What type of oil for 2003 Mazda Tribute?

[shane]

Hi all,

My owners manual for the 2003 tribute says 5W-20.

However, I live in a tropical climate that is hot year round and my tribute has over 130,000 miles on it already.

So, considering the climate and miles on my vehicle maybe I should use 5W-30 oil? Something better?

Oh and should I use full synthetic oil as well?

Topic

[college man]

If the manual says 5w-20 then thats what goes in. 🙂

[george gonzalez]

If it’s starting to burn oil, you can usually go up a step or two on the oil thickness. Usually.

EXCEPT there are some really picky engines, with marginal lubrication– like those infamous Chrysler engines, with narrow oil passages, not much splash, or engines that use oil pressure to actuate things like VTEC pistons, those engines may be a bit more sensitive to oil viscosity.

[EricTheCarGuy]

[quote=”college man” post=85931]If the manual says 5w-20 then thats what goes in. :)[/quote]

+++++1!

The manufacturer does EXTENSIVE testing of their engines in all climates both hot and cold to come up with that number. I never recommend switching oil viscosities unless the engine is already making noise and is on it’s way out. Using the incorrect oil viscosity can actually cause engine damage.

You might however, consider synthetic.

[Author]

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