Hello, I am new to the forum and, learning a lot reading your questions and replys. I have a new 2005 Xterra SE 4x4 i have 2650 miles. I just recently got my first oil change and filter at the dealer. I also ask them about changing to a Synthetic oil and was told that it was not a necessary and that the basic oil change with an additive could do the same job.
I don't believe that because i use to put a synthetic in my last suv a 4runner and it seemed to work great.
Question: When do you start using a Synthetic oil on a new car are truck?
and can it be used all year round, I live in Dutchess county, NY.
Hello, I am new to the forum and, learning a lot reading your questions and replys. I have a new 2005 Xterra SE 4x4 i have 2650 miles. I just recently got my first oil change and filter at the dealer. I also ask them about changing to a Synthetic oil and was told that it was not a necessary and that the basic oil change with an additive could do the same job.
I don't believe that because i use to put a synthetic in my last suv a 4runner and it seemed to work great.
Question: When do you start using a Synthetic oil on a new car are truck?
and can it be used all year round, I live in Dutchess county, NY.
I would let the dealer put whatever they want in it, untill the warranty expires. Make sure they update the service book.
The general consensus I've seen (from looking at multiple car forums for different manufacturers) is that almost no dealer service departments are EVER going to recommend you use synthetic oil. The longer drain intervals that you can easily achieve using synthetic oil mean less shop work for the technicians. Also, the service departments buy their conventional oils in extremely large quantities (sometimes to the point that they will use the same weight oil all the time, regardless of what weight oil is recommended for your vehicle), so using anything else would cut into their profit margin (or require them to charge $50-$60 for an oil change using synthetic, which I've heard some dealers or quick-lube places do).
As synthetic oil technology has improved over the last 10 years, almost all independent laboratory testing has been in agreement that synthetic oils produce significantly lower wear rates on critical engine components. True high-grade synthetics (Mobil1, Amsoil, Redline, Royal Purple, etc.) also resist thermal breakdown much better than even the best conventional mineral oils, meaning that the oil doesn't require changing the oil as often. Also, the properties of the oil change much less over the operating temperature range of the vehicle, which offers better protection during periods of extreme cold (which suits you well if you live in NY).
Many auto manufacturers are now shipping their vehicles from the factory with synthetic motor oil installed and now recommend that owners use synthetic oil (most are higher-end manufacturers, like Porche, BMW, etc.).
I've changed my own oil for years and currently use Mobil 1 (5W-30 in winter; 10W-30 in summer) in both my 2005 Frontier NISMO and my wife's Mazda MPV minivan. At 5k oil change intervals, the Mobil 1 oil looks almost brand new when drained from the vehicle, and it certainly exhibits much less evidence of thermal breakdown than a conventional oil. As soon as the warranty expires on each, I will likely switch to even longer drain intervals (10,000 - 15,000 miles). In fact, Mobil1's new Extended Performance series of oils guarantees your engine against failures from their oil when changed at 15,000 mile intervals; Amsoil recommends up to 25,000 mile oil change intervals.
If you learn to change your own oil, chances are you can switch to synthetic motor oil and still not pay much more for an oil change. You can purchase Mobil1 in a 5-qt. container at Wal-Mart for about $19.80 (you'll need an additional 3/8 qt. for each change). And, a Mobil1 oil filter is less than $10 (or, you can buy a Nissan OEM oil filter for about $4-$5 off the internet; simply buy about 4-5 at a time to save shipping charges). So, for about $30, you can do it yourself.
In case you've never changed your oil yourself, I assure you it's not very hard to do at all. The only tools/equipment you'll need are an oil catch pan and a ratchet with a socket and a filter wrench attachment. Most auto parts stores (Advance, Auto Zone, etc.) will dispose of the used oil for free. And, there are several how-to's on these forums for changing your own oil. The Pathfinder/Frontier have the same engine as your Xterra, so looking in those forums could help a lot.
Just make sure you keep all your receipts for the oil/filters if you change your oil yourself (per the warranty manual for your car). While, in theory, a service department could make an issue if you change your oil at anything greater than the 3750 mile intervals recommended by Nissan, the chances of having any oil-related engine problems during the warranty period are extremely slim. If that isn't a chance you want to take, change the oil at the recommended intervals until the warranty expires.
One more benefit of changing your own oil yourself -- it usually takes at least 30 minutes from the time I pull the drain plug on my oil pan for enough oil to drain down to the point where it begins to drip out instead of flow in a steady stream. If dealers and oil change shops brag about how quickly they can get you in and out, how well do you think they remove all the old oil from your vehicle???
Last edited by msubullyfan : Jan 10th, 2006 at 05:30 AM.
One more benefit of changing your own oil yourself -- it usually takes at least 30 minutes from the time I pull the drain plug on my oil pan for enough oil to drain down to the point where it begins to drip out instead of flow in a steady stream. If dealers and oil change shops brag about how quickly they can get you in and out, how well do you think they remove all the old oil from your vehicle???
Lol. I like it when the quicky lubes "flush" your crankcase by pumping everyone elses used oil into the crankcase to "remove debris from the oil pan" (just one lojikal reesuning heard from an 'expert' at one)
I switched to Mobil One on the first oil change in my 2004 Xterra and noticed an increase of 1-2 MPG in fuel economy. I have had zero problems and I change the oil every 4500 miles or so.
Thanks so much for the information it was informative, and i will try to do my own oil changes. I do think after reading your info that it is worth the effort.
Thanks for the reply, just what i wanted to hear someone that has change there oil to Synthetic on the first oil change.
I will change to Synthetic on my second and i should have approximately 6000 miles on the Xterra.
this is good info.
I am in the same situation where I just got my first oil done at the dealer. but I would like to do it myself and use synthetic.
and OEM filter's are just fine?
not sure how easy or hard it is for a 05 Path, but hopefully after taking a look and figuring out what I need to do. I'm sure it will be easy. I hope. or else I take it to my mechanic friend and put it on a lift.
now, I know there are high end synthetic and mid-range oil.
but, what is really recommended for a all around driving?
I can see if you raced your car, maybe the best top high end stuff. but if your not racing.
my suv is 4x4, but I have yet to take it off road. I don't really think I will be towing a lot.
so, what are some brands that would fit my type of driving?
thanks.
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As far as oil filters try and ONLY use OEM filters as they have an anti drainback valve that other filters do not. If you cannot use OEM then the WIX are the next best thing. Fram and the like are utter crap and I would NEVER use them.
With normal highway driving most synthetic's will let you run longer intervals between changes. I change mine every 4500 and it still is in better condition that dino oil was after 3000 miles. I use Mobil One exclusively. If you have a wal-mart close by they sell 5 quart jugs for $20. I buy 5w30.
Thanks for the reply, just what i wanted to hear someone that has change there oil to Synthetic on the first oil change.
I will change to Synthetic on my second and i should have approximately 6000 miles on the Xterra.
Thanks again
The thing with that, you might be saving a buck or two. However if something fails (major engine problems) Nissan (any vehicle manufacturer) will be quick to blame the "home mechanic" and try to get out of any warrany coverage. Then you have to take them to small claims court and prove that you did change the oil/etc.. at certain milage blah blah. Good Luck... I think that extra $5 bucks every 3 months for two years is worth every penny! Heck you paid $25k+, So do not be cheep, in all the wrong places. But hey, live and learn.
The thing with that, you might be saving a buck or two. However if something fails (major engine problems) Nissan (any vehicle manufacturer) will be quick to blame the "home mechanic" and try to get out of any warrany coverage. Then you have to take them to small claims court and prove that you did change the oil/etc.. at certain milage blah blah. Good Luck... I think that extra $5 bucks every 3 months for two years is worth every penny! Heck you paid $25k+, So do not be cheep, in all the wrong places. But hey, live and learn.
Total myth... If you understand your legal rights and have appropriate documentation of the maintenance you performed, the legal burden would be on them to PROVE that what you did/didn't do to cause the failure. Bottom line, I keep receipts for everything and update the maintenance schedule that is included with your owners manual. I simply create a separate file for each vehicle. That and have a good relationship with your dealership and don't put up with any crap that it is not covered under warranty. Heck this is research I try and do before I align myself with any dealership.
The thing with that, you might be saving a buck or two. However if something fails (major engine problems) Nissan (any vehicle manufacturer) will be quick to blame the "home mechanic" and try to get out of any warrany coverage. Then you have to take them to small claims court and prove that you did change the oil/etc.. at certain milage blah blah. Good Luck... I think that extra $5 bucks every 3 months for two years is worth every penny! Heck you paid $25k+, So do not be cheep, in all the wrong places. But hey, live and learn.
Excuse me for being blunt, but THAT'S PURE CRAP. NOT TRUE AT ALL!!!! Why, why, why would you make such a grandiose statement that's completely unfounded and try to pass it off as being fact? I have NEVER seen or heard of a dealer denying a warranty claim because an owner changed their own oil!
Even the warranty manual for your vehicle states that you should keep receipts of all maintenence done -- whether you get your oil changed at Jiffy Lube or whether you do it yourself. That's all the proof you need.
You're also making the assumption that the dealer is looking out for your vehicle's best interest. The dealer wants your money... period.
Last edited by msubullyfan : Jan 11th, 2006 at 11:02 PM.
Excuse me for being blunt, but THAT'S PURE CRAP. NOT TRUE AT ALL!!!! Why, why, why would you make such a grandiose statement that's completely unfounded and try to pass it off as being fact? I have NEVER seen or heard of a dealer denying a warranty claim because an owner changed their own oil!
See the thing is, it is more than OIL X caused failer.
Example:
You changed the oil.
1000 miles later the filter fell off.
Oil evacuated and the engine siezed.
It fell of because of 1 of a few reasons:
1. Over torqued filter.
2. Under torqued filter.
3. Faulty filter.
4. Faulty filter seal.
Whatever...
Whats your recourse? Take it to the dealer? LOL. They will ask "Who changed your oil last? The filter was under torqued and fell off."
*But you know you did it a million times and it was correctly installed* so you say "THAT'S PURE CRAP". But who is left with the bill?
YOU ARE!
Warranty denied due to improper installation of after market filter.
Now go to court and prove that you installed that filter correctly.
If your going to save $5 buck and bet your warrany on the good repour with your local dealer OR a dealer where ever you break down at.
Ok now take this story and apply it to "Jiffy Lube" and try to get a new 4.0L Nissan engine and retal car out of them!
Ok, now same story with the dealer who sees you every 3 months.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by msubullyfan
You're also making the assumption that the dealer is looking out for your vehicle's best interest. The dealer wants your money... period.
Gee. Really? You mean they sell cars/service to make money? Are you saying they are not my friends. *tear in eye*.
Your the one making assumptions: Thinking that a dealer will blindly replace your engine ($8000+) when they can get out of it by saying it was your fault!
But hey each his/her own. I was just trying to relay that I would part with $5(more) every 3 months just to *guaranty* that there is NO QUESTION of liability.
Wait a second, dude. That's completely different from what you said in the first post. In your first post, you basically said that a dealer would try to get out of any repairs if you change your own oil. You may not have meant that, but that's what you SAID. That is completely untrue, and there are tons of legal precedents that have been made that a dealer cannot deny a warranty claim simply because the owner performed their own maintenance.
Of course the dealer isn't going to replace your engine if the filter falls off... They aren't going to repair it if you crash it into a tree, either. The chances of you doing something to your car that could wreck the engine simply by doing your own maintenance are one in a million.
Oh, and about the defective oil filter -- I've only heard of one case where a filter caused an engine failure in my life. And that was when a dealer changed my co-worker's brother's oil. The OEM filter housing came apart while going down the road and drained the oil from the vehicle. The dealer claimed that road debris caused the oil filter to fall apart and wouldn't fix the vehicle, anyway. So, there goes your theory of a dealer standing behind their work.
LMAO if you can't do it right yourself then you SHOULD be taking it to the dealer. Because YOU don't want that responsibility to fall on your shoulders does NOT mean others are not ready for it.
Hello, I am new to the forum and, learning a lot reading your questions and replys. I have a new 2005 Xterra SE 4x4 i have 2650 miles. I just recently got my first oil change and filter at the dealer. I also ask them about changing to a Synthetic oil and was told that it was not a necessary and that the basic oil change with an additive could do the same job.
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