Should Mazda use 0W20 or 5W30 engine oil?
2 Answers
Mazda uses 0W20 engine oil. Here is some relevant information about engine oil: 1. Composition of engine oil: Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its basic properties. Additives compensate for and improve the deficiencies in the performance of the base oil, granting it certain new characteristics, making them an important part of lubricating oil. 2. Differences between 0W20 and 5W30: The difference between these two types of engine oil lies in their low-temperature fluidity and high-temperature viscosity. 0W20 has better low-temperature fluidity, allowing it to be used at lower temperatures, while 5W30 offers better high-temperature protection. However, its higher viscosity increases engine running resistance and fuel consumption. Overall, 0W20 is more suitable for the Mazda6 (Atenza) model.
I drive a Mazda3 with the Skyactiv engine myself, and I've checked the manual on this. The manufacturer explicitly recommends 0W-20 oil, specifically designed for Skyactiv engines as a low-viscosity oil. During maintenance at the dealership, the mechanic mentioned that this type of oil has excellent fluidity, allowing it to pump to every corner of the engine instantly during cold starts, smooth as a hot knife through butter, and it can also save a bit on fuel. However, last winter when it was -20 degrees, I specifically checked the dipstick, and indeed, it started up faster than my neighbor Lao Wang's car with 5W-30 oil. But if your car is over eight years old or you frequently drive on mountain roads, switching to 5W-30 might be more reliable, as it provides a thicker oil film at high RPMs. Remember to also check the coolant when changing the oil, as Mazda's engine is quite temperature-sensitive.
