First Oil Change

[Andy_G]

Well I have to change the oil in my AC for the first time this weekend. Does anyone have any recommendations for oil to use. I was thinking about using synthetic in it but I am not sure the additional costs of using it are called for.

Any thoughts folks?

[phobs]

My first oil change I did synthetic blend and then my second fully synthetic, but most people just go straight to full synthetic on their first oil change with no problems. I use Mobil .

[MorningViewCoupe]

Just go full synthetic.

[jdeb101]

Is there any risk switching over to synthetic? I've been using regular oil all along. Cars at about 24k miles.

[Oilsink]

i called the nissan service dept. recently and i asked them what kind of oil i should use and they said that synthetic shouldnt be used until around 15k miles due to the engine still wearing in, if you do use synth it wont wear in as quickly but then i asked him about breaking in the vehicle and he said that newer model cars dont need to be broken in but still worn in so.... i wouldnt use synthetic until i reach around 15k.

[jdeb101]

Thanks OilSink.

[Curtieson]

If anyone would know...it would be someone with Oil in their name.

What about the Brass crush washer that I saw in the "How To" (goes around the drain plug on your oil pan)? Do those come with the filter or something or you just buy a bag at the Autozone or something?

[NissanAltimaGuy]

Hell, it would take me 2 years to get to 15k. I went mobile 1 at around 3700 and haven't looked back.

[Andy_G]

I may do synthetic blend until 15K and then switch to full force fake oil.

Gonna have to read up on this brass plug thing though.

hmmm

[NissanAltimaGuy]

I may do synthetic blend until 15K and then switch to full force fake oil.

Gonna have to read up on this brass plug thing though.

hmmm

I just re-use it.

[lilojoj]

i got a brass thingy with the filter from nissan.

[marlin29311]

You can get the crusher washer from nissan for like 80 cents or something - you should change it every time to help prevent any leaking.

I changed my oil from dino to M1 at 7500 - master tech at dealer recommended waiting until at least that point, but then said there was no issues with doing so at any point with the VQ.

[Rmuth25]

I had my first oil change at 2200 miles( was after 5 months) done at the dealer since it was free, so it was not synthetic, then when I change it myself at around 6000 miles I used synthetic. I don't really see how it would be better to use conventional oil until a certain point then switch to synthetic.

Regardless of what you use, the more important thing is to change the oil at the right intervals. If you use conventional I would stick to the 3750 miles that Nissan recommends, but with synthetic I think its safe to wait at least 5000 miles in between changes assuming it doesnt take you a real long time to drive that many miles.

[Rmuth25]

By the way, if you do take off the wheel to change it, be careful taking off those plastic pins that hold the panel that covers the oil filter. I think I broke 2 of them the first time I change my oil.

[Curtieson]

I didn't know you had to take off the wheel...what did I do buying a car!?!

My last "whip" was a Chevy Blazer, when I wanted to change the oil I laid on my driveway and pulled myself under and just got to work. No proping the car...no jacks involved...that was nice

But, now I get 30+ MPG and can take an exit ramp at 50...it is SOOOOO worth having to use a jack during oil changes!!!

[NissanAltimaGuy]

I had my first oil change at 2200 miles( was after 5 months) done at the dealer since it was free, so it was not synthetic, then when I change it myself at around 6000 miles I used synthetic. I don't really see how it would be better to use conventional oil until a certain point then switch to synthetic.

Regardless of what you use, the more important thing is to change the oil at the right intervals. If you use conventional I would stick to the 3750 miles that Nissan recommends, but with synthetic I think its safe to wait at least 5000 miles in between changes assuming it doesnt take you a real long time to drive that many miles.

I still change at 3k even with synthetic. Why? Just because I can.

I keep meticulous records of these changes complete with the receipts.

[Andy_G]

I am just stoked cause I get to use the hydraulic lift in my garage. No worries about hitting the garage door opener with this car. Much smaller than my last truck.

[infused305]

i went synthetic when i hit 3k miles

[Rmuth25]

I still change at 3k even with synthetic. Why? Just because I can.

I keep meticulous records of these changes complete with the receipts.

I think that might be a little bit overkill, but whatever makes you happy!

[NissanAltimaGuy]

I think that might be a little bit overkill, but whatever makes you happy!

It is - I won't argue that point at all. However, right now I'm fortunate in that I'm financially able to do it and it makes me happy as you said . Secondly, should I have any engine issues requiring warranty, my local dealer doesn't have a leg to stand on when I present documentation showing I used 15k oil yet stayed under their recommended schedule.

Yeah I'm a little nuts. No wait, I'm unique.