Oil questions

[NTB]

My new Mazda3 is about due for it's first oil change, and I've got a few questions.

First and most important, do I have to take it to the dealer for the change in order to maintain the warranty? I haven't checked yet, but I have no doubt they'd charge me a small fortune.

Second, the dealer told me that the car comes from the factory using regular oil. Would there be any benefit to replacing this with synthetic? Just curious.

EDIT: and yes, I know synthetics are more expensive than conventional oil. That will be true wherever I get it changed. My father has run synthetic in his truck for a couple years now, so I do know what the price difference looks like.

Nathan

 

[woodie1]

Sometimes dealers have specials on oil changes - check with them.
As far as the warranty goes you can have any shop do work on the car but you need to keep the receipts for any work you have done to prove you maintained the car per the manufacturer requirements.

 

[Zenmervolt]

In a street-driven, water-cooled, non-turbo car, you will not see any decrease in longevity from using conventional oil. Yes, synthetic is "better", but sticking with the manufacturer's recommended interval and conventional oil you will not have any problems for many hundred thousand miles.

ZV