Questions About Oil Change and Service

[majorjohn]

Hi, all, I really need your professional knowledge for help. I own a Nissan rogue 2014 for 2 years, and I drove interstate a lot, thus I did oil changes in different places when it is due. However, a recent service got me confused.

Here are my questions:

1. About the oil used in service
In my local dealership, the receipt showed "Nissan Genuine Oil". But when I was traveling in TN, two Nissan dealers there used third party oil. One dealer's receipt showed "Castrol 5W30", another dealer's receipt showed "Mobil Clean gf5". After searching through the Internet, I was not able to find out which Mobil Oil is "Mobil Clean gf5". Then how can I be guaranteed the oil is 5W30 as requested by the manual? Are all Nissan dealers free to choose whatever oil they use?

2. About the service interval
In the past, every time the service sticker suggested 5k miles/6 months for the next service. However, this most recent service, which used the mysterious "Mobil Clean gf5", has a sticker showing 3750 miles/3 months to the next service. When I called and asked the dealer, they said that's because their area has many uphills downhills, thus they suggest 3750 mile/3 months service interval. I really doubt the uphills downhills in a area could cause such a dramatic different in service interval: from 5k to 3.75k, from 6 months to 3months. Or is it because the oil used? I have no idea. But what caused trouble is that now this service interval does not match the suggestion in my owner manual. then what should I do?

Thanks in advanced for all your inputs.

[Rogue Jarhead]

http://www.lfpowers.com/tl_files/lfpowe ... eb2011.pdf

Looks like its just a new " recourse conserving" designation used by the EPA. It seems to apply to several viscositys so as long as they put the correct 5-30 in you should be good. As far as reducing the interval? Well more visits equal more revenue, for the dealership, that's pretty self evident. Stick with the recommend interval and you'll be fine.

[TrevorK]

6 months vs 3 months: Perhaps the dealer is more "traditional" about an oil change every three months. The previous generation of Rogue stated that it was to be changed every 3 months, so it may be a philosophy they adopt across their shop. Not only that, but it also would generate more revenue. One way oil degrades is excessive heat. While this link is about extending your oil change interval, it is definitely worth a read:
http://www.kewengineering.co.uk/Auto_oi ... dation.htm

I would personally follow your manual's recommendations. If you are concerned about the type of oil being used you can always purchase it yourself and bring it in to the dealer to use.

[colonelcasey]

It's a stupid money grab by the dealer. I always rip off the reminder sticker after a service because their service interval is ridiculously short. Just follow the service manual intervals and you'll be fine.