My 2nd oil change is coming up. I got the 1st one done at the dealer since it was free. I'm going to take it to one of those Speedy oil change places like I've always done with my other cars. Is there anything special that these guys should know about before changing my oil or oil filter?

 

well do you have a preference in oil or filter? I would put an OEM Nissan one and Castrol GTX for them to but in. (that's what I prefer and read are the best according to majority here) Make sure they use no more than 4.5 quarts.

It is so easy with this car, why not do yourself? My first change was my first time doing it myself, soooo easy.

Jack up pass. tire side and look how much room you have at the filter. Read on here or ask again for more details in "fluids and lubricants" forum, where this thread will more than likely be moved to.

 

If you've got the money don't bother with changing it yourself. Get the dealer to do it. It will bring you goodwill later on. Since they've seen you and your car in the shop for all your service, when you want a little concideration for some questionable warranty work, you'll get it.

CM.

 

Along CanadianMoFo's lines, a big point in my negotiations on my '04 SL was the fact I had all my service on my previous two Maximas done by that dealer, and they made it very clear they were going to do whatever it took to keep me as a customer.

As soon as their internet/fleet manager knew which Maxima I wanted, she put a 'hold' on that car until we could iron out the details of the deal. It only took a few days, and we ended up very near my initial 'low-ball' offer. I was very happy!

It is not really 'adultry' to be 'in bed' with your Nissan dealer.

 

..though it might make you feel dirty....there's a yummy MILF running a dealership I visit.

 

Now there's a real incentive to pay for oil changes... the truth comes out.

 

so you go get oil changes at 3750miles to go see the milf? lol

 

Not sure I agree with the logic of having the dealer do it for goodwill. There's so little margin in an oil change that the dealers aren't gonna pat you on the back for letting them do it.

But that's an argument for letting someone else do it for you, too. By the time you buy the oil and the filter, you probbaly have 18 or 19 bucks in it ... Jiffy Lube will change it for you for about $21. hereabouts. It's not worth getting my hands dirty for 2 bucks!

One note, though ... Jiffy Lube's computer says 4 quarts of oil with a filter change. I had to show them the manual where it says 4.25 quarts so they'd put enough in.

Mike

 

I agree. But i think that it may help in the perception of being a responsible car owner who follows the maintenance program. Also for the fact this info is in their database as well.

Bob

 

You're certainly correct about the database thingie. I guess I just don't have the patience to sit it out at the dealer when I can go to one of the quickie places and be on the road again in 15 minutes or less. My database is the collection of receipts from the oil change parlor, which reside in my glovebox.

Mike

 

I think I may have the stealer do it the first few times and then at about 10,000 miles I'll change it myself with Mobil 1 syn. oil and a pure 1 syn. filter.

 

Having those quick lube places do it for you really isn't bad, but if you want a special oil be prepared to be bent over. Most places that I know of charge around 5-6 dollars a quart for synthetic oil, on top of the normal price. So you are looking at 50-60 bucks to change your oil. Plus most of those guys are either 18 year old kids or older "interesting," people. Hardly any of them are trained or even skilled technicians. Figure a trained lube tech at a dealership gets around 12-15 bucks an hour, a lube shop employee gets right around minimum. There is a reason for that too...

If you aren't going to do it yourself, a dealer is probably a little better then a lube shop. However, it's more of a hassle. If you find a lube shop that you can trust, they are fine too. Just make sure everything is good afterwards.

As for what oil and filter to use. That is really up to you. Wix makes one of the best filters out there. Oil, that's your preference. But I can tell you, Penzoil would be my last choice. I personally run mobil 1 in my cars, and Castrol GTX in my f150.

 

If you have a Walmart with a Autocenter you can get a Mobile 1 change for $30. This is where I go. and the fight who should bring the car in.

 

I didn't know that. But I still do all my work my self. (hell, I work on cars for a living!)

 

Since the oil alone costs $23 or so to buy the mobil1 at walmart, I presume that they give you a junk filter.

 

The problem here is they don't have the best filters at Wally mart. Fram is not a good filter. If you take it here to get the oil changed, bring a oem, pure 1, Mobil 1, or k&n filter. Don't know about the oem but these are synthetic filter that will do a better job.

 

If you bring your own filter they will deduct $3 somthing off for the filter.
Plus they do your windows and top the fluids and vacumn. and it saves me time. while I shop

Joe