Question about oil change

[philipfreire]

Alright,

Not your typical question.

I plan on letting my 3 sit for the winter as I have a winter beater. I just did an oil change at 16XXXKM and ain't going to see the car till about March. The sticker says I need an oil change at 24XXXKM or in FEB. Whichever comes first.

But since the car will be sitting till march and I miss that date, what will happen? I wont go more than 17XXXKM before she sits for the winter.

Will this conflict and possibly void warranty?

[aris]

Nothing will happen..and no they will not void your warranty..but just make sure when you pull your car out you get the oil changed.

Back in dec of '99 i bought my truck brand new and after the first winter it never seen winter again..all i did was take it for oil change in spring when i pulled it out..they never once denied me any warranty work.

[cwp_sedan]

Yeah you will be fine.

[philipfreire]

Cool. Thanks guys.

[TheMAN]

even not changing the oil in spring before it hits the 24k, won't hurt the engine

[aris]

Will this conflict and possibly void warranty?



even not changing the oil in spring before it hits the 24k, won't hurt the engine

I think he is worried about his warranty and not his engine...and i don't see what you just how that would make sence..if the recomend interverls is 4 months or 8,000km then when he pulls his car out in the spring the oil would have been longer then 4 months and since he is under warranty he should change it as soon as he pulls it out for the summer IMO

[philipfreire]

I think he is worried about his warranty and not his engine...and i don't see what you just how that would make sence..if the recomend interverls is 4 months or 8,000km then when he pulls his car out in the spring the oil would have been longer then 4 months and since he is under warranty he should change it as soon as he pulls it out for the summer IMO

Im worried about warranty and not about the engine because I know once I pull it out I will be doing an oil change.The oil is still extremely clean but I take care in the motor.

I just know it might sit longer than the typical 4 month interval, so I was wondering if that conflicted with warranty issues.

[cwp_sedan]

Im worried about warranty and not about the engine because I know once I pull it out I will be doing an oil change.The oil is still extremely clean but I take care in the motor.

I just know it might sit longer than the typical 4 month interval, so I was wondering if that conflicted with warranty issues.

I wouldn't worry about it. I think if you were driving it very little and waited 8-10 months to change the oil because it took you that long to reach 8000k then they would probably frown upon that. Having that car sit for the winter isn't the issue.

Everyone has a personal opinion on the matter but I would change the oil out in the spring. The oils composition will change over time but even 4-6 months won't cause it to change that much.

Your warranty should be fine. Have you even asked a dealership what they thought?

[philipfreire]

I wouldn't worry about it. I think if you were driving it very little and waited 8-10 months to change the oil because it took you that long to reach 8000k then they would probably frown upon that. Having that car sit for the winter isn't the issue.

Everyone has a personal opinion on the matter but I would change the oil out in the spring. The oils composition will change over time but even 4-6 months won't cause it to change that much.

Your warranty should be fine. Have you even asked a dealership what they thought?

lol thats the best bet! I will call mazda canada personally and ask and then call my dealership.

[TheWulf]

I always went by mileage for oil changes... the times are just a guideline based on what the average person drives it.

[pacmann33]

I always went by mileage for oil changes... the times are just a guideline based on what the average person drives it.

Not at all...

[philipfreire]

I spoke with Mazda Canada this morning regarding my situation and they stand firmly on 8000km or 4 months regardless if the vehicle sits or not.

So I have to pull the vehicle in for an oil change in feburary and expose it to salt just to keep warranty valid even if the vehicle is sitting. This kinda defeats the soul purpose of keeping it off the roads in the winter.

Can I dispute this?

[cwp_sedan]

I spoke with Mazda Canada this morning regarding my situation and they stand firmly on 8000km or 4 months regardless if the vehicle sits or not.

So I have to pull the vehicle in for an oil change in feburary and expose it to salt just to keep warranty valid even if the vehicle is sitting. This kinda defeats the soul purpose of keeping it off the roads in the winter.

Can I dispute this?

I would definitely think so. What if you changed your own oil in that time frame? ;)

Personally I think that is bull. If you don't put any KM on it for say 6 months there wouldn't be anything wrong with changing it when you put the car away and when you pull it out in the spring.

[pacmann33]

I figured they would say that, otherwise how do they enforce the 4 months at all. Just another way to get out of warranty claims, but I see their point.

[pacmann33]

I would wait for a nice cold day where the roads are dry in Feb or whenever, get the oil changed, go through a carwash, get the supreme or whatever that does undercarriage, and then idle it in your garage to get it nice and hot under so everything dries out.

Don't forget to leave the garage door open LOL

[aris]

I would definitely think so. What if you changed your own oil in that time frame? ;)

Personally I think that is bull. If you don't put any KM on it for say 6 months there wouldn't be anything wrong with changing it when you put the car away and when you pull it out in the spring.

A big +1

[aris]

Also do you tke your car to the dealer for oil changes??

If so do you go to the sameone or do you go to different dealers eash time.

Cause you realy should be asking your dealer and not mazda canada..

[fatsock]

I'm curious is Mazda Canada a bunch of maniacs...a common theme on here is will it void my warranty? I used to change my oil on my 96 toyota corrolla and never worried about Toyota. And Mitsubishi rules!

Or is everyone just being careful?

[mazda lover]

I spoke with Mazda Canada this morning regarding my situation and they stand firmly on 8000km or 4 months regardless if the vehicle sits or not.

So I have to pull the vehicle in for an oil change in feburary and expose it to salt just to keep warranty valid even if the vehicle is sitting. This kinda defeats the soul purpose of keeping it off the roads in the winter.

Can I dispute this?

Take it on a day when the roads are dry, in fact you could do it any day from January-Feb. Don't have to do it on the exact day, take it before that day...
ops someone already suggested this

[Flagrum_3]

I spoke with Mazda Canada this morning regarding my situation and they stand firmly on 8000km or 4 months regardless if the vehicle sits or not.

So I have to pull the vehicle in for an oil change in feburary and expose it to salt just to keep warranty valid even if the vehicle is sitting. This kinda defeats the soul purpose of keeping it off the roads in the winter.

Can I dispute this?

Personally I think the person you spoke too at Mazda Canada has their head up their ass :chuckle They didn't have a clue how to answer the question and just took the safe route out of it....I would'nt worry one bit about it!...I stored my vehicle for one winter and never had a problem, mind you the dealer I was dealing with, on a regular basis and did my oil changes, were aware I stored the vehicle....They had no problem with it as I put fresh oil in, before storing and fresh oil in as soon as I brought it out.( The dealer or Service manager is more likely to understand the situation more then some peep sitting behind a desk)......How many RX8 owner's do you think also store their vehicles? LOL.

There are many here on the board that have stored their vehicles and I don't think they have had any issues.

The 4 months part of the 8k/4 months is just a guideline, oil 'will not' go bad in that short a period or in exactly 4 months (It's not fruit!), it may get contaminated slightly with moisture/raw fuel, which will get burnt off (mostly), the first time you run it too operating temp, almost 100% guaranteed.

my :.02


_3

[pacmann33]

I think Mazda Canada is justified in sticking to the 4 month thing, they couldn't police it otherwise...how do you make exceptions for one over the other. And sure, you will have no warranty issues if you change the oil yourself, just keep reciepts to prove it. Same thing if you take it to another shop.

I dont think that the person at Mazda Canada is mistaken.

Mazda could then just toss the 4 month thing out the window at all and just say every 8k change the oil if they were to make exceptions for people who say they store their car in the winter. Only way I think you could get around it is to have the plates removed and have some kind of official paper trail to proive that the car was not driven during the winter, like some insurance companies do. even still, used oil is sitting in the car all winter.

Make life easy and just have it changed on a nice day in Feb. I ride my sportbikes on the road sometimes in jan/feb, as long as the road is dry, and I wash it after, and they have no steel on them, entirely magnesium, aluminum and titanium.

[pacmann33]

I must say I do think it is BS, I don't really agree with what they say, but yeah, they need to make some kind of allowances for those who store cars. They need a better system. It bothers me at how easily they can deny coverage when an engine craps the bed because you were 2 days late on an oil change 3 years earlier.

[Flagrum_3]

I must say I do think it is BS, I don't really agree with what they say, but yeah, they need to make some kind of allowances for those who store cars. They need a better system. It bothers me at how easily they can deny coverage when an engine craps the bed because you were 2 days late on an oil change 3 years earlier.

They cannot deny warranty because you've gone a couple of days/weeks or even a month over the alloted time! Again it is a 'Guide' to when to change the oil, it is not a precise thing!! If for instance this person several thousand kilometers down the road has a catastrophic engine failure; they (Mazda) would have to prove that the engine oil was the culprit i.e; thru oil analysis, oil level inpsection, thorough engine inspection etc; otherwise they have no claim....Also remember that when the oil changes are done mileage will be taken and recorded, so if this person shows up after the winter for his O/C and mileage is only 1000 kilometers difference there will be no argument whatsoever.Again, oil is not like fruit or milk or whatever analogy you want to use, oil is oil and it can stay good for a long time as long as the car is not driven and believe me they know this, the guide-line is there so that it is not abused and by abused it is meant people don't "drive" their vehicles for six months on the same oil.

If the OP decides he wants to pull the car out in the middle of February to get an oil change that's his decision, I'm just telling him it's unnessary.


_3

[aris]

They cannot deny warranty because you've gone a couple of days/weeks or even a month over the alloted time! Again it is a 'Guide' to when to change the oil, it is not a precise thing!! If for instance this person several thousand kilometers down the road has a catastrophic engine failure; they (Mazda) would have to prove that the engine oil was the culprit i.e; thru oil analysis, oil level inpsection, thorough engine inspection etc; otherwise they have no claim....Also remember that when the oil changes are done mileage will be taken and recorded, so if this person shows up after the winter for his O/C and mileage is only 1000 kilometers difference there will be no argument whatsoever.Again, oil is not like fruit or milk or whatever analogy you want to use, oil is oil and it can stay good for a long time as long as the car is not driven and believe me they know this, the guide-line is there so that it is not abused and by abused it is meant people don't "drive" their vehicles for six months on the same oil.

If the OP decides he wants to pull the car out in the middle of February to get an oil change that's his decision, I'm just telling him it's unnessary.


_3

I couldn't agree with you anymore:)

[fatsock]

I talked to a dealership today...I guess the real question is this. Although it is probably unlikely that your engine is going to need replacing under warranty, if it did, is saving $35.00 on an oil change worth arguing with Mazda Canada to replace your engine?

[philipfreire]

I emailed Mazda Canada for a second opinion and this is what I got:


Hello Mr. Freire,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for allowing us the opportunity to respond.

We do not expect you to perform oil changes on a vehicle stored for 1 season, however, when removing the vehicle from storage, we would recommend an oil change, as fluids to break down over time, as well as kilometers. As such, should warranty require the maintenance records, we will review these records and also take into consideration that the vehicle was stored (as indicated by no change of kilometers between oil changes and date). Further, please note that oil changes are recommended every 8,000 km or 4 months and not 24k. We trust this clarifies our position on the matter. Should you require additional clarification, please call us toll-free at 1-800-263-4680 during regular business hours.

Regards,
Mazda Canada Inc.

I will print a copy of this and keep it for my records. I wonder if this will be enough evidence or proof of any statement made by Mazda Canada

[cwp_sedan]

I emailed Mazda Canada for a second opinion and this is what I got:



I will print a copy of this and keep it for my records. I wonder if this will be enough evidence or proof of any statement made by Mazda Canada

Sounds like you've got your ass covered. :)

[pacmann33]

There you have it folks. What that means however is that you HAVE to change the oil right before putting it away, and then, if you manage to blow up your engine on the way to the oil changers after storage you are covered. If you deviate from that at all...like drive it one day before your scheduled appointment you are still leaving it up just one person in head office who is maybe having a bad day. In my opinion it is not worth it to leave it up to Mazda's discretion lol. It has happened before, and it will happen again. who cares if you drive it once in Feb to get an oil change. It's a freakin' mazda3. Sorry guys, had to say it. It has happened to people on this very forum. Do a search lol.

Flame suit on!!!

I wonder how long we can get this thread to stay alive. haha.

[Flagrum_3]

I emailed Mazda Canada for a second opinion and this is what I got:



I will print a copy of this and keep it for my records. I wonder if this will be enough evidence or proof of any statement made by Mazda Canada


There you have it folks. What that means however is that you HAVE to change the oil right before putting it away, and then, if you manage to blow up your engine on the way to the oil changers after storage you are covered. If you deviate from that at all...like drive it one day before your scheduled appointment you are still leaving it up just one person in head office who is maybe having a bad day. In my opinion it is not worth it to leave it up to Mazda's discretion lol. It has happened before, and it will happen again. who cares if you drive it once in Feb to get an oil change. It's a freakin' mazda3. Sorry guys, had to say it. It has happened to people on this very forum. Do a search lol.

Flame suit on!!!

I wonder how long we can get this thread to stay alive. haha.

I think you should re-read the return email sent by Mazda as it does not state what you say at all!! Actually it states exactly what I stated a few posts back.Soooo, to the original poster; store the vehicle if that is what you prefer, but get an oil change before storage and asap afterward, it's that simple...no worries :)


_3

[pacmann33]

_3....not at all...

As such, should warranty require the maintenance records, we will review these records and also take into consideration that the vehicle was stored (as indicated by no change of kilometers between oil changes and date.

HUGE gray area...you are leaving this open to some paper pushers interpretation. how many kilometers will they let you drive in between the oil changes? you have to get to the dealership somehow, which for some people is a fair drive away. Then becaus eyou are getting your oil changed at Mazda...you have to schedule the new oil change. While waiting for the scheduled date for the oil change you drive you drive to the bank, get 100$ bills, drive over to the swedish rub and tug, then the next day, take your little cousins to wonderland, THEN get you oil changed. By this time you have another 400kms on the car. You no longer have "no change of kilometers between oil changes and date" and if you trust a car manufacturer to just be okay with it every time you are more gullible than I.

It's like trusting Ferris Bueller with your class attendance sheet...not as good idea.

It has happened is all that I am saying. I'd rather not leave it up to some person who will never see the whites of your eyes to decide your fate if your engine blows up.

[Flagrum_3]

_3....not at all...

As such, should warranty require the maintenance records, we will review these records and also take into consideration that the vehicle was stored (as indicated by no change of kilometers between oil changes and date.
HUGE gray area...you are leaving this open to some paper pushers interpretation. how many kilometers will they let you drive in between the oil changes? you have to get to the dealership somehow, which for some people is a fair drive away. Then becaus eyou are getting your oil changed at Mazda...you have to schedule the new oil change. While waiting for the scheduled date for the oil change you drive you drive to the bank, get 100$ bills, drive over to the swedish rub and tug, then the next day, take your little cousins to wonderland, THEN get you oil changed. By this time you have another 400kms on the car. You no longer have "no change of kilometers between oil changes and date" and if you trust a car manufacturer to just be okay with it every time you are more gullible than I.

It's like trusting Ferris Bueller with your class attendance sheet...not as good idea.

It has happened is all that I am saying. I'd rather not leave it up to some person who will never see the whites of your eyes to decide your fate if your engine blows up.

C'mon!! Common sense is wanting here!...How could you possibly have NO kilometers in between oil changes lol. The guy has to drive home and back doesn't he? lol.I think it's understood that what is meant is that he has very few kilometers showing, even a couple hundred kms would be fine.Point is if your going to store your vehicle it takes a little planning and timing but no biggy; Plan to change the oil immediately before and immediately after storage! What's the problem??


_3

[aris]

_3....not at all...

As such, should warranty require the maintenance records, we will review these records and also take into consideration that the vehicle was stored (as indicated by no change of kilometers between oil changes and date.

HUGE gray area...you are leaving this open to some paper pushers interpretation. how many kilometers will they let you drive in between the oil changes? you have to get to the dealership somehow, which for some people is a fair drive away. Then becaus eyou are getting your oil changed at Mazda...you have to schedule the new oil change. While waiting for the scheduled date for the oil change you drive you drive to the bank, get 100$ bills, drive over to the swedish rub and tug, then the next day, take your little cousins to wonderland, THEN get you oil changed. By this time you have another 400kms on the car. You no longer have "no change of kilometers between oil changes and date" and if you trust a car manufacturer to just be okay with it every time you are more gullible than I.

It's like trusting Ferris Bueller with your class attendance sheet...not as good idea.

It has happened is all that I am saying. I'd rather not leave it up to some person who will never see the whites of your eyes to decide your fate if your engine blows up.

You got to understand that the dealer has some pull in this too...so if soemthing where to happen the dealer can say to mazda canada that the car was taking care etc...alot of it has to do with the relelship you build with your dealer IMO

[Flagrum_3]

You got to understand that the dealer has some pull in this too...so if soemthing where to happen the dealer can say to mazda canada that the car was taking care etc...alot of it has to do with the relelship you build with your dealer IMO

Big +1 and keep your records :)


_3

[trademark83]

After the basic warranty runs out after 3 years/80km, what is covered?

[Flagrum_3]

After the basic warranty runs out after 3 years/80km, what is covered?

Go to the Mazda.ca site and search for standard warranty coverage, it'll give a complete list of whats covered. :)


_3

[philipfreire]

I put about 600km from the oil change. So basically if I bring it in a month late and with 600km from the last oil change, do you think they can make a case out of that?

[S.F.W.]

I put about 600km from the oil change. So basically if I bring it in a month late and with 600km from the last oil change, do you think they can make a case out of that?

I can't see them giving you warranty hassle for that.

[aris]

I put about 600km from the oil change. So basically if I bring it in a month late and with 600km from the last oil change, do you think they can make a case out of that?

I wouldn't worrie about it

[sip]

I emailed Mazda Canada for a second opinion and this is what I got:

Hello Mr. Freire,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for allowing us the opportunity to respond.

We do not expect you to perform oil changes on a vehicle stored for 1 season, however, when removing the vehicle from storage, we would recommend an oil change, as fluids to break down over time, as well as kilometers. As such, should warranty require the maintenance records, we will review these records and also take into consideration that the vehicle was stored (as indicated by no change of kilometers between oil changes and date). Further, please note that oil changes are recommended every 8,000 km or 4 months and not 24k. We trust this clarifies our position on the matter. Should you require additional clarification, please call us toll-free at 1-800-263-4680 during regular business hours.

Regards,
Mazda Canada Inc.


I will print a copy of this and keep it for my records. I wonder if this will be enough evidence or proof of any statement made by Mazda Canada

Hi Phillie86,

Any new developments re your warranty question. I have a similar situation. My 8 months service is due in Dec. I want to store my Mazda end of November and take it out of storage in April 2010. As such, I don't want to do the Dec oil change. Instead I want to do it in April 2010 (i.e. do the 8 month service at 12 months). In my situation, I wouldn't be able to prove that the vehicle was in storage by mileage between services. I might be able to get something from the insurance company. Mazda has not replied to my email yet.

[aris]

Hi Phillie86,

Any new developments re your warranty question. I have a similar situation. My 8 months service is due in Dec. I want to store my Mazda end of November and take it out of storage in April 2010. As such, I don't want to do the Dec oil change. Instead I want to do it in April 2010 (i.e. do the 8 month service at 12 months). In my situation, I wouldn't be able to prove that the vehicle was in storage by mileage between services. I might be able to get something from the insurance company. Mazda has not replied to my email yet.

To be honest their shouldn't be any problems...back in dec of 99 i bought my truck brand new and only drove it for 2 weeks then stored it for the winter and not once did i ever have any kind of issues with any warranty work

[philipfreire]

Well I went in to Westowne for an oil change before storeage, and they looked over the records and said that I didn't need an oil change and remember me being her not too long ago.

I told them the reasoning and why I'm doing it after the email I got from Mazda Canada. They said that I didn't have to and I should be fine. I even asked to speak to a manager and he told me it was alright.

[aris]

Well I went in to Westowne for an oil change before storeage, and they looked over the records and said that I didn't need an oil change and remember me being her not too long ago.

I told them the reasoning and why I'm doing it after the email I got from Mazda Canada. They said that I didn't have to and I should be fine. I even asked to speak to a manager and he told me it was alright.



That's good to hear:)

[sip]

I asked the dealer and the service manager recommended that I change oil before the storage (i.e end of this month). According to the dealer, no oil change is necessary in April 2010, when the car will be taken out of storage. The next oil change should be Aug 2010. The dealer feels that oil would not deteriorates in 4 month when the car in storage. The dealer's recommendation seems reasonable but unfortunately, Mazda recommends an additional oil change in April 2010, when the car is taken out of storage. This is their email.

Hello ,

Thank you for taking the time to contact us and for allowing us the opportunity to clarify the matter.

Oil should be changed within a period of 4 months or 8000 kms, whichever comes first. As such, we would recommend that you change your oil before storing your vehicle, as it will surpass the time period during storage. When storing a vehicle, it is generally recommended to do an oil change before storage and if the period of storage is greater than 4 months, then an oil change to be performed when the vehicle is taken out of storage, as oil deteriorates by time and use.

Regards,
Mazda Canada Inc.


I like to go with the dealer's recommendation but I could be taking a chance with the warranty.