So it's almost time I change my oil for the first time, I bought the car w/ 114,xxx miles, its nearing 117,xxx miles, what's the best brand oil that I should get and what type? I live in the desert so it's mostly hot all the time here.

it also feels like my car jumps from 1st to 2nd gear and 2nd to 3rd gear when driving lightly, it's an auto, is this a common problem? is there a fix for this? should i change the trans filter and fluid too or take it to get the trans redone?

 

If you're going to stay with conventional oil, try Castrol GTX (High Mileage maybe?).
For synthetic, I use Mobil 1. Just buy those big 5 quart jugs from Walmart. That's what I do. Amsoil is also a good choice, but it costs more.

With regards to the tranny, I'd get a fluid flush and see if you see an improvement.

 

I don't consider 117 K miles on a VQ engine to be "high mileage" -- particularly if the engine has been well cared for.

Castrol GTX is your best bet in dino-oils. Mobil 1 probably your best buy in synthetic when you buy the 5 qt jugs at Walmart. Amsoil is a slightly better synthetic, but costs more.

If you rarely see temps below 30 degrees F, I would use 10W30 weight oil in any of these motor oil brands. Nissan probably recommends 5W30 weight in the USA, but if you check what they recommend in Europe, it is 10W30.

I use Mobil 1 @ 10W30 in my 04 and just passed 45 K miles.

 

Chevron 10W30!!!
Since you live in CA you could get cases from Costco for $17 which is a very good deal.

 

I just switched from Castrol GTX to synthetic oil. According to BITOG members, Havoline dino oil is also a very good oil for the price. It isn't available, to my knowledge, where I live so I've never tried it.

I know the Chevron oil also gets good reviews.

 

Changing your oil and filter regularly makes the biggest difference vs the actual type of oil/filter you use.

 

Anyone heard anything about Pennzoil Regular Oil ?? Ill be using that in my new motor till it breaks in then ill be switching to Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic motor oil

I used to use Pennzoil religiously in my Jeep back in the day. If im only using it for like a 1K or 2K miles i think it will be ok

-matt

 

I use the 5w30 Castrol GTX for only $11 for 5 quarts at good ol' Wal-Mart.

 

what's the difference with Castrol GTX oil and synthetic oil?

I heard you can't mix the two, say if I changed oil to castrol, then noticed i was a little low on oil but not in need of change, i can't add synthetic correct?

if i drain my oil and put in all synthetic is there something i need to do in between like flushing the old oil out completely or is it safe to drain and pour new mobile 1 synthetic in?

another question i have is how many quarts of oil do i need to add to properly lubricate my engine and oil pan? my car didnt come with a manual so i don't know the exact number, my old eclipse took 4 qts, and my f150 takes 6, does my maxima take 5qt?

 

Buy a Haynes manual.

 

Your going to get all kinds of answers on this one. Really, most motor oils, especially ones only used for a short period of time, are going to provide the same levels of protection. Where they differ the most is in how they handle breakdown over time. I have my own opinions on different oils, but you will be fine running Pennzoil to break in your motor. I'd also consider Halvoline or Castrol. Check out www.bobistheoilguy.com if you want to learn more than you ever wanted to know about oil.

 

No no flush needed, but auto RX is reccomended by some

GTX is refined from oil deep below the earths crust, synthetic is man made, and offeres better protection, that is the cliff notes

you can mix them, but its pointless and prob not the best idea, if what you mean is that once you use synthetic you cant use dino ever again, then no that is not true you can switch back and forward to your hearts content, but its a waste.

Saying Amsoil is better than Mobil one is an opinion, one which i would disagree.

Chevron is good, i like GTX is better.

Pennzoil is fine as well, if your turboed as i assume you are, i wouldnt use it for ever, turbos like their oils and are very specific, IE pretty much have to go Syn after break in.

i think that wraps it up