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- 2008 Mazda5 GT
I've been reading a bit into the Mazda M-V (aka Ford FRN5) from BITOG and where I can find. It seems the only "approved" fluids (by their own labeling) has shrunk down to Redline/Amsoil/Royal Purple/Mazda/Ford OE stuff - all pricey premium fluids. Word is Valvoline IMV, Castrol IMV, and Mobile 1's ATF revised spec sheet removed Mazda M-V!
I need to do an ATF drain/fill or flush. I'm at 55K so about 25K past due! Too cold to work outside for a flush+cooler so leaning towards a drain/fill for now. I wanted to use a cheap (but supported) fluid since it is going to waste sooner than later. I'm leading towards Castrol IMV based on the good reviews, fully synthetic, and $$ factor ($5.50/qt at Warlmart, which sadly no longer carries Valvoline IMV). These three previously listed Mazda M-V as supported fluids. Heresy but apparently Mobile 1 decided to forgo the expenses of certifying it and instead rather took the label off. I would assume the same reason for Valvoline and Castrol but this is just internet heresy (but makes sense since this is such a specific spec). Seems this Mazda tranny needs some premium lubrication. There are some Mazda3 owners who used Castrol IMV for 20-30K without a problem (this swayed me) as well as other Ford FRN5 owners and many glowing reviews from other makes (yes, apples to oranges). Have not come across any negative reviews on it. Then again, heat and the car's added weight still concerns me a bit but it's winter. If it was warn-er, I would just go straight to Amsoil and be done but I'm kinda torn. Castrol or Valvoline are my top picks at the moment for drain/fill.
Question for auto owners.
How many miles before you replace the fluid?
What fluid did you go with?
How long have you being using it?
Notice any improvement or degradation?
I did a seach here and see that some have used Castrol, Valvoline, and Mobile 1. Hope you can report back and let us know how you are doing.
I need to do an ATF drain/fill or flush. I'm at 55K so about 25K past due! Too cold to work outside for a flush+cooler so leaning towards a drain/fill for now. I wanted to use a cheap (but supported) fluid since it is going to waste sooner than later. I'm leading towards Castrol IMV based on the good reviews, fully synthetic, and $$ factor ($5.50/qt at Warlmart, which sadly no longer carries Valvoline IMV). These three previously listed Mazda M-V as supported fluids. Heresy but apparently Mobile 1 decided to forgo the expenses of certifying it and instead rather took the label off. I would assume the same reason for Valvoline and Castrol but this is just internet heresy (but makes sense since this is such a specific spec). Seems this Mazda tranny needs some premium lubrication. There are some Mazda3 owners who used Castrol IMV for 20-30K without a problem (this swayed me) as well as other Ford FRN5 owners and many glowing reviews from other makes (yes, apples to oranges). Have not come across any negative reviews on it. Then again, heat and the car's added weight still concerns me a bit but it's winter. If it was warn-er, I would just go straight to Amsoil and be done but I'm kinda torn. Castrol or Valvoline are my top picks at the moment for drain/fill.
Question for auto owners.
How many miles before you replace the fluid?
What fluid did you go with?
How long have you being using it?
Notice any improvement or degradation?
I did a seach here and see that some have used Castrol, Valvoline, and Mobile 1. Hope you can report back and let us know how you are doing.
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