Introduction to Mazda Oil Life Indicators and Service Indicators

Most Mazda vehicles are equipped with an electronic computer system linked to the dashboard that tells drivers when service is required. If a driver neglects a service light such as "CHANGE ENGINE OIL", he or she risks damaging the engine or, worse, being stranded on the side of the road or causing an accident.

For these reasons, performing all the scheduled and recommended maintenance on your vehicle is essential to keep it running properly so you can avoid the many untimely, inconvenient, and possibly costly repairs that result from negligence. Luckily, the days of racking your brains and running diagnostics to find the service light trigger are over. The Mazda Oil Life Monitoring System is an on-board computer system that alerts owners to required maintenance schedules so they can resolve the issue quickly and without hassle. Once the system is triggered, the driver knows to schedule an appointment to drop the vehicle off for service.

How Mazda's Oil Life Monitoring System Works and What to Expect

The Mazda Oil Life Monitor is a dynamic tool used to remind drivers to change their oil, after which other necessary checks can be performed depending on the age of the vehicle. The oil life monitoring system can be adjusted in various ways to suit the owner's driving style. Mazda offers two different settings for the oil life monitoring system: fixed or flexible (flexible is only available in the US).

The fixed option corresponds to a more traditional oil change plan based on intervals. The owner can set the system to track distance intervals (in miles or kilometers). At the end of the cycle (i.e. 5,000 miles or 7,500 miles), an oil change message will appear on the instrument panel next to the wrench symbol.

The flexible option is more dynamic. It is an algorithmic software device that takes into account various engine operating conditions to determine when the oil needs to be changed. Engine oil life will be reflected in percentages that will be displayed on the dashboard each time the vehicle is started.

Certain driving habits can affect oil life as well as driving conditions such as temperature and terrain. Lighter, more moderate driving conditions and temperatures will require less frequent oil changes and maintenance, while more severe driving conditions will require more frequent oil changes and maintenance. Read the table below to see how Mazda's oil life monitoring system determines oil life:

• Attention: Engine oil life depends not only on the factors listed above, but also on the specific car model, year of manufacture and recommended type of oil. For more information on which oil is recommended for your vehicle, see your owner's manual and feel free to seek advice from one of our experienced technicians.

The Mazda Oil Life Meter is located in the information display on the dashboard and will count down from 100% oil life to 0% oil life as you continue to drive, at which point the computer will remind you to schedule an oil change. After about 15% of the oil life, the computer will remind you to "CHANGE ENGINE OIL SOON", giving you enough time to plan ahead for servicing your vehicle. It's important not to put off servicing your vehicle, especially when the gauge shows 0% oil life. If you wait and the maintenance is overdue, you run the risk of seriously damaging the engine, which can leave you stranded or worse.

The following table shows what the information on the dashboard means when the engine oil reaches a certain usage level:

When your vehicle is ready for an oil change, Mazda has a standard inspection schedule for each service. Schedule 1 maintenance is recommended for mild to moderate driving conditions and Schedule 2 maintenance is recommended for moderate to extreme driving conditions:

• Attention: Replace engine coolant at 105,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first. Change the coolant again every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first. Replace spark plugs every 75,000 miles.

• Attention: Replace engine coolant at 105,000 miles or 60 months, whichever comes first. Replace every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first.

After your Mazda has been serviced, the "CHANGE ENGINE OIL" indicator will need to be reset. Some service people neglect this, which can lead to premature and unnecessary operation of the service indicator. There are many different ways to reset this indicator, depending on your model and year. Please refer to the owner's manual on how to do this for your Mazda.

Although the Mazda Oil Life Monitor can be used as a reminder to the driver to service the vehicle, it should only be used as a guide, depending on how the vehicle is driven and under what driving conditions. Other recommended maintenance information is based on the standard time tables found in the user manual. This does not mean that Mazda drivers should ignore such warnings. Proper maintenance will greatly extend the life of your vehicle, ensuring reliability, driving safety, a manufacturer's warranty, and greater resale value.

Such maintenance work must always be carried out by a qualified person. If you have any doubts about what the Mazda Service System means or what services your vehicle may need, feel free to seek advice from our experienced technicians.

If your Mazda oil life monitoring system indicates that your vehicle is ready for service, have it checked by a certified mechanic such as AvtoTachki. Click here, select your vehicle and service or package, and book an appointment with us today. One of our certified mechanics will come to your home or office to service your vehicle.