Mazda 2003 Miata MX-5, Owner'S Manual

Page: 192 / 257

8-13
Maintenance and Care
Owner Maintenance
Form No. 8R09-EA-02G
▼
Recommended Oil
Oil container labels provide important
information.
The quality designation SG, SH, SJ, SL,
or ILSAC must be on the label.
Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, has an
effect on fuel economy and cold-weather
operation (starting and oil flow).
Low-viscosity engine oils can provide
improved fuel economy and cold-weather
performance.
But high-temperature weather conditions
require higher-viscosity engine oils for
satisfactory lubrication.
When choosing an oil, consider the
temperature range your vehicle will
operate in before the next oil change.
Then select the recommended viscosity
from this chart.
Energy conserving oils are recommended.
A chief contribution they make to fuel
economy is reducing the amount of fuel
necessary to overcome engine friction.
▼
Inspecting Engine Oil Level
1. Be sure the vehicle is on a level
surface.
2. Warm up the engine to normal
operating temperature.
3. Turn it off and wait 5 minutes for the
oil to return to the oil pan.
4. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, and
reinsert it fully.
Engine Oil
SAE
FOR
GASOLINE
ENGINES
10W-30
(ILSAC)
–30 –20 –10 0 10 20 30 40 50
–20 0 20 40 60 80 100 120
5W-30
10W-30
Using oils of viscosity besides those
recommended for specific temperature
ranges could result in engine damage.
CAUTION
Full
Low
OK
J07R_8R09_EA_02G.book Page 13 Monday, July 1, 2002 11:30 AM