has four powerful engine options. Its base model engine has an oil capacity of 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters), the 2-liter Skyactiv engine has an oil capacity of 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters), the 2.5-liter engine has an oil capacity of 5.3 quarts (5 liters), and its most powerful engine option, the turbocharged 2.3-liter engine, has an oil capacity of 6 quarts (5.7 liters).

The Mazda 3 is a compact car produced by Mazda. It was first introduced in 2003 and continues to be one of Mazda’s best-selling cars 20 years later.

If you own or plan to own a 2013 Mazda 3, you’ll want to know its engine oil capacity to keep it running smoothly. In this article, we’ll discuss the amount of oil this zippy little car requires and dig into how to change your oil and how often you should do so.

MORE:

Mazda insurance cost

2013 Mazda 3 engine oil capacity

The 2013 Mazda 3’s base 2-liter, 148-horsepower engine requires 4.5 quarts (4.3 liters) of engine oil.

The optional 2-liter Skyactiv engine that creates 155 horsepower and comes with a six-speed manual transmission requires 4.4 quarts (4.2 liters) of engine oil while the optional 2.5-liter, 167-horsepower engine requires 5.3 quarts (5 liters) of engine oil.

Finally, the most powerful engine option, the 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that cranks out 263 horsepower, requires 6 quarts (5.7 liters) of engine oil.

Consult your owner’s manual to verify what engine your Mazda 3 has.

Note that engine oil capacity and engine displacement are not the same things. Engine oil capacity is the amount of oil that is required to complete an oil change while engine displacement is the measure of the volume of your Mazda’s cylinders.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Mazda 3 need?

Most Mazda 3 engines require SAE 0W-20 engine oil, although its turbocharged engine may require SAE 5W-30. Always consult your owner’s manual to confirm the type of oil your Mazda requires.

Let’s break down what SAE 0W-20 means.

SAE stands for the U.S. Society of Automotive Engineers, the entity that codes oil viscosity.

The numbers 0 and 20 refer to the oil’s viscosity (how thick it is at low and high temperatures, respectively) while the “W” stands for winter.

“SAE 0W-20” means the oil has terrific cold-weather behavior. The oil is very thin in cold temperatures and flows easily through the engine without causing much friction. This oil performs adequately at high temperatures but will not provide as much lubrication as an 0W-30 or 5W-40 oil would.

Mazda recommends using Mazda Genuine Oil in order to achieve maximum fuel economy and full synthetic oil for optimal performance.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

How often to change the oil on a 2013 Mazda 3

If you’re using full synthetic oil, like Mazda recommends, a good rule of thumb is to

change the oil

every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. If you’re using conventional oil, every 3,000 to 5,000 miles is a better estimate. For those who don’t drive very often, you might be able to get away with changing your Mazda’s oil every six months.

That said, the best way to tell if your Mazda needs an oil change is to manually check the oil regularly.

If you notice any of the following warning signs, your Mazda’s oil likely needs changing:

Dark brown or black engine oil. Oil that’s a light brown color, like ginger ale, is normal, but if it looks like a cup of Pepsi, it needs to be changed.

Gritty/grimy engine oil texture.

Strange sounds or unfamiliar smells coming from your Mazda’s engine.

Poor vehicle performance—like vibrations when idling or trouble changing gears.

Excess exhaust smoke.

MORE:

Mazda tune-up cost

How to change your oil and oil filter

Manually changing your vehicle’s oil is a breeze, provided you have the right tools and experience. You’ll likely need:

Up to 6 quarts of engine oil

Oil filter

Funnel

Socket or filter wrench

Drain pan

Carjack

Jack stands

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to change your Mazda’s oil:

First, turn on the car and warm up the engine for a few minutes. Then, turn the engine off.

Secure the car using

jack stands

Drain the old oil by placing the drain pan underneath the drain plug before removing it with the wrench.

Remove the old oil filter, while allowing the drain pan to collect more oil, and replace it with the new oil filter.

Refill the engine with new oil according to your engine type. Secure the fill cap.

Turn the car on and check for leaks.

If all goes according to plan, you’ll have successfully completed your first oil change! If your Mazda’s

oil pressure light

was illuminated, it should soon turn off.

Pro Tip Always remember to dispose of dirty oil safely by putting it in a sealed container and bringing it to a recycling center.

"I felt like I was paying too much for my insurance policy, so I downloaded
Jerry
. I literally only typed in 3 pieces of info and Jerry found my current insurance. In a few minutes, they pulled up 2 Progressive policies that showed $900 in savings over 6 months!” —Maeve J.

RECOMMENDED