Need Help! Oil Change

[bradz]

My last oil changed was August 2008, but I only got 2300 miles right now. Do I have to change the oil now or wait until I reach 3750 miles? I am confused because it also says that you have to change it every 3 months.

[vonivo]

no your fine the 3 month limit was put in place for people who do most all city stop and go driving where they wouldn't put 3k+ in 3 months but would "blacken" the oil in that time. Why don't you just go synthetic and not have to worry about it at all? I run Mobil 1

[JVLeGa]

i've had 4 oil changes done by nissan, 5th one is coming up, 15k'ish.

My 2 part question is : Can I just up and switch to synthetic, like would there be any steps I'd need to take since I've had 4 prior regular oil changes, i.e a flush?? Oh and when would i have to change synthetic then, and can Nissan do the synthetic oil change for me ?

im a noob.

[bradz]

I am driving most of the time in the city but I am not driving my car everyday. I'm going to use synthetic oil the next time I change my oil.

[mrodrig2]

i've had 4 oil changes done by nissan, 5th one is coming up, 15k'ish.

My 2 part question is : Can I just up and switch to synthetic, like would there be any steps I'd need to take since I've had 4 prior regular oil changes, i.e a flush?? Oh and when would i have to change synthetic then, and can Nissan do the synthetic oil change for me ?

im a noob.

Yes you can switch directly to synthetic. There's always going to be a little bit of conventional oil left, probably for the next few changes depending on how well they drain, but its not going to be a problem.

Yes you can have Nissan use synthetic oil and do the change for you; it will just be more expensive. That's why I do oil changes myself - you can stock up on full synthetic when its on sale and do the change for the same price you paid for a conventional change at the dealership or wherever. Plus you have peace of mind that everything was actually done right.

[lilojoj]

sorry if this is thread jacking but are you supposed to remove that shield thing by the passenger wheel when changing the filter or what?

[phobs]

You don't really need to, I lift my hand under it.

[losenone]

^^^^^

remove tire, just bend it back over the capabler. Ive used synthetic since first oil change, need to change it at 12000 and thats about 500 miles away.

[lilojoj]

yeah i just stuck my hand in there but i was afraid of bending the guard too far.

[dangeris]

Why are you guys even removing the shield? I've changed my oil from day 1 with full synthetic and all I do is (before I dropped it) the following:

-drive it up on ramps-pop open the hood -turn the wheel to the right-remove the oil cap -go underneath and drain the oil-slip my hand between the shield and remove old filter-put on new filter-replace oil drain plug bolt-put in 4.8q of oil-start car and back it off ramp-shut car off and wait a min and check oil level. -top off if needed

Takes about 10min when it nice and warm out. Either that I do the same thing at my buddy's garage but with a lift! Much easier!

[phobs]

+1, no better way to do it than that! After the oil change I drive my car around or leave it on for a few minutes to let the oil circulate throughout the engine .

[marlin29311]

Does anyone have the part number for the drain plug bolt? I have to change my oil soon (since the dealer isn't doing it for free for me anymore) and I want to go pick a couple up...

[phobs]

The washer should be 11026-01M02 and I don't have the number for the bolt. People usually just change the washer.

[johnny_d]

oh shiet, Dangeris

I dont know where I was reading but I've been putting 6 quarts of oil in everytime. If i didnt read your post i'd still be doing that. Shiet.....