I changed the oil in my 2023 Mazda Select for the first time. I used Quaker 0W-20 synthetic oil and a Motorcraft oil filter. I also replaced the air filter and cabin air filter. The car runs fine, but now when I accelerate, the engine sounds louder and more aggressive. Is this normal or did I make a mistake? There is no oil spill and the dipstick shows it’s full.
I usually have the dealership change my oil for free, but since that’s no longer available, I decided to do it myself.
Is your air box lid securely attached? It might make more noise if it’s not closed properly.
Aza said:
Is your air box lid securely attached? It might make more noise if it’s not closed properly.
Yes, that’s right. I worked at Mazda for years and this happens often. It sounds deeper when you accelerate.
Check if your air filter is properly installed and in place if the sound has changed.
Maybe ignore my advice since engines are important, but when I had a Prius, I noticed a similar change when I used Castrol GTX synthetic 0W-20 instead of the one from my mechanic.
The car felt more responsive and I got slightly better gas mileage. However, with my Mazda, I used 3 different oil brands and the sound was the same after a while.
I think you should be cautious, but take my opinion lightly.
@Peyton
Do you think the engine is supposed to sound like this and maybe the dealership used a different type of oil? I’m asking because when I drained the oil, it was black and there was too much oil after 5 months since the dealership changed it.
@Brady
I’m not sure. Oil turning black is normal. But very thick black oil isn’t.
I should add that when I was concerned, I changed the oil again (using 5 quarts) to feel better, just 20 miles after the first change. The engine sounded the same, more powerful and different. But this was on a Prius with over 150k miles, not a Mazda engine. So my advice might not apply.
@Brady
Too much oil can make the engine run poorly. Maybe that’s the issue.
@Brady
The factory might have used 10w-30 initially, and using 0w20 is thinner and flows easier, which can make the engine sound more lively.
I never use an aftermarket filter. The Mazda filter is made by Denso with a specific flow rate and pressure. It’s the same as Toyota’s. The oil is probably fine, I use Pennzoil Ultra. Check the oil level to make sure it’s not too full. OEM filters are only $12 and available on Amazon.
@Avery
Almost impossible to find Denso filters since COVID. Most are now made in Mexico.
Addison said:
@Avery
Almost impossible to find Denso filters since COVID. Most are now made in Mexico.
The factory is in Thailand. I have 4 on my shelf, but they are the turbo double line Mazda filters.
@Avery
Not Indonesia, it’s Thailand. Some Japanese filters are still available though.
Fallon said:
@Avery
Not Indonesia, it’s Thailand. Some Japanese filters are still available though.
You’re right, it’s Thailand. I looked for the Japanese ones. Where can you get them? I had my dealer do the first oil change and they used a value line Mazda filter. Now, I do all my own maintenance and some modifications…https://www.reddit.com/r/CX5Mods/s/grLurfxgVt
@Avery
Two local dealers have some in stock. You can try online stores like bamwholesale or others. Someone had a multi-pack available for a while with washers.
That’s normal.
Don’t worry, you’re fine. Regular maintenance helps a lot.
The only filters that worked well for me are the Mazda OEM (Japan and Thailand) and Wix (China and Germany). STP filters weren’t good. I use Idemitsu, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum, and Kirkland 0w-20 synthetic oil. The engine is still smooth after 13 years.
Any oil is fine, unless you use gear oil.
With lower viscosity oil, the engine might rev more smoothly. Did the dealers use 5w30?