New Altima owner... Gas, Oil, Brakes... Please help!

[wllittle08]

Hi,

I am new here and was hoping someone would help me with a few questions. I recently bought a 2007 Nissan Altima 3.5 SL with 36k miles.

What type of gas should I use? Is mid-grade OK?

Can I get the oil changed anywhere other than the dealership (i.e. Precision Auto Tune)? Do I have to get synthetic? If so, how often do I have to change it?

I understand there is a bulletin out about brake noises at slow speeds. My brakes do make noises at slow speeds. Will the dealership replace the brakes? Will they only do this within the 36k mile warranty?

Thanks for all the help!

[h82goslw]

Did the owner's manual come with the car? I'm guessing that should have most of the answers you're looking for.

[marlin29311]

Gas - 91 octane at least (that's premium) - you can use lower grades, but you won't get the same gas mileage and power.

Oil - you can have it done anywhere - it's recommended every 3750 miles. Synthetic vs non is totally up to you. Some people swear by synthetic, others love real oil....

Brakes - you can have these done anywhere as well. You're going to have to pay for them no matter what you do. If your car was not part of the recall, they will not fix the brakes.

[h82goslw]

A comment on the frequency of oil changes.....I have an '03 Altima 2.5 with 225,000 miles and never changed the oil at the recommended frequencies from Jiffy Lube/oil change companies or the manufacturer. Granted, it was mostly highway driving, but I usually did the changes around 5,000 miles. If you're doing a lot of hard, stop and go city racing/driving you may want to do it more than I did. As they say, your mileage may vary.

[h82goslw]

By the way, what was the recall on the brakes about? Just on 3.5 cars?

[wrench78]

FWIW, I have a 2008 2.5 Altima. I use Reg Unleaded (i'm cheep) and still get 35mpg hw and 24 city. I think its all about how you drive more than gas.

Oil--If you still have a warrenty, then make sure you save your receipts for your oil changes. Wether you buy the oil and filter and do it yourself or to a Jiffy lube. Proof is always good, just in case.