Just turned 1,000 miles on new LE and, as I've done forever, changed the oil (Valvoline 5-30) & filter. Will next service in 1,500 miles and every 2,500 thereafter.
My question is prompted by a long-ago recollection that it's not advisable to begin using Synthetic oil until around 5,000 miles; theory being that the extra friction inherent in conventional oil is important during the break-in period.
Questions: 1) Is the 5,000 mile advice still true, 2) I'd appreciate input on which Synthetic; there must be 15++ brands...all claiming to be best, 3) Anybody have experience with how much gas mileage was improved when switching from conventional and 4) Looking down the road, is it true that around 75,000 miles/6+ years, it's a good idea to abandon Synthetic because it tends to leak past engine seals?
Oh, one other thing, I used a Fram Xtended Guard filter, with anti-drainback valve, but it doesn't appear to have the dirt trapping efficiency of Fram's Tough Guard ( http://www.fram.com/oil-filters/xtended-guard.php ). Is the Xtended Guard a waste of money? (Also, anyone have a strong recommendation on a better brand of filter; after purchase, I read a report critical of Fram's use of "cardboard ends" instead of metal.)
Input on all/any of the above would be appreciated!
When to switch to Synthetic Oil
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kerrton
- Posts: 2161
- Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:48 am
- Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL FWD Gotham Gray
- Location: Southern Alberta, Canada
Re: When to switch to Synthetic Oil
These are difficult questions to answer accurately, although there will be a lot of opinions based on past perceptions I'm sure.
The only thing I wanted to point out is that my Rogue factory "break-in oil" was a synthetic, so I would guess your Murano would be the same. Based on the fact that Nissan puts synthetic in from the factory, I would conclude that synthetic is not bad for break-in, although I'm not sure of the exact grade of factory synthetic oil.
Also, everything I've read on this topic, including some knowledgable Rogue owners who've actually done oil tests to quantify oil effectiveness, have indicated that for normal driving conventional oil is just as good as synthetic provided you stick to the proper change intervals. If you're driving your car hard under extremem conditions then synthetic may be something to consider. But I'm no expert, I'd reocmmend checking out some knowledgable posts from the Rogue forum, there are two really good threads with oil test results accessible from here:
synthetic-oil-help-please-t491917.html
The only thing I wanted to point out is that my Rogue factory "break-in oil" was a synthetic, so I would guess your Murano would be the same. Based on the fact that Nissan puts synthetic in from the factory, I would conclude that synthetic is not bad for break-in, although I'm not sure of the exact grade of factory synthetic oil.
Also, everything I've read on this topic, including some knowledgable Rogue owners who've actually done oil tests to quantify oil effectiveness, have indicated that for normal driving conventional oil is just as good as synthetic provided you stick to the proper change intervals. If you're driving your car hard under extremem conditions then synthetic may be something to consider. But I'm no expert, I'd reocmmend checking out some knowledgable posts from the Rogue forum, there are two really good threads with oil test results accessible from here:
synthetic-oil-help-please-t491917.html
Re: When to switch to Synthetic Oil
Complete myth about Synthetic. All Mercedes come with Mobil 1 as do all new corvetts.
One question, Why do you change oil so much. it is not needed, you gain nothing.
I like to change every 5k that way it is easy to keep up with oil changes. Fram TG is a better filter but if you want real quality then Mobil 1 oil filter is it.
I use Amsoil but only because of the price i can buy at, get it lower than dealers do . Otherwise i would use mobil 1 or any of the other brands of synthetic oils. Amsoil filter is also superior in quality.
I did my first change at 3000 (book says 3500) but used regular oil and Fram Tg. plan to change again at 5k to amsoil then every 5k thereafter.
One question, Why do you change oil so much. it is not needed, you gain nothing.
I like to change every 5k that way it is easy to keep up with oil changes. Fram TG is a better filter but if you want real quality then Mobil 1 oil filter is it.
I use Amsoil but only because of the price i can buy at, get it lower than dealers do . Otherwise i would use mobil 1 or any of the other brands of synthetic oils. Amsoil filter is also superior in quality.
I did my first change at 3000 (book says 3500) but used regular oil and Fram Tg. plan to change again at 5k to amsoil then every 5k thereafter.
Re: When to switch to Synthetic Oil
Wow; great info!
Interesting about the Rogue synthetic break-in oil kerrton. When I asked dealer's service dept, all I got was shrugs of the shoulders. One reason for my uncertainty was that I seem to recall (????) the owners manual, on the 2004 Murano we traded-in, advising against synthetic. Will check the Rogue Forum for those threads you mentioned this weekend at the latest.
67hat: The main reason for high frequency of changes is that the car will mainly be driven by my Wife to work/lunch/etc. There will be weeks when 80+% of the trips will average fewer than 4 miles*. I go with 2.5 for the same reason you do 5k; easy to keep track of. Think I'll switch to synthetic& get on the 5k cycle too.
Interesting about the filters; I've been going with Fram out of habit & frequency of advertising. Been years (many), but there was a review, by something like Motor Trend, where they cut open the filters/did filter material "density" tests/assessed internal components for quality/and more. So far, haven't found anything to compare.
Many THANKS to both of you!
* Been getting up early & putting 30 minutes on "our" Murano & will do so for the recommended 1,200 miles...may continue to do at least weekly because it's so much fun to drive; extra 25 ponies & much improved CVT are really noticeable.
Interesting about the Rogue synthetic break-in oil kerrton. When I asked dealer's service dept, all I got was shrugs of the shoulders. One reason for my uncertainty was that I seem to recall (????) the owners manual, on the 2004 Murano we traded-in, advising against synthetic. Will check the Rogue Forum for those threads you mentioned this weekend at the latest.
67hat: The main reason for high frequency of changes is that the car will mainly be driven by my Wife to work/lunch/etc. There will be weeks when 80+% of the trips will average fewer than 4 miles*. I go with 2.5 for the same reason you do 5k; easy to keep track of. Think I'll switch to synthetic& get on the 5k cycle too.
Interesting about the filters; I've been going with Fram out of habit & frequency of advertising. Been years (many), but there was a review, by something like Motor Trend, where they cut open the filters/did filter material "density" tests/assessed internal components for quality/and more. So far, haven't found anything to compare.
Many THANKS to both of you!
* Been getting up early & putting 30 minutes on "our" Murano & will do so for the recommended 1,200 miles...may continue to do at least weekly because it's so much fun to drive; extra 25 ponies & much improved CVT are really noticeable.
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kerrton
- Posts: 2161
- Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:48 am
- Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL FWD Gotham Gray
- Location: Southern Alberta, Canada
Re: When to switch to Synthetic Oil
[quote="67hat34c"]Complete myth about Synthetic. All Mercedes come with Mobil 1 as do all new corvetts.
quote]
Just to clarify, what exactly are you saying is a myth about synthetic? Is it a myth that synthetic is better than coventional, or is it a myth that synthetic is not good for break in? I'm assuming you're not saying that "it's a myth that synthetic is better than conventional", because you say you use synthetic yourself!
quote]
Just to clarify, what exactly are you saying is a myth about synthetic? Is it a myth that synthetic is better than coventional, or is it a myth that synthetic is not good for break in? I'm assuming you're not saying that "it's a myth that synthetic is better than conventional", because you say you use synthetic yourself!
Re: When to switch to Synthetic Oil
Myth about break in period.
Syn is a litte better than conventional oil but not that much better depending what you are using it for. All oils have the same lubricants, some have different levels and different mixtures. Big difference with Syn is that it's base oil is more stable, flows better at cold temps and more stable at high temp. The lubricants do not evaporate away at high temps which is why it lasts longer. Basically syn oil gets dirty same way conventional oil does. Main reason for changing synthetic is it gets dirty. Short trips do not wear out the oil, just gets dirty so for those who like frequent changes why not just change the fiter at 2500 and oil+ filter at 5000 to 7500. For standard private passenger car conventional oil is just fine, you will never see the benefit of using synthetic oil, ie engine wear.
I like anything that is better, even if just a little better which is why I use it. Syn in the Harley is a must because of the temps the engine runs. On the highway it gets north of 230 f where an automotive engine runs less than 180, more like 165 to 175. Fact all aircooled engines benefit such as lawn mowers.
Syn is a litte better than conventional oil but not that much better depending what you are using it for. All oils have the same lubricants, some have different levels and different mixtures. Big difference with Syn is that it's base oil is more stable, flows better at cold temps and more stable at high temp. The lubricants do not evaporate away at high temps which is why it lasts longer. Basically syn oil gets dirty same way conventional oil does. Main reason for changing synthetic is it gets dirty. Short trips do not wear out the oil, just gets dirty so for those who like frequent changes why not just change the fiter at 2500 and oil+ filter at 5000 to 7500. For standard private passenger car conventional oil is just fine, you will never see the benefit of using synthetic oil, ie engine wear.
I like anything that is better, even if just a little better which is why I use it. Syn in the Harley is a must because of the temps the engine runs. On the highway it gets north of 230 f where an automotive engine runs less than 180, more like 165 to 175. Fact all aircooled engines benefit such as lawn mowers.
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kerrton
- Posts: 2161
- Joined: Mon Feb 04, 2008 8:48 am
- Car: 2008 Nissan Rogue SL FWD Gotham Gray
- Location: Southern Alberta, Canada
Re: When to switch to Synthetic Oil
I'm just wondering about really cold winter starts, we get between -20 and -30 degrees C for a good chunk of time each winter, I think at these extreme cold temps the synthetic might be beneficial because it's viscosity is not affected by the cold as much as conventional - i.e. synthetic will flow better and lubricate quicker on those cold dry starts. Any thoughts?