2010 Mazda3: Oil Type and Capacity

Sandy B
Feb 12, 2021

Putting the right oil in your Mazda 3 WILL make it last longer

When you own a 2010 Mazda3, you want to do whatever you can to properly maintain it. There are various steps to doing that, including changing the oil on the vehicle.

To change the oil, it’s essential to use the right amount and the right type of oil.

What type of oil and capacity is necessary for the 2010 Mazda3?   

The oil type and capacity depend on the model or trim of the vehicle. It is often based on the engine within the vehicle. For the Mazda3, most engines require between 4 and 6 quarts of oil. The most likely oil type is SAE 5W-20 oil, but other options may be used in some engine types.  

There’s a lot that goes into the selection of the right oil for any vehicle. It’s important to get the oil right to ensure the engine works properly. To help you, we’ll break down some key information on the oil type and capacity for this vehicle. Make sure you check out more details on the required maintenance at Vehicle History.

What You Should Know about Your Vehicle

The 2010 Mazda3 saw a significant upgrade from previous models. The Mazda3 was first introduced in 2003. It is a compact vehicle with four doors. The 2010 model year was the second generation of the vehicle, which began in 2009. This is when the company began offering some of its most sought-after technology like the SkyActiv system. It is also when the manufacturer introduced new engines.

The direct-injection engine was revealed in the 2009 model. At the same time, a six-speed transmission was introduced.

The 2010 Mazda3 offered two engine options (across several trim options). The options included:

  • 2.0L (122 ci) 4-cylinder engine that hit 148 horsepower
  • 2.5L (152 ci) 4-cylinder engine reaching 167 horsepower with available 6-speed transmission

The first engine option is very good on fuel economy, especially for its age. The 2.0L engine is able to hit 25 city and 33 highway, for a combined 28 miles per gallon, per EPA estimates. The 2.5L engine reaches 22 city and 29 highway or 25 combined miles per gallon. These figures are only possible when the vehicle is properly maintained, which includes managing the engine oil.

Also, because this engine is turbocharged, it is also important that owners use only the right oil and amount in it. The turbocharger engine helps improve engine power. It helps to improve overall operation and helps to minimize the amount of maintenance needed.

It’s critical that you only use unleaded gas in the field and change the engine oil filter as required by the owner’s manual for the 2010 Mazda3.

What Type of Oil is Required for the 2010 Mazda3 Vehicle?

The type of oil recommended for any vehicle is essential. The right viscosity of the oil helps to ensure the oil can move easily through all components of the engine. At the same time, it is also necessary for the oil to not be too thin to limit function.

Engine oil has the goal of helping to keep the temperature within the engine low by pulling out heat. It also works to keep the working components from rubbing against each other.

If the oil cannot do this, it may not provide the right amount of protection from the engine or may limit its performance. That often leads to costly problems related to the efficiency as well.

Mazda recommends using SAE 5W-20 engine oil for both the 2.0L and the 2.5L engines. It also recommends only using oils that are “Certified for Gasoline Engines.” On the oil cap, located in the engine, it says the specific type of oil required for the vehicle, if you want to double-check that information.

The manufacturer does note that, if the 5W-20 engine oil is not available for some reason and cannot be obtained, it is possible to use 5W-30 in the engine, but that should not be done often.

Owners who have a 2.3-L turbocharged engine will need to use SAE 5W-30 engine oil for the vehicle.

How Much Oil Does the 2010 Mazda3 Need?

Putting the right amount of oil in the vehicle is also important. That ensures that there is enough oil moving through the engine to keep it operating at its best. If you have a significant drop in oil, that could indicate a leak, or it may be because the oil has not been changed often.

  • The 2.0L engine requires 4.5 quarts of engine oil
  • The 2.5L engine requires 5.3 quarts of engine oil

If you have a turbocharged engine, you may need up to 6 quarts of oil for the engine.

How to Check the Oil in a 2010 Mazda3 Vehicle

It can be hard to know when you’ve put 5.3 quarts of oil into your vehicle. That’s why it is always best to check the oil level instead. It’s not hard to check the oil level. Here’s a video that can help you:

Follow these steps to check the oil. Make sure that the vehicle has been off and sitting to cool down before checking.

  • Pop the hood on the vehicle (located by the pedals on the driver’s side).
  • Open the safety lever, which is located right above the Mazda emblem on the front of the car.
  • The engine oil dipstick is located right near the middle of the engine – it’s the yellow hook that you’ll see. Pull it out directly.
  • Wipe off the dipstick. Locate the two notches on the bottle of the dipstick. That’s the range you want the oil to be in.
  • Re-insert the dipstick and pull it out again. This gives you an accurate reading.

Take the Necessary Steps to Keep Your Vehicle Maintained

It’s always wise to keep your vehicle updated and working its best. You can easily find out what maintenance needs to be done by checking your 2010 Mazda3’s Vehicle History.

avatar Sandy B
Sandy B. has written for The New York Times, Cleveland Magazine, and many online publications. She long-ago ditched the minivan life for the off-roading Ford Explorer (and hoping to restore a Shelby Mustang!)
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