Oil viscosity for Mazda 3

[Croc R]

I bought a new 2012 Mazda 3 to replace the DD car I totaled in Dec. I want to do an early oil change to get rid of any crud that may have been left by the break-in process. The manual says to use 0-20W in the US and Canada. I know that part of the reason that newer cars are using such light oil is for fuel economy. My question is what is the viscosity that is best for the engine? Also, any recommendations for particular oils?

[Potomac-Greg]

I'd use what Mazda recommends. The owners manual may offer more options, but the lower weights work with modern engines. All Hondas use 0W20 IIRC.

[N Fotouhi]

Dino or Synth :D Could not resist

+1 for using what is in the Manual, unless you want to void the waranty. For reference, I ran Mobile 1 5-20 in my 04 Mountaineer per OM and it had 100K on it including for 4 years towing to the track with no oil usage when I traded it.

[smdubovsky]

x3 the manual. They're designed w/ clearances and such to use the thin stuff. Putting thick stuff in a new one can be as bad as putting thin oil in an old 911. Run it w/ what it was designed to work w/.

[Croc R]

Thanks.