Changing oil, not miles, but what about time?

[rabidus]

Im going synthetic on my 1st oil change (5,000mi) and everyone is talking about the miles to change it. What if I dont reach 5,000mi in 3 months? Does synthetic oil break down like dino oil? I know dino oil you have to change every 3 months, but what about synthetic?

[Stormtrooper77]

Just do whatever comes first.

[rabidus]

Too lazy to look, but how many quarts does the Mazda 3 2.3L take?

[ssinstaller]

Too lazy to look, but how many quarts does the Mazda 3 2.3L take?

4~4.5

[sam1]

you do know your supposed to change your oil every 3000 miles right? especially on the first oil change because breakin will put microscopic metal shavings in your oil. but anyways, synthetic oil deosnt break down and lose viscosity near as fast as regular oil. also, synthetic oil has "conditioners" in its oil to clean out your engine. most of them claim about a 10,000mi or 6mo oil change interval.