I jus got my max, and its time for an oil change. Previous to me , i know castrol gtx 10w-40 was put in all the time every 3ooo miles. So should i change it for the winter or just stick with it. And is this oil good for the car ?

 

Castrol GTX is an excellent dino oil and works great in Maximas. If you do decide to change it, go with a 0W-30, 0W-40, or 5W-30 since you live up in NJ where winters can be brutal on engines.

 

Personally, I use Castrol GTX 5w30 all year round (but I am trying a second run with Castrol GTX Start Up 5w30 now). 5w30 is the recommended grade by Nissan for all temps, although Nissan says 10w30 may be used in warmer climates.
With you being in Jersey, and this being winter, I'd run a 5w30 to ease the wear on cold starts. Your car will run with 10w30 (or 10w40) in the winter, but I think you'll find elevated wear from the cold starts, especially on your upper end. This is because of the 10w's being thicker than 5w's when cold, and taking longer to pump to the upper end.
As for using a 10w40, I personally wouldn't. I seriously doubt that our cars need a 40 weight. I say this because of newer car's tight tolerances. In engines of old with looser tolerances, heavier oils were used to ensure proper lubrication and to prevent the oil from burning off. Today's engines simply shouldn't need it. Heavier oils tend to take longer to get where they're needed to do their job.
As for what brand, you'll get many different opinions. But if you want to stick with a dino oil, Castrol GTX has excellent protection qualities as shown in the oil analysis spreadsheet. I've also been using GTX in various cars over many years, and have never suffered any type of oil related problem. On top of being an excellent oil, GTX is cheap enough to change often.
But probably more important than brand is regular oil change intervals. For me, I change oil and filter every 3 months/3000 miles. Some may say to use a synthetic and do extended drains, but I'm personally not big on leaving an oil in my engine for any length of time. Especially when I can change oil and filter (Nissan 15208-9E000) myself for $15.00. This also gives me frequent "quality time" under my car to do other preventative maintenance items and inspections.

Dave

 

Does any of the quick lube centers like Jiffy Lube or so recommend/put Castrol GTX ?!? I don't have a garage so I get the oil change done outside. Just wondering if I need to buy Castrol separately and at the same time pay these guys all the dollars they take for normal oil change!

 

thanks dave.

 

Yea i have to do the same thing.... ?

 

well when i bring my own oil and filter, they just charge me for the labor and thats it

 

The quicky lubes like Jiffy Lube use the absolute cheapest oil they can by. Usually Quaker State.

 

Actually, they do carry Mobil 1 Supersyn and they kick you in the **** with the cost of the oil change for synthetics.

 

I saw it at a quick lube place for $69.99 for Mobil 1 syn oil...the reason is there getting the oil their putting in your car for about .15 cents a qt.. so when they have to pay for mobil one, so do you. which kills me considering how easy it is to do it...

-matt

 

I use Mobile 1 fully synthetic 10w-30.
Since i only change my oil twice a year(once every 6months) and put on an average of 8K on my car.

 

I use 5w30 GTX year round here in Toronto.

 

Castrol GTX 5W30

When my car has 15,000 on it I may consider going synthetic(Amsoil)

 

If you are going to keep your car for a while, do yourself a favor and consider using a synthetic oil. Check the forum for threads on the subject. For cold weather starts you should consider a 0W-30,40 weight oil. You can leave the 10W-40 in if you like because the oil temp range should fall within your climatic range. Enjoy the car.

 

5w-30 should be fine

 

M1 synth 0w-30 because i can,

and dont often have time to let the car warm up before i hit the road (i hit the snooze at least 5 times before work)