What is the best engine oil for Mazda 3 maintenance?
2 Answers
For Mazda 3 maintenance, it is recommended to use either 0W-20 full synthetic or 5W-30 semi-synthetic engine oil. The specific choice can be adjusted based on usage conditions and driving habits. Below is a detailed introduction to engine oil: Meaning of viscosity grades: Take 5W-30 engine oil as an example. The number 5 represents low-temperature fluidity—the smaller the number, the better the oil's low-temperature fluidity. The number 30 represents high-temperature viscosity—the larger the number, the better the oil's high-temperature viscosity. Methods for selecting engine oil type: First, refer to the user manual, which specifies the recommended type of initial factory oil for the vehicle. As the vehicle ages, the type of engine oil also needs to be adjusted accordingly. At this point, you can adjust the oil viscosity based on the color and viscosity of the drained old oil.
I've been driving my Mazda3 Axela for almost five years, always using full synthetic oil for maintenance, especially the 0W-20 viscosity grade. It's a perfect match for Mazda's Skyactiv-G engine, making the engine run smoother with quicker starts and better fuel efficiency. I mainly use the car for urban commuting. During southern summers, I've tried 5W-30 which worked fine, but 0W-20 provides faster cold starts in winter and saves about 10% on fuel consumption. I've used both Shell Helix Ultra and Mazda genuine oil with stable results, changing every 10,000 km or 6 months. Never try to save money with semi-synthetic oil - I once tried it and regretted it terribly due to increased engine noise and sluggish acceleration. Now I stick to full synthetic for proper engine protection, even on long trips. The key is to always replace the oil filter simultaneously to ensure overall system cleanliness and safety. The driving experience is much better this way - car maintenance should always focus on the essentials.
