Has a review next week of the Lo Power RX-8 for a change, to see if its better value than the high power.

Also, in the letters page there is a letter from Graeme Fudge of Mazda responding to their article about checking oil a couple of weeks ago.

 

Can you post the article here?

 

Not until next week I cant, unless you have a time machine

 

Yeah I know that's what I mean, post it up when you get it!

 

Hi Mark

I haven't got this weeks Auto Express. Would you mind posting a summary of the response from Mazda re oil usage?

Thanks

James

 

the letter from Graeme Fudge, Mazda Motors UK ltd.

RX-8 Oil Checks

I'd like to make a few points on the oil-level checks of the MAzda RX-8 rotary Engine (Newsweek, Issue 772). With every new car, you should regularly monitor your oil usage.

This is what MAzda is trying to encourage with the RX-8. We advise owners to look at levels every other fuel fill, then once they've calculated their consumption the regularity of check can be altered to meet their driving style.

Many other manufacturers recommend checks every fuel fill - some even every day. Mazda wants its customers to get the best out of their cars, and gives them all of the information necessary to keep their vehicles in the best condition. Our advice to check the oil on a regular basis is a reflection of this.



Spin, spin, spin.

 

Thanks Si,

I havent got the mag with me today, and Im too lazy to type it all in anyway :D

 

Companies recomend many things.

Most new piston engines(not all) can go between services without oil topups. Doesnt mean its a good thing.

We know rotaries use oil, but so do pistons (though less). Everyone (manufacturers, mechanics, motoring bodies like theaa) recomend checking numerous things regulaly (brakes, tyres/pressure, fluids etc).

I dont see what the big deal is?

 

Re oil use in piston cars

I had a megane 16v Coupe with the 2 ltr Williams engine. This had warnings on the SUNVISORS about oil usage and checking the levels. It also had a level guage on the dash which did a prestart check on every statup. Even so, after a few weeks you got used to the amount it used and simply checked it 'every so often'. I never had problems with the amount it used but my MX5 never gets checked more than once/twice between services and is always fine. I suppose it's lazyness and it should be done more often but hey, i'm human. (just!)

 

Renault engines are renowned for using oil tho.

A megane uses 2/3x the oil my focus does.