2004 Mazda RX-8 Owners Manual - MyMazda

J60E_8R65-EA-03C_Edition2.book Page 9 Saturday, April 26, 2003 1:48 PMMaintenance and CareOwner MaintenanceNOTEEngine OilThe Mazda RX-8 requires regularinspection of the engine oil level. Thecompact, high performance RENESISrotary engine in your vehicle consumesa small amount of engine oil due to itsstructural design.Although your vehicle is equippedwith an engine oil level warning lightand an engine oil pressure gauge, it isbest to keep the engine oil level in therange between full and low bychecking the oil dipstick regularly.Inspect the level when refueling.▼ Recommended OilOil container labels provide importantinformation.FORGASOLINEENGINES(ILSAC)The quality designation SL or ILSACmust be on the label.Engine oil viscosity, or thickness, has aneffect on fuel economy and cold-weatheroperation (starting and oil flow).Low-viscosity engine oils can provideimproved fuel economy and cold-weatherperformance.But high-temperature weather conditionsrequire higher-viscosity engine oils forsatisfactory lubrication.–30 –20 –10 0 10 20 30 40 50–20 0 20 40 60 80 100 1205W-20When choosing an oil, consider thetemperature range your vehicle willoperate in before the next oil change.Then select the recommended viscosityfrom this chart.CAUTIONUsing oils of viscosity besides thoserecommended for specific temperatureranges could result in engine damage.Energy conserving oils are recommended.A chief contribution they make to fueleconomy is reducing the amount of fuelnecessary to overcome engine friction.8-9Form No. 8R65-EA-03C