Hi all,

When I started my Mazda 3 the past couple mornings, I noticed the wrench light in the dash stay on a little longer than usual. Usually it goes off right away with the other lights but for the past couple mornings lasted for 30-60 seconds and then goes off. I'm wondering if the engine oil is getting close to being replaced or if it's just how cold it's been the last couple mornings? The car is 5 months old and 4600 miles on it. I was planning to follow the manufacturer's scheduled maintenance of 7500 miles. Or, is it the first oil change should be earlier?

I should add I'm in San Diego, where driving conditions are not severe. It's gets cold but no snowy blizzards. And no major dust or anything.

 

Check in MZD, what the service/ maintenance schedule is set to.

If in doubt, pay your local dealership a visit for piece of mind.

 

According to the manual, it's 7500. The dealer had set it to 7000 when I first bought the car but I changed it to 7500 when I read the manual.

 

They might of set it for 6 months, hence why its come on now, letting you know 6 months is almost up.

 

I checked, it's set for 12 months. I also checked the build date (as opposed to purchase date) and 12 months is still not up. I gave it some time and it still happens from time to time (ie, delayed-turn off for a few days and then turns off with all the lights until it happens again). I checked the engine oil and it's halfway between the 2 dots but it also looks dark to me. I talked to a mechanic at the dealer and he recommends changing oil every 5000 miles because I drive in heavy traffic daily back and forth to work. Of course, the dealership wants to make money and wants me to come in more often. Just not sure if I'm overreacting or if the oil actually needs to be changed.

I just found the 'flexible' option set on my car which takes into account the engine conditions and sounds pretty accurate. Sounds like I should stick with that.