Using the correct engine oil and oil filter is important and many Mazda RX-8 owners want to know what is best for their car. In this article we are going to be covering the best engine oil/oils for the RX-8 and what oil filter you need to use. Carry on reading below
What Engine Oil Should I Use in a Mazda RX-8?
This is a hotly debated topic and at the end of the day it really boils down to deciding for yourself and where you live in the world. Generally, you want to go for heavier weight oils in hotter environments and thinner oils in cooler environments.
Mazda recommends 5W-20 engine oils for North America and 5W-30 for outside America. Some owners will even go with 10W-40 or 20W-50 oils that are commonly used in the RX-7. If you drive the car hard regularly or you go on many track days, it may be better to use a thicker oil.
If you are wondering if synthetic is better than non-synthetic (dino) and vice-versa, here’s a quick rundown. While Mazda does recommend using non-synthetic engine oils, they do not require it and a large number of RX-8 owners use synthetic oils. The most important thing to remember is to keep the oil topped up and change it regularly.
Our Recommendation for the Best Engine Oil for a Mazda RX-8
With all that in mind we have gathered a few different engine oils below that should be perfect for your Mazda RX-8.
Castrol GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30
While this is a synthetic oil many owners recommend it and Mazda Japan usually uses Castrol in their cars (there is some talk that Mazda oil is also just Castrol). This engine oil will be perfect for those in slightly hotter environments.
Castrol GTX MAGNATEC 5W-20
The second oil we are going to recommend is the same as above but in 5W-20 form. This will be great for cooler environments or during the winter.
How Often Should I Change the Engine Oil on an RX-8?
Mazda recommends changing the engine oil every 12,000 km (7,500 miles) for normal use and 8,000 km (5,000 miles) for heavy use. However, many RX-8 owners recommend that you do it much earlier at around 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or every 6 months. All owners tend to agree that 12,000 km is just too long between oil changes.
What is the Best Oil Filter for an RX-8?
The best oil filter to use for earlier RX-8s is Mazda’s genuine one with the part number B6Y1-14-302A. Second-generation RX-8s should be fitted with a Mazda oil filter with the part number N3R1-14-302. The oil filter should be changed with every second oil change, however, some owners do it with every oil change.
If you are interesting buying a Mazda RX-8 make sure you check out our Buyer’s Guide.
