[T&T09]

We called our dealer for a 3,000 mile oil change and the dealer told us that Nissan wants to push customers out to 5,000 miles as the recommended interval on '09's.

What are the rest of you doing for oil changes?
Anyone switching to synthetic oil?

 

[Stoker]

I have always used Mobil 1 in all my cars and change the oil and filter at 12,000 Km (7500 miles), which usually is every 6 months. My Mo has 118,000 KM and my 97 jetta has 245000 kms all with mobil 1.

 

[Gonzo]

Depends on the type of driving you are doing... if you are doing 90% highway than you can probably for 5,000 - 7500 miles.... if a lot of stop and go and towing stuff then 3,000 miles.

I am too chicken and go 3000 / 3 month miles between changes but I do a bit of city.

Funny that the dealer is saying that. My Dad had a 1988 Nissan Pulsar that he did drive that much... for the life of the car 10+ years he followed the scheduled and changed it every 7500 miles. Engine was fine we he sold it... just the body was rusted out.

I know others use it but IMHO you don't need to run Synthenic oil for "normal" driving.

 

[Mr3Putt]

7,500 in mixed "spirited" driving.

Mobil 1.

65,000 miles, so far, no engine issues.

 

[Kris]

I had 03 Murano. Changed oil every 5,000 miles and used Mobil 1.
When I traded it in at 94,000 miles engine worked better than when new!
I am doing the same with the FX and have no issues.
If you want to ensure longevity of the engine change oil and oil filter every 5,000 – 7,500 miles and you will be fine.

 

[njjoe]

T&T-

I am suprised that your dealer did not willingly take your car in for a 3,000 mile oil change. Most would jump at the opportunity to make a fast buck. You are lucky to have an honest dealer.

Nissan posts two oil change intervals for the MO: 3,750 miles for Schedule 1 and 7,500 miles for Schedule 2. So it is safe to assume that anywhere in between those intervals would be satisfactory.

Personally I use Mobile 1 oil (syn) and filter and opt for a 7,500 mile interval. In the past I used to shoot for 3,000 mile intervals on dino oil.

I hope this helps.

-njjoe

 

[T&T09]

Thanks for everyone's input. I think I'll go to 5,000 for the first change, and then at some point go synthetic and go for 7,500 after that.

When do you recommend for the switch to synthetic? Do I run regular oil for 10,000 to let the engine "break in" sufficiently? Or go synthetic sooner than that?

I did switch my Acadia to Mobil 1 after 18,000 and seem to get better m.p.g. by about 1 to 1.5 m.p.g. (85-90% highway driving).

njjoe - the dealer actually told us nissan was trying to save its customers a few bucks on service. Imagine that!

 

[Kris]

If it was up to me I would make the first change now, i.e. where you are now, at 3,000 miles. I would switch to the Mibil 1 at second oil change, let's say 8,000 miles. It would be sufficient for engine break in.

 

[njjoe]

When do you recommend for the switch to synthetic? Do I run regular oil for 10,000 to let the engine "break in" sufficiently? Or go synthetic sooner than that?

There are two schools of thought on this one.

Some say you should allow the engine to break-in first before switching to syn, yet others say that if the Vette, all Cadillacs, Mercedes-Benz AMGs and Porsches came with Mobil 1 straight from the factory then there is no need to wait for the break-in.

It's your call.

-njjoe

 

[Eric L.]

It doesn't hurt to run the factory oil until you actually need to change it, then switch to synthetic. I go with 4000-5000 intervals on my Mobil 1, but then I do almost all city driving.

 

[Gonzo]

A debate of debates... no offense to anyone that uses syn oil but my previous car had over 210,000 miles... I only used regular Mobil oil... the engine was perfect at 210,000 never burning or needing any oil between changes....

 

[Kris]

T&T09

You will find many opinions on oil change. Based on my experience I would say it is not that important if you use synthetic oil or “regular” one. It is far more important that you do use quality oil, change it and oil filter at a prescribed intervals. Do it and you will enjoy your Murano for a long time….or at least the engine.

Joe,
Yes, the cars you mention do come with synthetic oil from the factory and synthetic is the RECOMMENDED OIL. In fact my warranty clearly states it and if I used mineral based oil I would void warranty. This is not the case with Nissan as Nissan recommends mineral based oils.
Still I believe synthetic oil has advantage especially in colder climates where it provides superior lubrication during start ups…