I've got a simpler question to ask, and havent found any threads answering it:

I'll be submitting a change of ownership card so that Mazda has it on file, since I bought the car used. I'm going to perform all oil changes myself and since I've just gotten the car, I'll maintain records of all receipts. Here's the question:

Mazda recommends use of 5w20 oil right? I bought 5w30 and intend on using it for the life of the car (until I find a better reason for different weight); point being, I am using an oil weight not recommended by Mazda, just like so many of us.

Who here knows if Mazda will pick a bone with me over this? Any experiences? Thanks all.

 

As you correctly cite, 5W-20 is just a Mazda "recommendation" and using 5w-30 will not void your warranty (same recommendation for my Jeep Patriot and my daughter's Mazda6). As we know, it's really related to a corporate fleet MPG average thing they're trying to meet.

Of course as a multi-weight you can use 5w-30 year 'round.

Do keep a log and receipts for your personal oil/filter changes.

 

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recommend

Here is your answer.

 

Thanks Huey, that is exactly the information I was looking for.

Really? THAT'S what the word recommend means?
I asked the question in hopes of avoiding any potential warranty denials from Mazda based on claims of non-recommended engine oil use, if the day were to come that an engine failure occured under warranty. Thanks for your extremely insightful and constructive input.

 

There are a number of posts here from people who have had trouble getting blown engines replaced because they did not have records of oil changes. I've seen a handful from people who had trouble because they used synthetic. I don't remember seeing any from people who used 5w30 instead of 5w20.

I get changes done at my dealer, and they use 5w30. At least that's what the past couple of years of receipts say.

Ken

 

so since ive done all ail changes myself mazda wont give me an new engine if it dies is what this thread is saying, unless i have recipts which i dont but i do have a log book so i know when to do the oil change

 

Yea i'm pretty sure dabax; i know the log book you're speaking about in the back of the service manual, and from what i remember a Mazda rep has to have initialed off on each noted servicing verifying that it was complete, or some crap like that... That's why I want to make sure I do this all correctly from the get-go.

 

I hate to start quoting law, but according to Magnusson-Moss, Mazda must honor their warranty unless they can prove that whatever you did or did not do actually caused the failure you seek a claim for. It's MUCH CHEAPER for them to simply fix the problem than get in a legal pissing contest, which they will likely lose, especially given the failure history of the 8. And, the onus of proof is on them. As long as you don't do anything just spectacularly stupid, they will cover your claim with very few questions asked.

 

That was your answer. I told you what you need to know.

it REALLY depends on how dealership/tech line/regional manager deal with the matter.

They do have the right to ask for your oil change receipt, if you show it to them, most likely you're good to go. Since you did your part perfectly.

The problem is that some dealership hate warranty work, cuz it usually takes longer than Manufacture's quote hours, sometimes have to wait for parts, and it usually takes a "while" to get the money back.

lets say if they replaced the engine, but then the SSV got stuck for whatever reason, they have to leave that car at the bay for another day cuz they gotta wait for parts. And sometimes when UPS fuxks up or the part guy ordered stuff to late. another day wasted. and the bay cannot accept any other cars cuz the car on the bay can't move when the crossmember is off.

so ...

 

I have no doubt that you are correct about the hassle and annoyance level on the part of the dealer. But if push comes to shove, for all practical purposes, they don't have a choice. Except....maybe to try to get you to take your problem to another dealer.

 

hah !

I forgot to say one more reason : Greed

Some dealerships are loaded with greedy mother #@$*)kers. They want to deny as much warranty as they could so they can rip more people off. Say, charging people full hour to do a 10 seconds "check engine light" job.

 

I love that.. "here let me charge you $96 to read a check engine code in 15 seconds. Oh it was no big deal at all !! Just tighten your gas cap..."

 

yea the first time i called the dealership and asked if there was any charge for a check, they told me 96$,

so i drove down the street to autozone they did it for free right infront of me

 

Use what tickels you. For me:

Dealer 1: thou shalt use only 15W40 magnatec.

Dealer 2: thou shalt use only 5W30 (mineral, synthetic or multi it doesn't matter)

They don't know, it's dealer preferences.

I don't have tech know-how on oils but after 27 months on 15W40 magnatec and the last 7 months on Edge 5W30, I am going back to magnatec.