Every vehicle I've ever owned I've always changed the oil at or around every 3000 miles. In a few post that I was reading earlier some of the guys were mentioning that they actually go 5000-7000 miles before changing the oil. Is this bad for the engine ,because of the dirt that accumulates in the oil ? I understand if you use synthetics you are able to increase the duration between oil changes. Do you recommend regular oil 5W/10W-30 or do recommend using a synthetic oil such as Syntec or Mobile 1 ? How often do you change the oil in your Max ? (since you live in it )

 

The issue of synthetic versus standard engine oil has been the subject of much discussion. There are ardent advocates on both sides and the debate sometimes approaches religious intensity. I prefer to remain nonpartisan on this question.

My personal practice is to change oil and filter at 5K mile intervals. It is possible to change the oil on a Maxima without raising the car, but I prefer to do so. That provides an easy opportunity to slide under and make a visual inspection of the underside, with special attention to the Constant Velocity joint boots.

I use standard engine oil and have no brand preference. I buy whatever name-brand 5W-30 oil is on sale at the time.

I have no brand preference in oil filters, other than an aversion to Fram filters. This is based on the findings of Russell W. Knize. See:
http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/minimo...lter-fram1.txt
http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/minimo...study-faq.html
http://members.nbci.com/_XMCM/minimo...lter-fram1.txt

I don't use any sort of engine oil additive (Slick-50, etc.).

My driving is mostly on highways at moderate speeds. I don't race or tow a trailer. Your driving pattern might be different and you might make different choices.

If I lived in a region of climatic extremes I might choose to use synthetic engine oil.

 

I agree entirely with Daniel. Motor oils and engine tolerances have improved tremendously in recently years (past ten years) and the 3000 mile Jiffy Lube intervals are way overkill. 5000 miles for dino juice and 7000+ for synthetics is just fine. As for filter, the best choice in my opinion is the OEM Nissan filter. It costs around $5, which is less than some of the aftermarket brands from Purolator, Wix, AC Delco, etc.. Actually, Nissan lists it for $9.45, but I usually them in bunches and my local dealer charges $4.99 each if I buy three or more.

I just switched to synthetic recently, and it might be a placebo effect, but I swear that my car runs a bit smoother. Oh well, in either case, I will extend my oil change interval accordingly over dino oil.

 

Thanks for the assistance. I think I may go with a Synthetic because of the climate I live in , and it'll save me the time and money of getting an oil change every 3000.