Miata Oil Change Cheat Sheet

Oil Weight

Weights listed here are suggestions that have commonly worked well for the community. Even the Mazda maintenance manuals do not prescribe just one oil viscosity, for example. It depends on your climate and preferences. We’ve included some suggested weights, but you’re welcome to research a weight that works best for your goals.

Oil Type

We suggest full synthetic. It performs extremely well, especially for high mileage vehicles.

Oil Brand

Any major oil brand will work, and even store brands like Kirkland and Supertech, will work well. Remember: the best oil is the one that is changed regularly.

Oil Filter

We suggest OEM. Always pre-fill your filter. This prevents your engine from running without oil pressure briefly during startup after the fluid change.

The oil capacity below includes a filter that has been filled. So if you are filling with 4 quarts, your first bottle should be used to start filling the filter, then the engine.

Drain Plug Torque

Torque rating for drain plugs are included if you’d like to be extra sure you do not over-torque the drain plug. Overtorquing your oil drain plug can strip the threads on the oil pan, which is both a costly and labor-intensive. It can also compromise the plug’s seal, leading to leaks that might not only cause oil loss but could also lead to engine damage due to insufficient lubrication.

How often should I change my Miata oil?

We suggest every 5,000 miles or 5 months, whichever comes first

1990-1993 1.6L NA6

• Oil weight recommended:
  • 5W-30 (cold-to-moderate climate)
  • 10W-30 (wide range of temperatures)
• Oil capity: 3.6 quarts
• Oil type: Full-synthetic.
• Oil Filter: B6Y1-14-302A
• Drain plug socket: 14MM
• Drain plug torque rating: 23-30 ft-lbs / 31-41 (N-m)

1994-2005 1.8L NA8 / NB1 / NB2

• Oil weight recommended:
  • 5W-30 (cold-to-moderate climate)
  • 10W-30 (wide range of temperatures)
• Oil capity: 4 quarts with filter
• Oil type: Full-synthetic
• Oil Filter: B6Y1-14-302A
• Drain plug socket: 14MM
• Drain plug torque rating: 23-30 ft-lbs / 31-41 (N-m)

2005-2015 2.0L NC1 / NC2

• Oil weight recommended:
  • 5W-30 (cold-to-moderate climate)
  • 10W-30 (wide range of temperatures)
• Oil capity: 4.5 quarts with filter
• Oil type: Full-synthetic.
• Oil Filter: LF05-14-302B
• Drain plug socket: 17MM
• Drain plug torque rating: 23-30 ft-lbs / 31-41 (N-m)

2016-Present 2.0L ND1 / ND2

• Oil weight recommended:
  • 5W-30 (cold-to-moderate climate)
  • 10W-30 (wide range of temperatures)
• Oil capity: 4.5 quarts with filter
• Oil type: Full-synthetic.
• Oil Filter: PE01-14-302A
• Drain plug socket: 17MM
• Drain plug torque rating: 23-30 ft-lbs / 31-41 (N-m)