It's been awhile (a long while) since I've had a new gas engine so I'm a little rusty. Mama's Mazda5 is coming up on 8700 miles and the second oil change. Mazda uses a semi-synthetic from the factory, so I'm curious as to how many miles I should run for proper break-in before I switch to a full synthetic. With only 4.5qts of oil and a recommended drain interval of 5K miles, I probably won't push the change intervals, but I like the increased cold-start protection and want to make this one last awhile.

Thanks for your time,

Adam

 

if they told you they use a semi sythetic from the factory, someone is blowing smoke up the backside. currently work for mazda and factory oil is just plain ol oil. only mention of synthetic is for the speed versions and it still does not come factory with synthetic or a blend.

you will be fine going to synthetic at 10k.

 

The dealer that did the first oil change said they use a synthetic blend...wonder if it's a local thing or not? Not a big deal; for $24.99 (coupons are great!) I got an oil change, car wash, washer fluid refill and the initial service check. I'm not going to make a habit of it at the retail $39.99 LOF though.

I was thinking 10K seemed right, so I'll just run regular dino oil this change and at the next one I'll make the swap.

Thanks,

Adam

 

My vehicles, I run full synthetic at 10K.
Momma's vehicle, I run semi-synthetic at 10K.

I drive about twice as much as she does and run on a 4 to 5 month oil change cycle.