What brand of engine oil is best for the Atenza?
2 Answers
The original factory oil for the Atenza is Mazda's specialized fully synthetic 5W-40 engine oil. If you wish to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose brands such as Mobil, Castrol, Shell, or Total. Any fully synthetic 0W-20 oil is suitable. Among these, Shell's Urban Light 0W-20 offers good value for money and excellent noise reduction. For the 2020 Atenza, using 0W-20 oil may result in louder engine noise, so 5W-30 is recommended. For the Atenza 2.5L engine, Castrol's Edge 0W-20 is recommended, while for the 2021 Atenza 2.5L Blue Sky Sport Edition, Mobil, Castrol, or Great Wall 0W-20 viscosity oils are suggested. Engine oil viscosity changes with temperature, so it's crucial to pay attention to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity—5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, ensuring smoother cold starts for the car. The second number represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100°C. A higher number means the oil can maintain its viscosity better at high temperatures, which can also be understood as providing better lubrication under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in an Atenza is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to cool down, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops dripping. Start the engine for about 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passages to drain out; Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter; Apply some oil to the seal of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add the new engine oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, typically filling about three-quarters of the bottle; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, repairs should be made; After stopping the engine, pull out the dipstick to check that the oil level is within the standard range.
I've been driving my Mazda Atenza for several years now, and I always enjoy discussing oil choices with fellow car enthusiasts. The factory recommends using synthetic oil with a viscosity of 0W-20 for the Atenza. If the viscosity is too low, it can affect lubrication, but if it's too high, fuel consumption will increase. In terms of brands, I personally think Mazda's own factory oil is the most worry-free option. I've been using Shell's Helix Ultra, which has excellent cleaning performance, and one oil change can last between 5,000 to 10,000 kilometers. The engine runs smoothly with it. For a more economical choice, Castrol Edge is also great—it's slightly cheaper but performs just as well. In short, don't skimp and buy off-brand oils, as they can damage the engine. The safest practice is to change the oil every 6 months or 8,000 kilometers for peace of mind while driving.
