What is the most suitable engine oil for Mazda CX-4?
3 Answers
Mazda requires the use of 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil for maintenance of its models. The following is an introduction to engine oil: Classification of engine oil: Engine oils on the market can be simply divided into mineral oil and synthetic oil based on their base oil (vegetable oil is not considered due to its scarcity). Synthetic oils are further divided into full synthetic and semi-synthetic. Precautions for changing engine oil: For new cars under normal driving conditions, if synthetic oil is used, the oil can generally be changed every 10,000 kilometers, and sometimes even extended to 20,000 kilometers. Under "severe driving" conditions, engine wear is greater, and the requirements for engine oil are higher. Therefore, it is recommended to shorten the oil change interval to effectively protect the engine.
I've been driving my CX-4 for almost four years now, always sticking to 0W-20 viscosity full synthetic oil, especially brands like Idemitsu or Mobil that meet Mazda's certification. The Skyactiv engine has an exceptionally high compression ratio, so oil with good fluidity during cold starts in winter is crucial to reduce wear. Initially, I tried 5W-30, but fuel consumption increased by almost 1 liter, and the engine noise became louder. The manual specifies GF-5 or SN grade standards, which shouldn't be taken lightly—using the wrong oil and damaging the engine is no small matter. I change the oil every 8,000 kilometers, or up to 10,000 kilometers if I drive more on highways. During maintenance, it's always a good idea to have the mechanic check the oil level.
Last time the technician at the 4S shop told me that our CX-4 needs low-viscosity engine oil to protect those precision components. Nowadays, most new models use 0W-20, while older models can still use 5W-30, but it's not as effective as the new standard. Full synthetic oil is a must, especially when frequently stuck in traffic or running AC during hot summers—conventional mineral oil simply can't handle high temperatures. Look for the ILSAC GF-5 certification mark on the oil container; Japanese cars all recognize this standard. A while ago, I met a guy who used the wrong viscosity oil during a major service, and it blew the oil seal—cost him over 5,000 yuan in repairs, totally not worth it. Usually, you should check the oil condition every 5,000–6,000 km; if it turns black or has impurities, change it early.
