Oil Change Frequency.

[76er]

Manual suggests a change every 6,000 kms. I'm assuming this is based on conventional oil.

But if you use full synthetic, i've been hearing that oil changes can be pushed to every 12,000 kms, is this true?

I do 99% highway driving, about 3,300 kms a months. So trying to figure out which path would be best.

[Chuck2417]

Well full synthetic oil is better, also more expensive... Why would you put it in the Altima? I have talked to a few mechanics who have said save the money because the car doesn't need it/require it. Also it really depends on the weather condition that you drive in that dictate on when you should be getting the maintenance. I get my car done every 3,750 (premium- according to the owners manual). When I get the oil changed before and after winter I normally do it a little earlier since the cars engine has to work harder in the cold (can get to -50 degrees Celsius here). So I would say no need to spend more money on synthetic oil. Go for regular maintenance with regular oil.

My 2 cents!

[bembol]

Not just 12k/km, some claim it can hold for 12 months or 25k/km.

I'm sure Regular is enough to maintain it but I/many believe it's a small price to pay especially...

When one spends at least $100+ a month on Starbucks (my favorite is Pumpkin Spice Latte, LOL), spending $50 on Castrol GERMAN Synthec 0W-30 (with Bosch Oil Filter) every 7k/km isn't so bad to protect my VQ35DE.

Remember, it will depend HOW (and I guess WHAT) you DRIVE too. Will I switch if I was driving a base Honda Civic and keep it under 3k and 110km? Probably not.

[chiapetchua01]

just on a side notewhen you guys do your own oil changesdo you guys change the washers on the bolt for the oil pan?if yes, what is the washer size or can someone point me to which one to use?Didn't change my washer last time i changed my oil so wondering if that's bad.

Thanks

[tige1981]

You can get 5 quarts of 0W-30 synthetic at walmart for $22

[losenone]

And the filter is less then 10 bucks. Put it this way, regular oil is every 3000 miles. Synthetic is changed every 10000 - 15000 miles and costs about 2 bucks more a quart. So save your money and engine and use synthetic.

[bembol]

We raped up here, I even have to wait for it to go on sale! The regular price is $9.99 a litre and $6.79 when it's on special.

You can get 5 quarts of 0W-30 synthetic at walmart for $22

[QR25DE]

What I do:

1. Change very 6000kms with conventional oil.2. Replace the washer every 2nd oil change if need be. (Hasn't leaked this way).3. Replace filter every oil change.

The oil realistically and the way that I drive needs to be changed at that point, not because of just needing to be done, but because of the additives and such. The oil is clean though or somewhat clean when it gets drained. One oil change I put the oil into the winter beater Neon... hasnit had a problem. lol. Reduce reuse recycle LOL.

[II Knucklez II]

i use full synthetic and i change it every 10000 to 15000. i just pay attention to the oil and change it once it starts to get a lil black

[chiapetchua01]

anyone know what washer I should use for the bolt for my oil pan?

Thanks