Mk 3.5 servicing advice

[John H]

I have a 2010 Mk 3.5, 1.8, 5 speed box. I bought it last year with only 4,000 miles on the clock, and it had been serviced every year. I had the oil and filter changed anyway. It has now still only done 12,000 miles, and I am planning to have the oil and filter done again for good measure before I use it for the summer.

However ... I notice from the Mazda service schedule that as it is now 6 years old it should have the gearbox and diff oil changed. This being based on time rather than mileage obviously. This seems a bit overkill to me, so my question is ... is there some compelling reason why I should have the diff and gearbox oils changed now, or can these happily wait till I have put a few more miles on it?

As ever, my thanks in advance.

[drumtochty Eddie Cairns]

The first change of diff oil usually show large amounts of iron in the oil

In saying that it would be good for 30,000 miles so no great need at the moment.

The main thing is that you are changing the brake fluid every two years as the main problem here is that it absorbs water and rusts the caliper pistons.

Therefore make sure the brake fluid is flushed.

Next the gearbox and diff oil but it can wait.

[John H]

Thanks Eddie, that confirms what I thought.

[drumtochty Eddie Cairns]

Remove spark plugs and put a trace of coperslip on the threads.

Change at 60k miles

[John H]

Remove spark plugs and put a trace of coperslip on the threads.

That turned out to very good advice. Took the plugs out and as you would expect at 12,000 miles they were in perfect condition, but the threads were squeaky dry, and a few of them were a bit reluctant to come out. I can easily imagine that after another few years these would have been very difficult to remove, and the prospect of breaking a plug in situ doesn't bear thinking about. With a light smear of copaslip they went back much easier than they came out.

Top tip ... thanks Eddie!

[OldSpice]

He does know some stuff eh?
Usually best just to do what you are told.