6k were done at the dealer using a 5w-20 from a local bulk oil distributor.
Mazda recommends a 4 mo/5,000 mile oil change interval for severe service and 6 mo/7,500 mile oil change interval for normal service. The recommended oil is SAE 5w-20 API SM with no other requirements.
As you can tell, I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles for maximum protection. After a disappointing experience from a local dealer, I have decided to have a different shop change the oil this time. Here are the choices:
Firestone: Kendall GT-1 Liquid Titanium Blend 5w-20 and Firestone (Champs) Filter: $19.99
Sears: Valvoline Premium Conventional 5w-20 and Powerflo (Purolator) Filter: $19.99
Jiffy Lube: Pennzoil 5w-20 and Performax (Purolator) Filter: $30.99
Dealer: Castrol GTX 5w-20 and Mazda OE Filter: $29.99 (coupon special, normally $39.99)
Which one would you choose and why?
(And no, I am not changing it myself. I have not had issues with the Sears and Firestones in this area either.)
The 2010 Mazda 3i is due for an oil change very soon. This car sees about 8,000 miles a year and most trips are between five to seven miles in length. Current mileage is around 8,500 miles, and the last two changes at 3k and 6k were done at the dealer using a 5w-20 from a local bulk oil distributor.
Mazda recommends a 4 mo/5,000 mile oil change interval for severe service and 6 mo/7,500 mile oil change interval for normal service. The recommended oil is SAE 5w-20 API SM with no other requirements.
As you can tell, I have the oil changed every 3,000 miles for maximum protection. After a disappointing experience from a local dealer, I have decided to have a different shop change the oil this time. Here are the choices:
Firestone: Kendall GT-1 Liquid Titanium Blend 5w-20 and Firestone (Champs) Filter: $19.99
Sears: Valvoline Premium Conventional 5w-20 and Powerflo (Purolator) Filter: $19.99
Jiffy Lube: Pennzoil 5w-20 and Performax (Purolator) Filter: $30.99
Dealer: Castrol GTX 5w-20 and Mazda OE Filter: $29.99 (coupon special, normally $39.99)
Which one would you choose and why?
(And no, I am not changing it myself. I have not had issues with the Sears and Firestones in this area either.)