what oil is everyone running in their murano?

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muranoman77
Posts: 12
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:49 am

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just wondering what oil everyone is using? i have always used synthetic, so i was thinking about Mobil 1 5-30. what does everyone think?


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Timmbo
Posts: 3212
Joined: Tue Nov 20, 2007 9:14 am
Car: 2013 Infiniti JX35 AWD & 2013 Nissan Maxima Sport Pkg
Location: Green Bay, WI

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I have always ran regular oil and changed it frequently. I do know that synthetic is supposed to be good for vehicles. I typically don't keep a vehicle for more than 48K miles, so I tend to not worry about things long term. If I owned a 350Z or something like that, I would totally run synthetic. Those are just my thoughts.

corburns
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2008 2:27 am
Car: 2009 Murano, SE, FWD

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On the Murano I use Castrol conventional oil.

I have only ever used synthetic oil in my Vette (Mobil 1) as this is what comes from the factory and what is specified.

There is a lot of "voodoo" about motor oil out there with regards to synthetic vs. conventional and potential problems with changing from one to another.

I cannot comment on these debates as I have only ever used what was in the vehicle from the manufacturer.

Basically, I believe in keeping with the manufacturers spec, regardless of the issue/topic. That way if something ever did go wrong the dealership cannot come to me and say, oh you should not have changed from conventional to synthetic (or some other type of change - not just oil - this would include chip reprogramming, tire sizes, etc.), this is what has caused your problem and we cannot cover it. I know the dealership support concept is a little silly but it is a piece of mind issue.

Based on what I have read, I think synthetics are fine and you can get more miles between changes. Conventional oils are also fine (of a good quality) but would need to be changed more frequently.

With conventional oil, I change the "blood" in my wifes Murano every 4-5K miles. In my vette I also change every 4-5K miles (even though it uses Mobil 1). Granted this is a costly proposition using synthetic but I "feel" better.

In the end I do no think if you are a mindful owner who cares for the vehicle with regular maintenance it makes any difference regarding the conventional vs. synthetic issue.

Not much of specific value. Only my 2 cents worth. Good luck.

tchgrif
Posts: 3
Joined: Tue Jun 17, 2008 12:58 am
Car: 09 nissan murano LE

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this is my second murano, i had an 03 SLand i changed the oil on the first oil change to synthetic mobil 1, it made a noticeable improvement to initial startup response.I'm now on my 09 SE and once again i've switched to synthetic pennzoil. same noticeable difference.

nafddur
Posts: 207
Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:41 am
Car: Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano

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corburns wrote:There is a lot of "voodoo" about motor oil out there with regards to synthetic vs. conventional and potential problems with changing from one to another.
All those myths about problems when switching from dino to synthetic oil (and vice versa, not that you would EVER want to do that!) have long been proven to be just that - MYTHS.

Go ahead and switch back and forth all you want.

mrbizness1
Posts: 57
Joined: Fri Jan 07, 2005 2:03 pm
Car: 2012 maxima 2007 maxima 2009 murano
Location: mt. sinai ny

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I have always used motor oil with the API star on the package in whatever viscosity the mfg. recommends. I change it every 4-5K or 4 months and have never had a oil related problem. Anything else is overkill in my opinion.I did notice a sign at Walmart and Auto Zone saying that Mobile 1 is in short supply because of refinery problems.

bouncy1
Posts: 6
Joined: Fri Sep 12, 2008 3:30 pm
Car: 04 murano

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I USE CASTROL GTX CONVENTIONAL MOTOR OIL 10W-30. I HAVE BEEN USING CASTROL FOR YEARS. FROM BOAT, MOTORCYCLE, QUADS, AND LAWN MOWER NOTHING BUT CASTROL. I CHANGE IT EVERY 3000 MILES IN MY MURANO WITH A FRAM FILTER ............NEVER HAD AN OIL RELATED ISSUE IN ANY OF MY VEHICLES.

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superskunk
Posts: 1416
Joined: Tue Apr 08, 2008 11:16 pm
Car: '07 Super Black Versa S Hatch,'06 Super Black Murano SL

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i use mobil 1 synthetic in my versa, and as soon as its time to change the oil in the murano it will be with mobil 1 too! oh yeah i also use a synthetic oil filter on my versa aswell...

tweetygirl7
Posts: 9
Joined: Sat May 31, 2008 8:29 pm
Car: 2004 Nissan Murano

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In my 2004 Nissan Murano I use Castrol 5W-30 nothing else I have been using this oil for years every since I worked for Advance Auto Parts. I do admit Mobil 1 syn. is very good but do to the resession can't afford it but if you are using it continue to use it.

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kerrton
Posts: 2201
Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:48 am
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL FWD Gotham Gray
Location: Southern Alberta, Canada

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So does the Nissan dealer offer the synthetic option, or do they only offer the standard conventional oil? If you go to synthetic and extend your change intervals, then the other regular "check" items are not done as per the maintenance schedule, I wonder if that could have a negative effect on your warranty?

Also, I'm curious about "noticeable improvements at startup", can you be more specific? I live in a cold climate and am worried about cold starts and the wear it causes, do you feel that synthetic offers better protection for cold starts, or is all the oil in the pan regardless of type of oil and cold starts are just bad no matter what type of oil you use? Thanks!

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marlin29311
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Car: 2008 Infiniti G35x

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kerrton wrote:So does the Nissan dealer offer the synthetic option, or do they only offer the standard conventional oil? If you go to synthetic and extend your change intervals, then the other regular "check" items are not done as per the maintenance schedule, I wonder if that could have a negative effect on your warranty?

Also, I'm curious about "noticeable improvements at startup", can you be more specific? I live in a cold climate and am worried about cold starts and the wear it causes, do you feel that synthetic offers better protection for cold starts, or is all the oil in the pan regardless of type of oil and cold starts are just bad no matter what type of oil you use? Thanks!
Synthetic oils generally protect the engine better against starts - starting an engine is where the majority of wear comes in. The molecular structure of synthetic oils helps to provide better protection for the engine, and generally, you will see a smoother idle and the car will idle-off quicker than with a standard oil.

For the most part, all oils flow the same, with some advantages being given to synthetics by people. Overall, synthetic oils are much better for your engines - they would not cost more if they didn't do something more! The VQ engine in your murano is highly advanced, and a lot of people that have Z's or G's or any other model that has the VQ tend to run with synthetic oils, as the engine seems to like it better - I've also been told by my service department that it's fine to use synthetics in terms of warranty coverage. Heck, the new VQ37 in the new Z or G37's, Nissan is recommending Ester oil for those engines, and that is more advanced that even today's standard synthetics.

myrano05
Posts: 11
Joined: Wed Mar 25, 2009 1:15 pm
Car: 05 Murano LE

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kendall5W-30

kbz1960
Posts: 42
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2009 11:50 pm

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I found this awhile back and found it interesting.

http://www.triumphspitfire.com/Oiltest.html

Hmason
Posts: 49
Joined: Wed Nov 19, 2008 8:38 am

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Before I bought my Murano 09 SL AWD, I had oil changes done at a local carwash that offered a free "The Works" carwash with an oil and filter change. They use Castrol exclusively and did a fine job in the past. I note in the Murano Owners Manual a reference to the oil filter. They say that the Nissan filter has "drain back" prevention mechanism of of some sort that prevents oil from draing back from the engine when it is turned off. Do all oil filters have this feature? Does it argue for using only Nissan filters? Is this all just B.S. ?

jeffdive1
Posts: 6
Joined: Mon Oct 19, 2009 8:24 am
Car: 3005 Murano SL

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I really am more than curious regarding conv. oil vs synthetic it seems like many have an opinion but isn't there some science that would point to one or the other being better? otherwise I'll just stick with the spec oil. which I believe is conv. oil

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kerrton
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Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:48 am
Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL FWD Gotham Gray
Location: Southern Alberta, Canada

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Yeah exactly, having a bunch of people list what they've been using their whole lives doesn't help much does it, because they aren't providing any comparisons and no scientific tests. I'd be interested in a source of information that can provide this, but like you in the end I'll just stick with the manufacturers recommendations as I'm sure you can't go wrong.

terrycs
Posts: 286
Joined: Tue Feb 20, 2007 8:58 pm

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kerrton wrote:Yeah exactly, having a bunch of people list what they've been using their whole lives doesn't help much does it, because they aren't providing any comparisons and no scientific tests. I'd be interested in a source of information that can provide this, but like you in the end I'll just stick with the manufacturers recommendations as I'm sure you can't go wrong.
Very good reading here:

http://my350z.com/forum/engine....html

DG65
Posts: 56
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:29 am
Car: 2006 Murano S AWD

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For some reason I added this to my favorites quite some time ago. I should probably read it again... regardless, here it is.

http://neptune.spacebears.com/....html

For what it's worth, about 10 years ago we had an additive company visit our shop trying their best to get us to purchase their product to add to our dino-oil. They had the bearing test and all the lab results indicating how oil works, cold start basics, hot and cold conditions and molecule break down - it was impressive. But at the end of the class I asked if they felt it was necessary to use their additive with Mobile1 synthetic oil since that is what I used. Their reply was, at the time, that Mobile1 needed no additives and was the top rated oil they had tested.

I really haven't researched the synthetic debate since and continue to use it because I tend to keep my cars forever. The last one I sold had 235k miles and my daughter's minivan has 273k and is as quiet as ever.

Is it the oil? I guess I can't say for sure but with extended oil changes the money issue really isn't an issue, so I'll keep using it.

viperdoc
Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Apr 02, 2007 3:18 am
Car: 2009 Murano SL, Merlot, with Nav, Premium, Tech, Leather and Dual Moonroof

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When I had my 06 G 6MT, I was concerned about the reports of oil consumption. I asked one of the techs at my local nissan dealer, and he recommended to use conventional for the first 15K miles, then to switch to synthetic. I don't know why, and don't know if made a difference, because I didn't switch, then sold it at 20K miles to get my Murano (which I like way better), and I didn't ever have any oil consumption problems

Pineapple
Posts: 5
Joined: Fri Dec 25, 2009 6:28 pm
Car: 2006 Nissan Murano SE AWD

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I have used Mobile 1 before but have changed to AMS OIL. There is a significant difference in power and fuel economy. Easy starts and quieter idle during traffic stops. I recommend it highly

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jayhawk
Posts: 38
Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:06 pm
Car: 2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD, 1993 Nissan 300ZX, Datsun 240Z

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I just take our 2009 Murano to the dealer for Nissan oil and filter. Our dealer only charges $30 for an oil change, which is cheaper than Jiffy Lube. (the dealer is only a few miles further than the lube places, and besides its close to Frys Electronics, my favorite place to shop!)

Of course you have to resist their attempts to sell you their overpriced service "deals" at 7,500/15000/etc miles but so far I've been able to resist the temptation...:-) Its amazing how the service writers never seem to know what the factory recommends for Schedule 1 or 2 Service. Hmmm....

--jayhawk

nafddur
Posts: 207
Joined: Tue Feb 10, 2009 5:41 am
Car: Nissan Maxima, Nissan Murano

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jayhawk wrote:I just take our 2009 Murano to the dealer for Nissan oil and filter. Our dealer only charges $30 for an oil change, which is cheaper than Jiffy Lube.
Mobil 1 (full synthetic, which I guarantee you're not getting from your dealer) plus a M1 filter costs me a tad over $30. And I'd bet I can change it (and dispose of the old stuff at my local dump) in less time than it takes you to drive to, wait for the change, and then return from your dealer.

Of course, I DO enjoy doing my own maintenance and I also have to wash my hands when I'm done. I still say synthetic is the way to go on any car.

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jayhawk
Posts: 38
Joined: Tue Dec 09, 2008 4:06 pm
Car: 2009 Nissan Murano SL AWD, 1993 Nissan 300ZX, Datsun 240Z

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Your right, I am not getting synthetic oil for $30. But I've never seen the use of synthetic. Got 180,000 miles on my 240Z before starting the restoration (not because it was burning oil, either). Got 208,000 on the '89 Maxima before the transmission broke (not burning oil). Have 134,000 on the 300ZX - running great. Got 241,000 miles on a '96 Dodge Caravan before selling it last year. (never even used the "high mileage" oil either) It was starting to burn oil - about 1/2 a quart for 3,000 miles. Daughter's '98 Mustang has 108,000 miles, no oil burning detectable. The 2009 Murano seems to be doing fine on good old dinosaur oil, but we only have 26,000 miles on it. Have had several other cars and only an '87 Dodge Caravan started burning oil at 135,000 miles - but I blame some heavy towing overtaxing its engine for that problem.

So I don't see the benefit of synthetic.

I used to change my own oil many years ago, but collecting the old oil and driving it to a collection point vs $30/$40 for a change at the dealer or Jiffy Lube type places makes the time and money decision pretty easy. Of course, if we could just dump the old oil down the storm drain.....:-) (Please note the smiley!)

--jayhawk

DG65
Posts: 56
Joined: Mon Nov 16, 2009 3:29 am
Car: 2006 Murano S AWD

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I am not an oil specialist, but I am a mechanic with 26 years experience. Does that make me an oil expert? No, but I have been around oil for a while on a daily basis and have my opinions.

I have seen cars run on conventional oil with nearly 300k miles with no real issues - My daughters 99 Dodge Caravan is one (279k). But I think how the car is driven, type of use (towing, constant dry starts, etc) and weather conditions all play a role in how well a particular oil protects. My daughters van was all interstate, i.e. 2 dry starts per day and garage kept.

No offense, and I don't know your daily driving habits, but the Bay Area isn't going to offer the environment (normally) that, say, International Falls, MN is for the guy who has to park outside when the temps are in excess of 20 below or Death Valley is for the guy who tows scrap metal or the guy who makes constant stops and does dry starts 20 or 30 times a day. This is when the benefit of synthetic really shines.(Start a car outside when it's 20 below and the wind is shooting in the grill and you'll wonder what all those terrible sounds are coming from under the hood! )

Now to the money thing... It really is a myth that synthetic is head and tails more expensive than conventional.For example:We have 2 guys... guy #1 uses conventional and has his oil changed at Quick Lube for $30 every 3000 miles and he drives 12000 miles a year = 4 changes per year.Guy #2 drives exactly like guy #1 but uses synthetic, drives 12000 miles per year, also, and has his oil changed every 6000 miles. He could go longer but likes the 6k interval. He goes to quick lube but brings his own oil($25) and agrees to spend the $30 just to keep everyone happy at Quick Lube.

Guy #1:$30 X 4 = $120. per year.

Guy #2:$55 X 2 = $110. per year with proven better protection.

Just my take on the subject.


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