Switch from 5W-20 to 0W-30 , your thoughts

[Dieselsrule]

Need your opinions:
Mazda recommends 5W-20 for a 2009 Mazda 6 (4 cyl) and synthetic 5w-20 is whats been ran in it so far, 48,000 mi with 6,000 OCI.
Do you guys think it would be OK to run Synthetic 0w30 in it? The car is driven in the foothills of NC.
Thanks in advance.

 

[gregk24]

Yes it would be ok, but why are you looking to switch. If 5w20 is whats recommended then just stick with that.

 

[Eddie]

I think it is OK to run 0w30 and it may even give you some addition safety but, really not needed.

 

[Dieselsrule]

Originally Posted By: gregk24
Yes it would be ok, but why are you looking to switch. If 5w20 is whats recommended then just stick with that.


Got 4 jugs of Synthetic 0w30 that was give to me. If I use it in the Mazda 6 I will then return to 5W-20.

 

[sparky123]

I'm no expert, but from all my reading here, I can say some oils fall into the "light" or "thick" end of the spectrum. I'm using German Castrol (which now is Belgium Castrol) 0w30 in the Golf's 2.5L engine. This oil is considered a "thick" 30 weight oil. I would think this type of oil would not be suited for your engine as it's almost a 40w to start. A "light" 30w I'm thinking would be fine to use.

 

[mene]

Originally Posted By: Dieselsrule
Need your opinions:
Mazda recommends 5W-20 for a 2009 Mazda 6 (4 cyl) and synthetic 5w-20 is whats been ran in it so far, 48,000 mi with 6,000 OCI.
Do you guys think it would be OK to run Synthetic 0w30 in it? The car is driven in the foothills of NC.
Thanks in advance.


I would have done it already, those hills are steep and long, we have gone to Boone so we know, I know it is worse in the rockies been there too but still not flat like here; just make sure it is not a thick 0W30 like GC, look for one in the thin side, I think Castrol Syntec is, but don't quote me on that, look for spec's.

 

[sparky123]

Another thought, I've read that when one starts using synthetic where the car has only seen convention oil, there may be oil usage w/the engine for a few OC's w/that new oil.

 

[fdcg27]

What brand of syn 0W-30?
There aren't very many of them out there on the shelves.
You could probably even use something as thick as GC without issue, but something thinner like M1 0w30 might be a better choice.
There have been at least three distinct flavors of M1 in the 0w30 grade that I can recall going back to the late 'nineties.
Using some free syn oil sounds like a generally good idea, though.

 

[Dieselsrule]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
What brand of syn 0W-30?
There aren't very many of them out there on the shelves.
You could probably even use something as thick as GC without issue, but something thinner like M1 0w30 might be a better choice.
There have been at least three distinct flavors of M1 in the 0w30 grade that I can recall going back to the late 'nineties.
Using some free syn oil sounds like a generally good idea, though.


Its M1 0w30 advanced fuel economy, green cap and label.

 

[fdcg27]

I'd use that in the Mazda with no concerns.
The cheapest I've ever gotten M1 AFE was $12.00/jug with MIR five years ago.
Free is hard to beat.

 

[Hyde244]

It would be ok, but I still don't see the reason for switching.

If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

 

[Capa]

That change would be fine. You could also always try a 0W-20.

 

[fdcg27]

Read the thread.
His reason for switching is that he was given the M1.
He wants to know if this free 0w30 is okay for his car.

 

[barkingspider]

I would use the free 0w30 Mobil 1 in a heart beat. It'll do just fine. If it wasn't free, I would stay with 5w20

 

[Mr_Incredible]

I would use it without fear.

If it makes you itch to do it, mix w/some of their Xw/20.

 

[EdwardC]

Originally Posted By: Mr_Incredible
I would use it without fear.

If it makes you itch to do it, mix w/some of their Xw/20.


That's what I was thinking, if it would give you peace of mind, get a couple jugs of M1 0W20 AFE and go halfsies on each OCI.

 

[Hokiefyd]

M1 0w30 would be great. I have two vehicles which call for 5W-20, and have ran M1 0w30 in both before. No apparent change in fuel economy or engine responsiveness. In fact, I've got conventional Formula Shell 5w30 in our Acura now. I have various quarts of 5W-20 to use up, and I'll do that over time, but will probably start using 5w30 in both cars. The engines just seem to run a little smoother/quieter.

 

[Merkava_4]

They're saying you have to use 5W-20 for everything - no exceptions.

Quote:
2009 MAZDA MAZDA6 2.5L 4-cyl Engine Code [A]
LUBRICANTS & FLUIDS: Lookup Another Vehicle
Engine Oil
Grade 1......API*
Maximum Performance SAE 5W-20 Signature Series 100% Synthetic Motor Oil (ALMQT)
Performance Plus XL 5W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil (XLMQT)
Performance OE 5W20 Synthetic Motor Oil (OEMQT) All TEMPS......5W-20