Hey guys, I was just reading Bill99GXE's sticky regarding oils, and I have a few questions that some of you might be able to help me out with... I looked at the oil analysis and it looks like Mobil 1 Synthetic is the best overall for my to put in my car, but will it hurt my car if I have it put in next time I change my oil if I'm currently using Pennzoil? Also, why is it that some people put 5w-30 in their cars and some put 10w-30 in their cars? I went to PepBoys once and asked them what kind of oil should be in Maxima's and their computer showed 10w-30. Is there some kind of advantage to not going with what Nissan says and using 5w-30? Any help on this matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

Switching to another brand of oil is okay (especially if you're switching to Mobil-1).
As far as using 5w-30 or 10w-30, it depends on your climate. If the temps will be below freezing, use 5w-30. Otherwise, use 10w-30.
The 5w-30 blend offers cold-weather protection at the sacrifice (however slight) of the oil's overall performance (viscosity). Therefore, unless you expect cold weather you should use 10w-30.
By the way, alot of people use 10w in the summer and 5w in the winter - again, it's okay to switch.

 

Originally posted by Neice Anne


No.



It's not some people, it was only me, as specified by the color-keyed legend on the spreadsheet. My 94 VG motor seems to prefer 10W-30 all year, especially on cold startup. The valve clatter barely occurs, while 5W-30 oil causes a lot of valve clatter, even in the summer. It is simply a preference of use.



The computer is wrong. It should be 5W-30. That's what is in my 94 Maxima owner's manual.

Don't be afraid to switch to Mobile 1. More importantly, choose a good quality oil filter as well......

Good luck!