Engine Oil

[ganondof]

So im coming up on my first oil change and i was wondering what grade oil to use. Should i stay with the recommended 5w-30 (Mobil 1) or use Mobil 1 0w-40. is there anyone here that uses 0w-40 and is there any effects that come from using it.

[speedeast]

5w-30 isn't as much a recommendation as it is a requirement. A lot of engineering went in to determining that 5w-30 is the optimal weight oil for your engine.

[TomNJ]

Engines can easily tolerate plus or minus a grade. I use Mobil 1 0W-40 in my '08 Altima 2.5 SL, probably the best oil in the Mobil 1 line.

TomNJ

[mrodrig2]

You should stick to the manufacturer's recommendation unless you live in an area that tends to have one-sided weather or hits either of the extremes often. Only then should you think about going up or down in engine oil viscosity.

If it never goes below freezing in winter and is very hot in summer then you can think about going 5W-40, 10W-30 or 10W-40. If it only gets moderately warm in summer and often goes below freezing in winter, then you can think about going 0W-30. If your region is temperate, don't bother with anything other than the recommended 5W-30.

[ganondof]

Decided to go with castrol syntec 0w-30 from Germany. Running fine so far. Temps here do change alot though. Can go as low -45 celcius and 30ish celcius in the summer

[TomNJ]

The German Castrol is a fine oil - based on PAO and a dash of Ketjetlube ester polymer. Has a great reputation.

While the German Castrol is a high 30, personally I prefer a bit more viscosity, hence the Mobil 1 0W-40, but both oils are real premium products.

TomNJ

[ganondof]

German Castrol is also cheaper here, $6.99/liter when on sale compaired to $12/liter of Mobil thats never on sale

[ARKQX33V6]

If you started with Mobil 1 and are happy with it continue. Your location and expected ambient temperatures will dictate grades. I use 5 W 30, W = winter.My QX4 has 250,000 km and is on its 14th year. I've used Mobile since 1977.

[DaCoupe]

You went straight to synthetic for your first oil change?!?