Hi,

I just hit 4K on my 2001 SE and decided to use Mobil 1 synthetic 0W-30 for the winter. I was just wondering if there are issues with viscosity and do I need to stay with it permanently?

It seems to start smoother, but I could crazy.

Thanks,
Todd

 

I would stick with 5W30....

 

VERY extreme winter area (-0F), I would not go below 5w. I think 5W Syn will be better in cold anyway (over dino).. you should get enough protection. I think starting up on 0W would make me cringe (all that clatter on thin oil)

 

If you live somewhere that's really cold for long periods of time, then 0W-30 is for you (I'm thinking like Minnesota, Alaska, etc). However, chances are that 5W-30 is fine for the large majority of people. Since you're using synthetic, the oil should still be quite pumpable even when its cold out... Either is probably ok, but why use lighter weight oil than necessary if 5W-30 is appropriate. I think the owner's manual has a guide for determining this.

 

It's in the owner's manual

 

'nuff said...

 

i want to switch to synthetic...i live in boston...so 5W-30 is fine right?

 

I'm going to double check the manual, but I don't think it specifically mentions 0W-30 weight as an option. I understand that it's for extreme conditions, but in reality it should pump faster during any starting temperature which should lubricate the engine better and reduce engine wear.

 

Todd...I dont see why not....all the 0W rating means is the oil has even beter low-temp flow characteristics than 5W.
The likely reason it's not specifically recommended in the owners manual (for all you who posted 'read the manual') is because doing that would imply Nissan is recommending a synthetic oil, only because dino oil is simply available in 0W-30.

Put another way, because 0W-30 is only available as a synthetic, Nissan wont make that a recomendation since their literature is careful to state that both mineral as well as synthetics are okay for their cars.

My take..with the sometimes brutal East Coast weather, good choice. I just put in 5W30 in my first oil change (1500 miles) this weekend and agree, the engine seems quieter...less valve chain/valve gear thrash. Good luck

 

I checked the manual and there's no specific reference to 0W-30. I'm going to call Mobil technical support to see if that leads to anything. Thanks for the responses.