They should be using 0W20 full synthetic oil (not synblend crap). Its not going to hurt running the 5W20 in it instead but next time mention it at write up. Mazda claims benefits such as better cold start protection and better efficiency among other things.
I am currently running a set of studdable (but not studded) General Altimax Arctic tires. They are phenomenal in the snow. A tad loud at 80+ on the highway in the dry, but very good overall in the wet/dry.
My car runs full synthetic, no additives. I find a 2.0 engine oil filter mount swap(from cartridge to screw on), royal purple filter, and penzoil ultra/platinum are an amazing combination.
Bosch Icons. Hands down the best
From what I have read these are great tires.
I have Hankook Ice Bear W300's on the Mazdaspeed 3 and I like them a lot. I actually first used them on the Miata. Not the most extreme winter tire but NJ has very mild winters and they behave a lot like an all season in the dry which is perfect for me.
I have Michelin X-Ice tires on 18 inch wheels, and I have been very happy with the performance in winter conditions. Yes, they were kind of expensive. Last winter in MN was a crapfest, and I felt very comfortable with those tires in that size.
I've run a couple of sets of Hankook Ice Bears: 225/40/18's on the stock MS3 wheels - My primary winter setup. The car performed wonderfully. Aside from being a plow at some points (my car is lowered), the traction control + LSD + snow tires made for a flawless snow driver.
The bigger brakes are strong, but the gearbox is obstructive. Steering response is instant and - to your eyes anyway - the MPS corners flat and hard. But wide, high, soft part-bucket seats send the opposite message to your brain , giving the uncomfortable impression the car is rolling in corners.
I've now broken two factory engine mounts on the wife's Mazda 3 2.3. Both of these were on the transmission side (driver's side). They're a notoriously crappy part (thanks Ford)
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