I know this question probably has been asked a million times. I bought my 97 Maxima SE with 20K on it. It was driven by a retired couple. I know it was changed with dino (conventinal oil). I currently have 34K on my car. I've always considered the use of synthetic motor oil for its protection. After reading some of the posts I feel the longevity would also prove very beneficial. I've always changed my own oil @ 3K religiously. I use Castrol 5W30. The main concerns I have are:

1. If I switch to synthetic will it cause leaks. I currently have no leaks. Some people have told me since my car hasn't used synthetic since new, it will eat the seals??

2. Is Mobil 1 the recommended brand.

3. What oil filter should I use?

3. What weight should I use. I live in the Midwest.

I know I will get many different responses I need facts from people who have made the switch, not just opinions please! Thanks in advance to all who reply. This forum has been a great asset to my Maxima questions.

Madd Maxx

The truth is no one can guarantee you no leaks. If the oil has been changed and no gunky buildups are present you should be fine. If you read all the posts/info I would switch under 50K miles and definatly would not switch over 75K miles. Go with 5w30 mobil 1 and nissan filter. If you have the extra cash to spend go with AMSOIL.
good luck!

Hi

I just switched my 95 to synthetic. I researched this question thoroughly including discussions with various oil "experts" on the web, Nissan master technicians, the ultimately talked with Nissan HQ in Gardena, CA where they created a file number for me. Two weeks later, the gurus in CA responded that switching is fine.

Go for it. Mobil1 is great. You can check out their website for more info. Stick with the Nissan filters.

I bought my '97 SE with 33k on it, switch to Mobil 1 at 35k, no leak so far.

I use 5W30 during winter time, and 10W30 for summer.

Just order Nissan filter from Courtesy Nissan.

Go with the OEM filter for less than 5 bux and go for it; I switched at 54K and no problems - these engines are awesome and if you haven't had a leak by now, using synthetic will only help you at this point.

BTW: I just picked up some Mobil 1 15W50 at an auction for real cheap. Anyone use this? I normally use 5W50. I live in S.FLA

i was reading on a 300z furom, that the way to switch over is to use the blend first a couple times and then all synthetic. fyi. i switched over with all synthetic around 10k.

Where in the Midwest do you live. I am in Iowa... I use synthetic in the winter and conventional in the summer. I have to change my oil at the 3000 mile mark b/c I make a lot of short trips hence the oil gets condensation in it taht won't burn off b/c the car doesn;t reach operating temp.

Sythetic will not leak.

You can ue any old oil filter but the NIssan OEM ones (and others that have anti drain back protection are best.

MObil 1 is great but most sythetics are very similar.