How often do you change the oil?

[thatnewcarsmell]

How often do each of you change your oil? Should I spring for the synthetic each time?I just bought mine last month (and LOVE it!), but as I approach 3,000 miles, I'm wondering if I should change the oil. The dealership told me every 5,000 miles, but I just wanted to check with everyone.

Thanks!

[nafddur]

Recommended oil change interval on my 04 (from the FSM) is every 3750 miles for severe service or 7500 for non-severe service. The dealer I bought from did my first 5 as part of the purchase. Since mine fell under maintenance schedule 2 (non severe), I had each of the first 5 done between 7K and 7.5K miles. I questioned the dealer about doing it sooner, and they assured me 7.5K miles was fine.

Since then, starting at about 42K, I've been doing the oil changes myself - every 6-7K miles. I'm using pure synthetic, where the dealer used a blend.

Maybe the change interval is different for the 09's from my 04 (hence the 5K your dealer suggests instead of 7.5K). I suggest following the FSM recommendation for your car.

Oh yeah, I'm currently approaching 5 years and 67K miles with zero problems (knock on wood, of course).
Modified by nafddur at 6:40 AM 8/18/2009

[brainguyus]

I change mine every 3,500 miles. My driving is usually 1/2 city-1/2 highway.

[Macsleuth]

I've run my 95 Maxima up to 338K Km, Had the car since 87K Km, started using Synthetic, Mostly Mobil 1 5W30 from when I got the car. Changed about every 5000 to 6000km. (manual recommended was 5000K). Never had an engine problem nor did the engine burn/use oil. Oil change is cheap compared to rebuilding the motor.Current Nissan, 05 Maxima, 160K KM, been using Mobil 1 since 36K KM. Got 160K KM on it now, turning it in end of month and picking up my 09 Murano. Will run regular oil until about 20K Km, then switch to Synthetic. The argument is, moving to synthetic too soon may not allow the engine to fully break in, but, todays engines don't actually need the break in period motors used to, but to be safe, i'm putting it off till around 20K, who knows, maybe I'll change my mind after some further research and do it earlier, if I find something interesting, i'll post it.If you are doing regular oil changes, regular oil is fine. You will hear a lot about the difference/benefits of regular vs Synthetic.As long as you are following the manual, you should be ok.I sometimes extend my changes to 6000KM because I don't have time to get it done, (sometimes it feels like a monthly thing), so that's why I use synthetic.Wow, that's a long winded explanation. LOL.

Gary

[seldomseen]

I get my oiled changed every 5k miles at the dealership.

[Macsleuth]

Is changing it it at the dealership expensive?Our Saturn used to go to the dealership for service, oil changes were cheaper than the quick lube places, but now the drain plug is stripped, so I'm kicking myself for taking it the quickie lube place. Maxima always goes to quickie lube place and no issues.But I'm thinking of taking the Murano to the dealership for just about all the service.

[nafddur]

I get my oiled changed every 5k miles at the dealership.

I'm just curious, how much does the dealer charge for an oil change? And do they use a synthetic blend (like the dealer nearest me, south of Boston).

I've always done my own oil changes, for quality control, to save time and, of course, to save $$. Also, I remember not too many years ago my local Nissan dealer advising AGAINST synthetic oil! when I heard that, I knew I didn't want them putting oil in any of my cars. Now I've heard, however, that Sullivan Bros. (near me) uses a dino/synthetic blend.

My guess is that they charge a bundle more if you insist on pure synthetic.