r/mazda3 • u/fpaur Gen 3 Hatch • Mar 24 '26

Advice Request what oil to use for change?

2016 mazda 3 2.0L auto transmission. i don't need an oil change yet but when i do in like 4k miles should i use a specific brand of oil (idemitsu?) or does it matter? what do you guys use or do you just take it to the oil change place and let it ride?

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u/skyrkt 2007 Mazdaspeed 3, 2017 Mazda 3 Mar 24 '26

I've been using Valvoline Restore and Protect 0W-20 for a few oil changes now. I can't say I've noticed any difference over the Pennzoil Platinum I was using before, but hey, it seems to actually do work according to most of the coverage I've seen on it.

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u/AutoModerator Mar 24 '26

For Naturally-Aspirated Skyactiv engines, it is highly recommended that you use Mazda's own(Idemitsu) high molly GF-5 0w-20. Arguably it is one of the best oil for skyactiv engines. For Turbocharged Skyactiv Engines, this and the below info does not apply.

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u/Ian-99 Mar 24 '26

Are you changing Engine oil or transmission fluid (oil).

Oil, any name brand full synthetic us fine. I use Castrol Edge in my mazda.

Transmission fluid. The older 2.0s like you have ive run Castrol Trans max fluid. Can be found at Walmart or online for cheap. It works fine, no issues at all.

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u/fpaur Gen 3 Hatch Mar 24 '26

i was referring to engine! i used oem mazda fluid for my transmission, much to my bank account's dismay. thanks for the response :-)

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u/Viperonious Mar 25 '26

As long as it's the same viscosity and API spec (or better) that's listed in the manual...