Monotaur

Hey guys, I'm just about at the point where I need to go in for my 7500 mile checkup.. can I just call up the dealer and say "hey, I need to schedule a 7500 mile maintenance for my car"? Also, is it time for synthetic oil? If so, which brand do ya'll recommend?

Thanks....

kito2112

I did an early break-in oil change at 1500, then again at about 4500. I switched to Amsoil synthetic right about where you are now, 7500 miles. I figure I can stretch the intervals to 5000 miles now. Amsoil and Redline, I believe, are the only TRUE synthetics on the market.

Nothing scientific, just the way I did it and I chose Amsoil because I use it in my Powerstroke.

Call up the dealer and schedule the appt! I need to do the same to fix some small issues like;

Glove box door not aligned
Trunk entry switch on door not working
Heater blows when off
SES light comes on from time to time

AKM2k5

I like mobile 1 with mobile 1 oil filter. Is there a test that compares mobile 1 and amsoil?

Phatmax98

iTrader: (2)

What's the point of switching to synthetic so early? You really don't even need synthetic until approximately 100,000...synthetic is generally used on high mileage motors

Playadave

I'm an Amsoil dealer and I really don't sell but use them in my cars. I had a Mitsu Eclipse and Toyo Camary that I Amsoil in and the cars ran like a charm. I too will be changing over to Amsoil in my Max at or around 7500.

Monotaur

Well, I've heard/read that it is easier on the engine and will also improve gas mileage by 1 or 2 MPG.... I know a guy that has an 02 Altima and after switching from the generic dino oil used at the dealership to a synthetic, he got another 2 MPG... same with his Toyota truck. Am I completely off base here?

04EliteSE

What weight does the Maxima require anyway? 10W 40?

Phatmax98

iTrader: (2)

I believe that is true about the gas mileage, keep in mind that once you switch to synthetic it's recommended that you don't switch back. You can also use a thinner regular oil instead of switching to synthetic...unless that is what you truly want to do. Like, use 10W40 in the summer and 5W30 or 10W30 in the winter. Next time you get your oil changed at the dealership or someplace with a good rep, ask them if you should switch. Unless you do it yourself. Hope this helps.

hofb99

Dude! EVERYONE'S glove box door is misaligned! It's inherent of the 6th Gen! lol Sorry...

Monotaur

Thanks for the info, I'll talk with my dealer tomorrow...

Monotaur

Yeah, I had my dealer attempt to fix it, but it still isn't quite as square as it should be.

lightonthehill

Synthetic oil reputedly has better lubricating properties, hence slows engine wear to some degree. It also has properties that can enable an engine with high mileage to continue to give satisfactory performance.

I certainly accept that an engine using synthetic oil should get slightly better gas mileage; probably between 1% and 3% better. That is a meaningful improvement, and, coupled with longer engine life, speaks well to the advantages of synthetic oil.

But 2 MPG improvement is more than I feel would be realistic. At 25 MPG, a 2 MPG improvement represents an 8% improvement in fuel economy. That is a very huge improvement that I would be hesitant to believe can be accomplished simply by switching to a synthetic oil.

But I haven't run the tests that would be required to prove this.

PETZUK

Amsoil 0W30 is an excellent oil for 5W30 and 5W20 engines. I use it in 5 family cars between 1 and 5 years old. They all were quieter after the switch. I also will run Amsoil for 5 to 7 K miles or about 6 months of driving.

The engines also consume less of the synthetic oil than they did with mineral oils.

Lots of reviews on the web. One good spot is SVTPERFORMANCE.COM for Cobras, Lightnings and Focus hot rods. A contributor named Cobra'03 is an oil expert who posts great tips and leads.

And, I use Mobil One oil filters because of their high quality, and they are readily available locally. I would use Amsoil filters but I didn't want to stock up on them, then decide to switch cars.

PETZUK

BTW.... The Maxima owners manual recommends only mineral oil. Any reason why they don't suggest synthetics????