Changing your Mazda’s motor oil at regular intervals is one of the easiest ways to keep your engine running smoothly for the long-term. Neglecting regular oil changes runs the risk of overheating and damaging your engine. Before you can change your oil, though, you’ll need to know what kind and how much oil is necessary.

Generally speaking, you should be able to look up this information in your owner’s manual—but if you need a more in-depth explanation, you’ve come to the right place. Licensed

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2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L engine oil capacity

Nobody wants to start changing their oil only to realize halfway through that they didn’t buy enough the first time around. That’s why it’s important to know your vehicle’s engine oil capacity.

A 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L has a total oil capacity of 4.8 quarts, or approximately 4.5 liters. This is not to be confused with the CX-5’s 2.5-liter engine displacement, or the space occupied by the engine cylinders. The two numbers are not interchangeable, so be sure to keep them separate in your mind.

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What kind of oil does a 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L need?

Now that you’re familiar with the amount of oil your 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L needs, it’s time to figure out what kind of oil it needs, as not all engine oils share the same qualities. You’ll need to consult your owner’s manual, where you’ll see that Mazda recommends using a synthetic or synthetic blend 0W-20 engine oil.

The numbers refer to the oil’s viscosity, or thickness. The “0” indicates the winter rating of your oil and means that it flows well in low and freezing temperatures, whereas the “20” tells us that, even when temperatures reach 212°F or higher, this oil is still fairly thin.

In a practical sense, this means any oil with these ratings will still operate smoothly even in cold-weather conditions, as lower viscosity oils are much easier on your engine and won’t cause undue wear and tear.

What’s recommended:

Mazda Genuine Oil SAE 0W-20

How often to change oil on a 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5L

Now that you know what kind and how much oil your 2016 Mazda CX-5 2.5 I needs, it’s time to figure out when to change it.

Mazda suggests changing your oil every 7,500 miles or at least once a year. You might have to change your oil more frequently, however, depending on your driving habits.

Of course, that isn’t to say you shouldn’t check your oil before reaching those intervals—in fact, you should be checking your oil at least once a month to avoid potentially damaging your engine. It also pays to be on the lookout for the following signs that your motor oil needs changing sooner than expected:

The motor oil’s texture has become gritty

Color has changed from the original amber to a black or dark brown

Vehicle performance has started to worsen

There is an oily, smoky smell coming from the engine

You start hearing unusual engine noises

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’ve decided it’s time to change your oil—or your Mazda’s oil-pressure dash light has told you it’s time—get a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench to remove the old oil filter.

Of course, you'll also need a replacement filter and 5 quarts of synthetic 0W-20 motor oil.

Once you have everything you need, turn on your car and let it run for a while until it reaches its normal operating temperature. (As long as the outside temperature is fairly average, this shouldn't take more than five minutes.)

After you reach normal operating temperature, shut off the engine, open the hood, and do the following:

Remove the oil fill cap.

Place the drain pan underneath the oil drain hole. Use the socket wrench to remove the drain hole bolt and washer. Allow the oil to drain into the pan below.

Use the filter wrench to remove the old filter while the oil finishes draining.

Install the new oil filter.

Reinstall the drain bolt and fit it with a new washer. Tighten it to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Fill your engine with new motor oil and replace the oil fill cap.

After you’ve filled up, check the oil level with a dipstick. If enough oil was added, run the engine for a few minutes and keep an eye out for leaks. As long as everything was done properly, the oil pressure light on your dashboard should go out.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Now it’s time to discard the old oil. Never empty the drain pan onto the ground or into a garbage bin—instead, pour it in a container that can be sealed and transported to your local recycling facility.

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How to find affordable car insurance

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