Jan 23, 2025
A Mazda Certified Technician performing an oil change

Changing the oil in your engine is one of your top maintenance tasks as a car owner, but have you ever wondered why? An oil change at your Mazda dealer can go a long way to preserving the performance of your engine and maximizing fuel efficiency. Learn all there is to know about motor oil service, such as when to schedule and the best type of engine oil for your powertrain. 

Mazda Oil Change 101: Why It’s Vital for Your Vehicle’s Health

The motor oil in your engine is primarily used to lubricate the internal engine parts to reduce friction that can cause wear and tear damage. Modern motor oil is also formulated to protect your engine from overheating, which can also save your engine from premature damage. 

Frequently changing your motor oil can also improve your Mazda’s fuel efficiency. This is because old motor oil or oil that is contaminated can prevent adequate lubrication of the engine’s moving parts, which can clog up your engine oil filter and prevent your motor from performing efficiently. It’s also worth noting that low motor oil can have a negative impact on your vehicle’s overall performance. 

What Type of Engine Oil Should You Use?

Your Mazda owner’s manual will list the recommended engine oil for your powertrain. If you drive a high-performance Mazda, your powertrain may perform best with synthetic motor oil that is specifically formulated to enhance engine performance. Many modern Mazdas also use semi-synthetic motor oil. 

When Should You Book Oil Service at Your Mazda Dealer?

As a general rule of thumb, modern vehicles only need new motor oil every six months or so. Regardless of how much you drive your vehicle, the engine oil in your vehicle will degrade after six months. For most drivers, this means changing the motor oil every 7,500 miles or so. However, you may need oil service more frequently if you drive in very hot weather, on sandy beaches, or you put a lot of miles on your vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to book an oil service if you are preparing for a long trip. Changing your motor oil before a road trip will ensure your engine is prepared for long-range driving. This is also a good time to schedule other vital vehicle maintenance services for your trip, such as a tire rotation. In fact, many drivers book a routine oil service with a tire rotation to save time. 

If you don’t routinely change your motor oil, your engine won’t meet your performance standards and may even experience problems like overheating or engine damage. It’s best to follow your Mazda’s recommended service guideline to maximize vehicle health and performance. Book your next oil service at Tom Bush Mazda in Jacksonville, FL.