Speaking of oils, anyone using synthetic in their CX-9?
I started using Mobil 1 0W20 at 8000 miles. I'm now just shy of 70K. I was changing it every 5000, but recently went to a 7500 mile OC schedule. At the most, I may have to add 1/2 quart during that time, but only because I like to see the level right at the top mark....I've never seen the level reach the ADD mark.
Although I started replacing my own oil / filter over the past 3 changes, I used to bring my oil and filter to the local Ford dealer to have it done...and sometimes my closest Mazda dealer too, but only if I was going there for another reason. If anyone else is doing that, are you finding inconsistencies with the amount of oil they use during the change?
I would always bring in my 6 quart case and the filter. Sometimes, I would find a full quart left in the case, most times nothing left, and rarely would I find a partial quart left for me by the tech - which is the only correct way since it takes 5.5 quarts.
During the last time I had the dealership perform the change for me, which happened to be the Mazda dealer, they used all 6 quarts. This time I spoke up..."What did they do with the partial quart?". The service advisor went out back to see if the tech still had the partial quart. He came back and told me that the CX-9 takes a full 6 quarts and he went on to say that the guy who worked on my car was the best that they had and "really knew his stuff'". I wanted so bad to tell him to have the tech look up the tech bulletin that states you shouldn't over-fill the crankcase and only use 5.5 quarts of oil during a change with a filter.
That was the day I decided to start doing my own changes. Funny, I now have a clean engine shroud, my dipstick is always fully inserted, and I never have any oil dripping from parts that is shouldn't.