I could not find a specific reference to my question using “search” for 10 minutes so let me just ask. My dealer says Nissan does not recommend switching to synthetic oil until 40-50,000km (25-30,000miles). I am currently at 16,000km (10,000 miles) and was thinking of switching. Does anyone know why Nissan recommends this long a wait? I remember someone here saying you should not bother after about 8000 miles. Also, if it's such a big deal why do Corvette's come out of the factory with synthetic?

 

I doubt 'Nissan' recommends this.... it's most likely just your dealer

 

I switched at 30K, no problems!!

 

at 15k i had my car serviced at nissan and said I wanted to switch to synthetic, the technician said he strongly does not recommend now I dont go to that Redneckville Nissan anymore

 

I switched at 22,000 miles no problems here.

 

when you guys switch to synth. do you stay on synth. or just go back after servicing it with synth. just 1 time?

mechanic told me to service it just once to "clean" the system and switch back to regular oil afterwards because its not a good thing if you keep running synthetic

any truth in this?

 

I switched at 21k. Now have 33k with no problems. Other threads have mentioned that you shouldn't switch to synthetic to soon, as Maxima engine takes a while to fully break-in.

To answer the second question in this thread.....my understanding that once you switch to synthetic you can't/shouldn't go back to dino.

 

Oil discussions:

 

 

..yes, it's okay to switch to synthetic anytime, anyplace, any mileage anywhere from zero miles up to probably 30-40k miles.

Porsches, BMWs and Corvettes now arrive from the factory with synthetic as OEM oil....you dont hear of any protracted break-in periods in those cars, right?

But, that oil might answer the question as to why several Bimmers tested at 30k miles were faster 0-60 and in the 1/4 mile than when new....perhaps there is a bit of a longer break-in period to get the ultimate performance, if so, GREAT!

Now, I would be very careful switching on vehicles beyond 40-50k miles as some synthetics may not have the same additives/ability to maintain rubber/synthetic seals swollen or 'full' enough to prevent leaks and those other evils...at that mileage I would avoid it.

 

Never seen that one before!

 

It's too late for me, I went to SYNT at 3,000 mi.

 

Okay here we go again

""..yes, it's okay to switch to synthetic anytime, anyplace, any mileage anywhere from zero miles up to probably 30-40k miles.""

Probably not "anytime" on an engine that didn't come from the factory w/ synthetics.

""Porsches, BMWs and Corvettes now arrive from the factory with synthetic as OEM oil....you dont hear of any protracted break-in periods in those cars, right? ""

Right. But they were designed from the get-go w/ synthetics in mind. Different manufacturing procedures I believe.

""But, that oil might answer the question as to why several Bimmers tested at 30k miles were faster 0-60 and in the 1/4 mile than when new....perhaps there is a bit of a longer break-in period to get the ultimate performance, if so, GREAT!""



""Now, I would be very careful switching on vehicles beyond 40-50k miles as some synthetics may not have the same additives/ability to maintain rubber/synthetic seals swollen or 'full' enough to prevent leaks and those other evils...at that mileage I would avoid it.""

Why is that? This long standing myth hasn't held water since the late 1970's. Synthetics might AMPLIFY already existing leaks but will NOT create them nor do they affect mordern engine's seals. ..yes, it's okay to switch to synthetic anytime, anyplace, any mileage anywhere from zero miles up to probably 30-40k miles.

 

Hehe...you beat me to it by about 750 miles...

 

why do corvettes come with mobil 1 in them???
look at the price tag people. if i paid that much for a car it better be able to run on KY jelly

 

Nissan Maxima owners manual page 10-5 (for 2001 model year):

"Mineral based or synthetic type oils may be used in your NISSAN vehicle. These oils must however, meet API quality and SAE viscocity ratings specified for your vehicle. Do not mix mineral based and synthetic type oils in the engine at the same time".

Mobil 1 meets or exceeds API and SAE requirements.

 

I had a 97 Ford Taurus and had hoped to drive it to at least 150K. I ran nothing but Mobile 1 and cooked the engine at 105K (mostly highway miles). I changed the oil every 2 months, which was about 4K miles.

Nevertheless, I've been running nothing but Mobile 1 in the max - and changing the oil evrey 3,500. I just hope I get more than 105K miles out of it. It won't be paid for until closer to 150K miles.

 

Ah can someone explain what this has to do w/ my post?

 

I switched both my VQ engines to Mobil 1 at 1,000 miles. My 95 max now has 80,000 miles and my 2000 I30 15,000 miles. No problems.