What kind of engine oil do you use?

I am kind of partial to Valvoline, but recently I switched my truck to a Castrol Synthetic blend and LOVE it. I am going to try it on the M3 and see how it goes.


speaking of. Anyone know how hard it is to change oil in an 08 mz3?

I use Mobil 1 and Red Line. (can't vote for 2). I voted for Mobil. Of course it's synthetic.

I just changed my Protege's oil after 6700 miles on Red Line. I didn't get any oil analysis done on it though so saying this means nothing really.

MazdaTom wrote:I just changed my Protege's oil after 6700 miles on Red Line. I didn't get any oil analysis done on it though so saying this means nothing really.

HA. Ok, here comes the n00b in me.....

Have you done it in the past? What did it tell you? Is it worth it? How much is it? Where do you get it done?

I've done the oil changes on the 3, and it's not that bad. the only pain is it's a filter cartridge insert, not a full filter with housing. So you get a little messier than otherwise.

Personally, I feel as though a full synthetic is the way to go, and prefer using it.

I've used the Mazda recommended synthetic blend for the first 6k miles or so. Will I have any issues (with the dealership / warranty) if I make the switch to a full synthetic? Is there any reason why Mazda recommends a blended oil in the first place?

Where's the option for Other - Astroglide?

Seriously though, I've changed my oil in previous cars but with the 8 I prefer to just have them do it at the dealership. I'm sure they use whatever junk Mazda North America can find, but at least I'll have a record of them doing the changes when I take it in for my 100,000 mi re-manufactured engine.

kingtut wrote:Personally, I feel as though a full synthetic is the way to go, and prefer using it.

I've used the Mazda recommended synthetic blend for the first 6k miles or so. Will I have any issues (with the dealership / warranty) if I make the switch to a full synthetic? Is there any reason why Mazda recommends a blended oil in the first place?

Only reason I didn't go full synthetic in the Titan was that people were saying they were having trouble with temps and leaks with it. So I just did the blend. I like it enough to want to do it in the mazda.

I don't want to go to the dealer because they charge $40 and put the crap stuff in there, and I'ver heard stories that they don't even change the filter.
I can do it for $25 for Synthetic AND filter, and know it got done. Just keep a reciept showing you bought the stuff isn't as good as the list at a dealer, but still shows some.

I am going to sound stupid but I don't care. I take my 3 to Grease Monkey they actually check the air filter and all the fluids as well as the tires, brakes and wiper blades. I've had bad experience with the dealership so I pass on that.

No shame in that. I take my work truck there. They get you in and out--quick!

I use whatever the brand du jour is, at the local Mazda'ship. I'm not particularly hard on engines, but I try and always keep my changes right at around 5000 miles. I'm pretty sure they're *not* using synthetic, for $24.99.

On the motorcycle however, it was every 3k if not sooner, depending if I did any tracktime or not. Strictly Mobil1 15w-50 synthetic "car oil" believe it or not. It is liquid awesome at a very reasonable price.

Forgot this part, as for oil, I have no idea what they use lol oops, its whatever Mazda recomends for my car which I believe is not synthetic but I am considering trying a synthetic to see if I get better results.

Most Mazda dealerships should be currently, or soon be using Castrol in their bulk tanks. If you're really concerned about whether your dealership uses 'the cheap stuff' for their oil changes, just ask. They'll probably tell you. And if they don't want to tell you what type of oil they use, I wouldn't get an oil change there.

Also, in my opinion, it's unlikely that an oil filter wouldn't get changed. All oil changes get a filter and a new crush washer billed to the service order. That's how the parts department makes money, by selling filters and other parts to the service department. So I'm sure that it's possible that the tech doing the oil change could take the filter and not actually use it, but I just don't see that happening. And who's to say that the same thing won't happen at a Grease Monkey?

dommo_g wrote:Also, in my opinion, it's unlikely that an oil filter wouldn't get changed. All oil changes get a filter and a new crush washer billed to the service order. That's how the parts department makes money, by selling filters and other parts to the service department. So I'm sure that it's possible that the tech doing the oil change could take the filter and not actually use it, but I just don't see that happening. And who's to say that the same thing won't happen at a Grease Monkey?

There actually was a big investigation on it. Chris hansen, or similar, went to a bunch in TX and oil filters weren't getting changed, sometimes they wouldn't even do the oil change but still charge you for it.

Just like barn - Mobil 1 15w50 in the bike. Although I do mine a little less, I'm not that hard on it, and its beautifully clean at 3k miles. Plus I don't drive 3k a year on it.

^ That's just rude. I won't ever understand a place that does business that way. What's the damn point?