For 2011, Mazda specs an 0w20 motor oil.
Here is what the manual says:
Recommended Oil:
Use SAE 0w20 engine oil (2.5-Liter engine).
Oil container labels provide important information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes to fuel economy is reducing the amount of fuel necessary to overcome engine friction.
USA & Canada
*picture of ILSAC label*
Only use oils "Certified For Gasoline Engines" by the American Protoleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and emmission system protection standards and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers."
*Shows thermometer with 0W-20 below it*
Except U.S.A and CANADA
*shows API label*
(Mexico)
Use SAE 0w-20 engine oil. If SAE 0W-20 engine oil is not available, use SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 engine oil. The quality designation SM, or ILSAC must be on the label.
*shows thermometer with 0W-20 below it*
Mazda recommends Mazda Genuine Parts and Castrol (U.S.A and Mexico). For optimal engine performance, there are certain types of engine oils and filters suitable for your vehicle. Please consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
-END
So Mazda says "Recommended Oil" and then calls for 0w20, but in Mexico 5w20 and even 5w30 are okay? Mazda does not state anywhere that a 0w20 MUST be used, but says "use 0w20" and "recommends 0w20." So if I were to use 5w20 would this void my car warranty?
I asked the dealer and there response was something to the affect of "using our service department ensures proper Mazda products are used in the servicing of your vehicle."
The Mazda manual also states that they recommend that oil changes be performed by the dealer...they don't even have instructions on how to DIY.
The problem is that 0w20 is real hard to find around here...and if I do find it at a store they will have one or two quarts of it (almost always Mobil 1 0w20 AFE) for $8/qt. I'm surprised that all of these car manufacturers spec this oil and force you to use it when it is still an uncommon oil weight. Why not state "5w20 is acceptable if you cannot find 0w20?"
Here is what the manual says:
Recommended Oil:
Use SAE 0w20 engine oil (2.5-Liter engine).
Oil container labels provide important information.
A chief contribution this type of oil makes to fuel economy is reducing the amount of fuel necessary to overcome engine friction.
USA & Canada
*picture of ILSAC label*
Only use oils "Certified For Gasoline Engines" by the American Protoleum Institute (API). An oil with this trademark symbol conforms to the current engine and emmission system protection standards and fuel economy requirements of the International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee (ILSAC), comprised of U.S. and Japanese automobile manufacturers."
*Shows thermometer with 0W-20 below it*
Except U.S.A and CANADA
*shows API label*
(Mexico)
Use SAE 0w-20 engine oil. If SAE 0W-20 engine oil is not available, use SAE 5W-20, 5W-30 engine oil. The quality designation SM, or ILSAC must be on the label.
*shows thermometer with 0W-20 below it*
Mazda recommends Mazda Genuine Parts and Castrol (U.S.A and Mexico). For optimal engine performance, there are certain types of engine oils and filters suitable for your vehicle. Please consult an Authorized Mazda Dealer.
-END
So Mazda says "Recommended Oil" and then calls for 0w20, but in Mexico 5w20 and even 5w30 are okay? Mazda does not state anywhere that a 0w20 MUST be used, but says "use 0w20" and "recommends 0w20." So if I were to use 5w20 would this void my car warranty?
I asked the dealer and there response was something to the affect of "using our service department ensures proper Mazda products are used in the servicing of your vehicle."
The Mazda manual also states that they recommend that oil changes be performed by the dealer...they don't even have instructions on how to DIY.
The problem is that 0w20 is real hard to find around here...and if I do find it at a store they will have one or two quarts of it (almost always Mobil 1 0w20 AFE) for $8/qt. I'm surprised that all of these car manufacturers spec this oil and force you to use it when it is still an uncommon oil weight. Why not state "5w20 is acceptable if you cannot find 0w20?"