Oil Change Timing/Mileage

[greenmountainversa]

Hey all,

I was looking for some input on folks who've been around a bit regarding their Versa and oil changes. Obviously, I know the maintenance schedule says 3,750 mi in between for most folks, but I'm just curious to see what others have been getting. For mine (a 2012 HB 1.8L), I did my first at just under 4k back in September (miles put on since late June 2013, when I bought it), and am now just over 6k in the mileage department. I don't take much in the way of long trips with it during the winter (kind of rough up here, and I have the stock all-seasons on it - a sacrifice made to accept the short commutes for this winter at least), with the average round trip mileage of 5 or less per day, and the occasional 10 mile-trip around the area during good conditions. During the summer, I'll be a little harder on it - about 80 miles roundtrip 5-6 days/week for about four months - but have nothing major planned for it until a road trip next month - about 700 miles to be traveled, I expect.

Anyways, the dealer sticker recommends the next change at 7,600, but with the reduced travel/time spent, and no signs of low oil (I check periodically) and the oil itself looking light in color on the dipstick (I used to drive an old Escort zx2 to the change limits and beyond, so I've seen the oil colors darken!), I was debating on if a change is in order now, or if I'm better waiting until I get back in February (which will be about five months from the last change), or if I should wait even longer, since I haven't been too hard on it. Thoughts?

[Francesco]

Since I change my own oil and filter I follow a 5000 mile interval which makes tracking easy. I use synthetic oil (Penzoil Platinum 5W-30) at 5QTS for $24. Even though the synthetic oil is good for many more miles I have reservations with the tiny oil filter in the vehicle so I change at 5K miles.

Frank 2009 Versa S Sedan MT-6 with 52050 miles.

[greenmountainversa]

Good to know, thanks Frank!

[Francesco]

On another note my 2009 manual specified oil change intervals at 3750 miles or 7500 miles so my 5000 mile interval is in the range. Does the 2012 also specify the same?

Frank 2009 Versa S Sedan MT-6 with 52100 miles.

[greenmountainversa]

On another note my 2009 manual specified oil change intervals at 3750 miles or 7500 miles so my 5000 mile interval is in the range. Does the 2012 also specify the same?

Frank 2009 Versa S Sedan MT-6 with 52100 miles.

Yes - Schedule 1 is 3750, 2 is 7500. With the harsher winter up here and the minimal driving, I figure I'll stay on the low end of the miles for the next change, at least - just thinking from a timing perspective, since it's about four months since the last change now, and probably another two, if I wait til then. We'll see.