First oil change

[koolyce]

Hi,

I have question about the first oil change. I read that some people do this before the 6000km and now, I'm at 4500km. I want to do it at 5000km, but my question is about the next others oil change. I will be off from the schedule by 1000km.

Should I wait until 6000km or do it now? but what append the my schedule for the 12000km? I don't want to go the the dealer at 10500 and after at 12000.

Thanks

[Pescakl1]

The rule is 6000km or 3 months, whichever comes first.When the oil is changed, the rule reapplies and it starts from the mileage you had.

For my part, since I do some highway, I go with the maintenance 2 schedule: 12.000km or 6 months, whichever comes first.For the last two oil changes, it has been the mileage but in November, it will be the time as the car stays in the garage right now since I work downtown.

[ahhbeebee]

I don't think you have to worry about changing the factory fill out sooner than the suggested 6000km. I believe that Pescakl1 did an oil analysis on the factory fill and showed its was a 'special' fill likely optimized for engine break-in.

If you do get the 1st change done at 5000km, I wouldn't worry about trying to stick with the 'presecribed' schedule. You could obviously just get the following change done at 11000km, then an inspection at 12000km (if you deem necessary), or just have the 12000km maintenance all done at 11000km. Plus or minus 1000km on the oil change or the inspections shouldn't make much of a difference.

[rouge-rogue]

Also remember not to use synthetic for the first change if you want to break in your car properly. Synthetic oil makes it harder to break in the engine because its so good at lubricating

[koolyce]

Ok. Not planned to use synthetic oil.

[zakmartin]

Actually, this is debatable and there are many schools of thought on this issue. Using synthetic from the first oil change will not significantly affect how a modern vehicle's piston rings break in when compared to the dino lubricants that are currently available. The oil that comes with the Rogue from the factory contains synthetic detergents to assist with the break-in process. By the time you do your first oil change, your rings should be seated properly and using a synthetic won't be a problem.

The assumption that synthetics will be significantly different from dino lubricants are based largely on observations that were made several decades ago. As the technology has changed, so have the rules.

That being said, unless you're off-roading or racing your Rogue in Le Mans, there's probably no compelling reason to go with an expensive synthetic in the first place, as long as you change your oil at a reasonable interval. (The 3-month, 3000 mile rule is a bit silly, but if it makes you feel comfortable and less stressed, then go with it.)

Also remember not to use synthetic for the first change if you want to break in your car properly. Synthetic oil makes it harder to break in the engine because its so good at lubricating

[sileung]

This may be a little off topic but since I see many people talking about the 12,000km maintenance I thought I'd ask.

What exactly do they do at the 12,000km check up? and it is necessary?

[ahhbeebee]

Check you user's manual for all the maintenance schedule.

At 12000km, nothing much, only things that are 'necessary' are tire rotation and oil change. The rest of the list is just checking and lubing.

I'm on about 7500-8000km oil changes, do most of the inspection/checks myself, and will bring the car in every 30000km to the dealer to keep a record and keep them happy. At that time, I'll have another tire rotation, and change the in-cabin filter.

Its not until about year 2 that other things need to be done.

[philipa_240sx]

I'm with pescakl on oil changes. I do them every 10,000km (6,000mi). My driving is 80% highway and usually 45 minutes to 1.5 hours a trip.

Every oil change gets a NAPA gold filter and Castrol Syntec. The oil has been working great so far. Synthetic is nice, but even at my extended oil change intervals it costs me more than dino oil with the more frequent intervals.

IMHO, I would stick with Nissan's recommended schedule.

[koolyce]

Ok thanks.

Finally, I will wait to every 6000km, not the 3 months because I found this overkill because I drove like 4000km in 3 months.

Thanks

[rouge-rogue]

hey just want to double check, if you do your oil change yourself would that void the warranty ? Also for the tire rotation, on my previous car I bought my tires from costco and they offer free tire rotation, this seems to also be the case if I bought it from other tire shops. Would the dealer be doing free rotation too since I technically got the wheels from them ?

[philipa_240sx]

hey just want to double check, if you do your oil change yourself would that void the warranty ?

Doing your own oil changes will not void your warranty. However, you do need to show 'proof' they were performed if you ever need to make a warranty claim. Keep a log book with the oil change intervals (date, km) and keep the receipts.

Quote »Would the dealer be doing free rotation too since I technically got the wheels from them ? [/quote]Typically the dealer does not include free tire rotation. However, check with your dealer to be sure.

[harryg]

I got my rogue on April 29,2009 and so far it has less than 1500 km on it...i only drive to school which is about a 15 minute drive, or around town, maybe a short highway trip once a month...anyways the dealer sent me the a little letter stating that i was due for service..i know the first service is supposed to be at 6000km, and that there is a special oil that helps with the break in period, which is already in it....so would it be alright if i waited til the 6000km mark to get the first oil change or should i go in sooner???

[philipa_240sx]

Short distance city driving is actually quite hard on the engine and the oil. 15min is not enough time for the engine to properly warm up. As a result, accumulated gasoline and other contaminants from cold starts are diluting the oil instead of being evaporated and burned off. This is weakening the oil's lubricating properties and could damage the engine.

I would try to get some longer distance/duration driving in if you can. Possibly on a weekly basis.

Another concern is the effect such short distances will have on engine break-in. A few longer city trips (not highway) with lots of stop and go driving will help with this. This will help to seat in the piston rings and other components so you get the best 'seal' and improved fuel economy and performance.

As for the oil changes,

Without doing a used oil analysis, it hard to recommend something. With such short distance driving, duration becomes more important than mileage. Here is what I would do:

- Get a clean plastic bottle/jar that holds about 120ml (about 4oz), with a good lid (screw cap). Hint: look at food containers, etc at the grocery store.

- Do an oil change as the dealer suggests. I also recommend going for a minimum 25 minute drive, immediately before your oil change to evaporate any gasoline in the oil. This is necessary for proper oil analysis.

- As the oil change is being done, ask them to collect an oil sample using the bottle you provide. The oil should be collected as it is draining from the motor. Don't scoop it from the pan or collect as soon as it starts draining.

- Send your oil off for analysis. There are many labs, here are a few:

http://www.wearcheck.ca - Located in Burlington, Ontario, Canadahttp://www.blackstone-labs.com - Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA

When you get the analysis back, please post the results here. Then I can recommend how frequently you should change the oil.

If you don't want to go through the trouble of oil analysis, then stick with the 3 month oil change interval. Yes, it's frequent but I am quite concerned about the short distance driving you are doing.

[harryg]

sorry i forgot to mention b4 but would the fact that i let the car warm up make a difference...before i drive it i let it idle til it gets almost to operating temp(the temp gauge on the right goes up half way)...i do this everytime i start it ..usually takes 5 minutes

also i do go through stop and go traffic
Modified by harryg at 7:20 PM 8/2/2009

[philipa_240sx]

sorry i forgot to mention b4 but would the fact that i let the car warm up make a difference

Actually, warming the car by idling does not help very much. It takes longer for the engine to warm up and may actually increase the amount of oil contamination.

There is lots of evidence out there that indicates 1-2 minutes of warm up is all that is required. Even in cold weather. It's better to warm up your car by driving it gently than let it sit idle in the driveway.

Why don't you change your driving route a bit to increase your commute by a few minutes? Or at least take it out for longer drives (>30 min) once a week.

I can give you a very good example of what happens to vehicles driven short distances:

Several customers of mine have fleet vehicles (mostly 1/2 ton pickups) for shopping mall maintenance. Most of their driving is < 5min around the mall parking lot. Usually their vehicles are starting to burning oil within the first couple of years and they have very low mileage. Short distance driving is just brutal for engine wear. Reason: Engine wear is highest when the engine is cold. Do 20-30 cold starts a day and it can quickly wear out any engine.