Yet another oil topic from the noob...BEST choice for the 2.5 engine?

[MUX]

Hello,

Sorry to recycle this again, but just took delivery of my '08 Altima 2.5s a couple of months ago. Coming up on first oil change (3K miles), and in my research, the debate rages on!

I've heard that the break-in period is upwards of 10K miles, and to not switch to synthetic until then.

I've also heard to switch the day you bring it home from the dealership.

I'm leaning towards Bosch oil filter and either M1 or Syntec 5W-30. Any opinions out there on other brands? I drive around 75 miles/day in sunny Florida running about 80% freeway/20% city driving. I'm looking to obviously minimize sludge buildup and an oil change interval of 5K miles (unless you guys see a major issue with synthetics going that long under my conditions).

Suggestions for the noob? Much appreciated.

- MUX

[bembol]

I didn't like Mobil 5W-30 when I used it on my '02 Acura RSX, I had to top it up and when I switched to Castrol (German) Syntec 0W-30, I felt it was smoother.

I read that if you are going with Castrol, only German Syntec ^ will do when it come to their Synthetics, something about NOT BEING 100% FULL SYNTHETIC(?). Otherwise, just go with Mobil 1.

Happy Holidays NICO.

[generic808]

I use Castrol 5w30 and Nissan filters. Make sure whatever filter you choose has an anti-drainback valve.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

5w30 and OEM Nissan oil filter for me.

[ssjones]

I use Castrol 5w30 and Nissan filters. Make sure whatever filter you choose has an anti-drainback valve.

I just changed my 2.5's oil for the first time at 2k. I used Castrol GTX 5W-30 and a Purolator Pure One oil filter (#14610). I also like the Bosch filter, but it is only avaiable via Advance Auto mail order or the NAPA Gold. My NAPA store seems to have limited hours so the Pure One was easy to grab at Advance Auto.I have to say this is just about the easiest car to change the oil on in a long time. The filter is a snap to reach.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

I just changed my 2.5's oil for the first time at 2k.

2k...seems a bit early. I have yet to change my oil but I'm not even at the 3k mark yet.

[Dexion]

I had my first oil change at around 2200 miles, I don't drive my car like a girl so figured I'd get it changed a bit earlier.

[murda42afs]

how do u guys feel about royal purple ??? and it's use on the 2.5 or 3.5
Modified by murda42afs at 8:44 PM 12/23/2007

[spike228]

The "best" oil for you engine depends on your environment. I'm not sure what the best is for cold weather, but here in Hawaii where the weather is always warm, I use royal purple 10w30 with a K&N oil filter.

Royal Purple has been good to me so far.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

spike228, I really like your signature. Great picture!

Welcome to NICO!

[spike228]

hey thanks

[murda42afs]

im currently on conventional so is it safe to go directly over to synthetic??(sp)

[6SPD_FTW]

Probably. I personally would definitely wait until around 5000 miles to switch to synthetic.

It certainly is not going to hurt the engine to wait a few thousand miles to switch to synthetic. But, it MAY hurt the engine to switch to synthetic too early.

Weigh your options.

With my 2007 3.5SE, I kept the original oil in there for the full 5000 miles, and then changed to GC 0W-30, and then ran it for about 5600 miles. I did a used oil analysis on the 1st and 2nd oil change. Wear metals were elevated on the 1st oil change (breaking-in), and were also elevated on the 2nd oil change (although not as much). That says that even though I put synthetic oil in there, parts were still breaking in (which, theoretically, is what synthetic oil stops....break-in).

You can draw your own conclusions. I doubt seriously that changing over to synthetics too soon, too late, or not at all is going to affect the longevity or overall health of your engine.

And yes - it is perfectly fine to switch from conventional directly to synthetics at any time.

Late,Trav

[spike228]

Not true, there are people who run synthetic right after their first oil change (at around 3000 miles or earlier). Oil is oil, as long as you run the specified oil for the engine, you will be fine.

If you car isn't fully broken in yet, I would wait until it is. Synthetic oils are most commonly used for extended oil change intervals and racing. If you don't care for either of those, then just stick with the regular dyno oil.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

If you car isn't fully broken in yet, I would wait until it is. Synthetic oils are most commonly used for extended oil change intervals and racing. If you don't care for either of those, then just stick with the regular dyno oil.

[generic808]

Yo Spike, I think I've seen you around town because I recognize the wheels on your car. You've probably seen my car around too since I'm the only one sportin' the SE-R's.