every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12 months—whichever comes first—using SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil. Check your owner’s manual to make sure you’re using the correct grade and amount of oil.

Oil is essential to keeping your engine performing its best. It improves fuel efficiency and protects the engine from internal damage. However, old oil becomes dirty and viscous, making it important that you follow a regular maintenance schedule to get it changed.

Delaying oil changes may not seem like a big deal, but you may eventually face problems like corrosion, engine knock, or even total engine failure for doing so.

While every car make and model varies slightly, the general steps to changing engine oil are pretty straightforward.

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How often does a Mazda 3 need an oil change?

You should change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

Delaying your oil change past 10,000 miles or 12 months could damage your engine, so it’s important to keep up with your maintenance schedule.

However, the exact amount of time you can go between oil changes depends on your driving habits. If you drive under harsh conditions, for example, the engine oil and filter should be replaced every 7,500 miles or every 10 months.

You should also check your oil level regularly and top it off if necessary.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

What kind of oil does a Mazda 3 need?

The recommended engine oil for Mazda 3 is SAE 5W-30 oil for all climate conditions. However, SAE 10W-30 is also acceptable if you are operating the vehicle in moderate-to-hot climates.

The lower the W number, the less viscous the oil is and the less lubrication and protection it will provide. (Your oil’s ideal viscosity is chosen based on the lowest anticipated temperature you will experience before your next oil change.)

Using any non-recommended oil for your car could damage your engine or void your warranty. If you are changing your Mazda 3’s oil yourself, be sure to check your owner’s manual to ensure that you’re using the correct grade.

How much does an oil change cost for a Mazda 3?

The cost of an oil change for a Mazda 3 varies depending on whether you take the car to a shop or change the oil yourself.

Professional cost

For a professional oil change, you can expect to be charged around $104. This includes an estimated $71 for labor and $33 for synthetic oil.

Additional costs will be applied if your oil filter needs to be replaced.

DIY cost

You’ll save money by changing your oil yourself. A quart of

5W-30 synthetic oil

costs anywhere from $4 to $13, and you can also find 5 quarts for between $10 and $40.

How to change the oil in a Mazda 3 yourself

What you’ll need

Mazda 3 oil change tools

Full synthetic

5W-30 synthetic oil

(4.5 quarts)

Compatible oil filter such as a Mobil 1 M1C-153, Mann ML 1019, or Purolator PL15505

17 mm socket or wrench

Oil drain pan/container

Funnel

Carjack

Jack stands

Protective gloves and glasses

Disposable towels for cleanup

Owner’s manual

1. Warm up the engine

Turn your engine on for a few minutes to warm up to normal operating temperature. Then turn the engine back off.

2. Secure the car

Jack up your car and use jack stands to secure it in place. At a minimum, you will need to raise the front of the car, as the oil drain plug is located near the car’s front bottom.

3. Drain the old oil

Place the oil drain pan under the drain plug before removing the plug with the 17mm wrench. Allow the oil to drain into the container and inspect the oil drain plug.

If the washer or sealing is worn out, you will have to replace the drain plug to avoid damage to the oil housing.

After draining, torque the drain bolt to 22 ft-lbs, or the owner’s manual specification.

4. Remove the filter

The oil filter is under a large plastic belly pan on the bottom of your car. Remove the belly pan and place the drain pan under the filter (oil will gush out).

Remove the oil filter cap, take the filter out, and allow it to drain.

5. Install the new oil filter

Before installing the new filter, make sure to lubricate the o-ring with oil and replace it on the filter cap.

Slide the new oil filter down, on top of the plastic bar. Reinstall the oil filter cap and tighten it to 22 ft-lbs.

6. Put new oil in the engine

Pour 4.0 quarts of 5W-30 synthetic oil into the engine through the oil cap—using a funnel will minimize spills. Screw on the fill cap tightly, then run the engine for a few minutes to check for any leaks from the oil drain plug or filter cap. (This will also help saturate the filter with oil.)

If there are no leaks, you can reinstall the plastic belly pan on the bottom of your vehicle.

7. Stop the engine and check the oil level

After running the engine for a few minutes, turn it off and wait for three minutes. Check the oil level with the dipstick and add more if necessary.

8. Reset the oil change reminder

Turn on your car without starting the engine (i.e., press the START button without pushing down on the brake pedal).

Use the main control button to bring up the application or ‘A’ icon. Select ‘maintenance’ and then ‘oil change’ to find the reset option. Click to confirm the reset and your oil life should be set to 100%.

What happens if you don’t change the oil on a Mazda 3?

Oil changes are inconvenient but must be done regularly to protect your car engine. The oil keeps engine parts lubricated, which prevents corrosion and engine knock, distributes heat, and improves fuel efficiency.

The following problems can develop if you don’t keep up with your Mazda 3’s oil changes:

Engine corrosion

Decreased fuel efficiency

Overheating

Complete engine failure

Maintaining a regular oil change schedule will protect your car from these issues and help you avoid major repairs that can be extremely costly.

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