Oil Question

[abbhy6145]

I apologize if this question has been addressed before, but I have not found a link on my question.

I am about to change my oil and filter for the first time in my 3.5 CVT A/C. I religiously change the oil and filter every 3000 miles; on new vehicles I change the first at 1000 miles which is now the case. The manual indicates 5 qts with 5W-30 weight. I understand that 10W-30 is the more stable and preferred weight overall and that 5W-30 is suitable in very cold climates which is not the case in my local. I am a little old fashion and am not too keen on synthetics...but the same concern about weight applies I believe. In any event, what do you all think is best 5W or 10W?

Lastly, I am able to grab the filter from beneath the car but a shield is in the way. Does this need to be removed or is it okay to just move it aside. Any help in changing the filter is appreciated.

Thanks all

[kuhan]

i usually just go with what the manual recommends to be a safe side, but that's just me.

[skiski329]

i use 5W 30 when it is cold because it is not as thick if you use 10W 30 in winter then it is like syrup going through your engine. and in the summer 5W 30 is not thick enough. also syn oil cleans your engine. i recommend mobil 1 even throw it is more expensive. we have 2 2002 nissan altima we where going to put in new valve springs. well we took apart the whole engine (on both cars) my altima with syn looked like new compared to the other one (80,520 Miles). this is because syn oil is made to clean your engine. to conclude i would use 5W-30 in winter and 10W-30 in summer and use syn oil (you get what you pay for)

[Dexion]

Yeah definitely go synthetic! I gained about 3 mpg overall going from dino to synthetic, not to mention feels like its a bit peppier too.

[johnny_d]

regarding the filter, I unclip the side shield in the wheel well and reached in there to grab it ....If you're reaching from the bottom it'd be the same, unclip enough to put ur hand thru

[adidas2go]

? just put your arm around the cross member and unscrew it. No need to unclip anything...

[johnny_d]

from the top down? i'll try that next time.....i saw in one of the post that you had to remove the wheel, I didn't remove the wheel so i just went thru there