I switched to synthetic oil around 1300 miles.
Synthetic oil
Well first off let me say, Merry Christmas everyone! I have approximately 4400 miles on my 2016 Frontier and will be due for my oil change at 5k. I've heard different things as far as break in before switching to full synthetic, so my question is this, what is everyone doing as far as break in before switching to full synthetic? Thank you for any and all replies.
Brad
Brad
1 - 20 of 31 Posts
Depends on who you talk to, I switched mine at 25K, only because the first 4 changes were done by the dealer for free, synthetic would have cost me money. I've always heard 5K to 15K is the range for switching.
There is no reason not to switch right away. Modern engines are built with much better tolerances than days of old, and many engines come with synthetic from the factory. I have not seen anything other than anecdotal evidence, ancient advice, and recommendations for rebuilt engines that suggests otherwise.
Vic
Vic
I'd think those with a synthetic factory fill may have an even tighter tolerance to do so.There is no reason not to switch right away. Modern engines are built with much better tolerances than days of old, and many engines come with synthetic from the factory. I have not seen anything other than anecdotal evidence, ancient advice, and recommendations for rebuilt engines that suggests otherwise.
Vic
Maybe call an engine builder and get a current day expert opinion on the subject?
Clint
I changed the factory fill for M1 at about 3K miles but I tend to think it doesn't really matter. I have no idea if the factory fill was synthetic or not.
Break in is really not an issue any more, as others have stated. I went with Mobil 1 and a larger capacity filter starting at 5000 miles. It makes remembering the oil chg interval easy when it falls at the 5000 mile mark.
My Frontier got the same treatment and ran perfectly until the day it was totaled with 53000 miles. If you are planning on using Mobil 1, keep an eye on the Costco flyer as they often have 6 packs on sale for $10 off. This makes the price almost 50% cheaper than auto parts stores. I buy them 2 at a time when they are on sale.
As far as the filter goes, I have found a significant reduction in startup noise by using the Bosch D3323 Distance Plus High Performance filter. I used to get a rattle at startup, on the Frontier and the X, but since I switched to this filter, it no longer happens. They claim that "Silicone Anti-drainback Valve Protects engine against dry starts and provides for longer life" and I can hear the difference.
Here is a link to the Amazon page - Bosch D3323 Distance Plus High Performance Filter
My Frontier got the same treatment and ran perfectly until the day it was totaled with 53000 miles. If you are planning on using Mobil 1, keep an eye on the Costco flyer as they often have 6 packs on sale for $10 off. This makes the price almost 50% cheaper than auto parts stores. I buy them 2 at a time when they are on sale.
As far as the filter goes, I have found a significant reduction in startup noise by using the Bosch D3323 Distance Plus High Performance filter. I used to get a rattle at startup, on the Frontier and the X, but since I switched to this filter, it no longer happens. They claim that "Silicone Anti-drainback Valve Protects engine against dry starts and provides for longer life" and I can hear the difference.
Here is a link to the Amazon page - Bosch D3323 Distance Plus High Performance Filter
A Nissan Service Manager indicated that even 'some' Frontiers come from the factory w/ synthetic...as do other Nissan models. And even though our engines have had 'some' mild break-in at the factory/assembly line...that first oil change should be done as prescribed, as in no later than 3750 miles.
Am a believer in 100% synthetic oils, having used mostly Mobil 1 over the years...even run 100% synthetic's in my lawn mower, chainsaw, weedwhip & leafblower. Some will consider it wasted money while I consider it money well spent. Peace of Mind has its inherent costs.
Am a believer in 100% synthetic oils, having used mostly Mobil 1 over the years...even run 100% synthetic's in my lawn mower, chainsaw, weedwhip & leafblower. Some will consider it wasted money while I consider it money well spent. Peace of Mind has its inherent costs.
Synthetic oils are generally compatible with conventional oil. Many cars come with synthetic from the factory. I believe you can use synthetic any time you want. I typically ran factory fill for 1000 miles before switching but opinions vary.
My the manual wife's 2011 Imprezza with the 2.5L doesn't say anything about synthetic one way or another while the same 2.5L for the same year Forester says synthetic only. On the Frontier, my 2013 manual calls for oil changes at 3750 while newer Frontiers say 5000. Engine is the same 4.0L as far as I know. Just goes to show that manufacturers are inconsistent on the subject.I'd think those with a synthetic factory fill may have an even tighter tolerance to do so.
Maybe call an engine builder and get a current day expert opinion on the subject?
Clint
Interesting that you pointed that out, when I picked up my 2014 Sentra SR new the salesman said it must use synthetic and it wasn't a suggestion it is mandatory, it uses 0w-20 while all of my Nissan have always used 5w-30.
Clint
Clint
Check your owner's manual. Many of the late model Nissan manuals state that the recommended oil is synthetic 0W-20, but, will then go on to say conventional 5W-30 may be used and not affect the manufacturer's warranty.Interesting that you pointed that out, when I picked up my 2014 Sentra SR new the salesman said it must use synthetic and it wasn't a suggestion it is mandatory, it uses 0w-20 while all of my Nissan have always used 5w-30.
Clint
My gal's Honda Fit uses 0w-20...and yet it is not a synthetic.Interesting that you pointed that out, when I picked up my 2014 Sentra SR new the salesman said it must use synthetic and it wasn't a suggestion it is mandatory, it uses 0w-20 while all of my Nissan have always used 5w-30.
Clint
They may be out there, but the Nissan dealers around here only offer a 'blend' as their synthetic choice. If synthetic oils break down more slowly than conventional oils, then why have/use a blend that would, in this respect, be somewhat inferior?
(Not being difficult, just adding to this debatable debate. :nerd
When I started with Nissan in the mid-80s, the factory service interval was 3750 miles; 5W30 was recommended on all models except turbo engines, which took 10W30. Later on, they increased the intervals to 7500 miles. Then, they went back to 3750, back to 7500 and now they are at 5000 mile intervals. When full-synthetic oil was beginning to get more popular, Nissan did not recommend its use in their vehicles. Now, they recommend synthetic. So, "yes," they are very inconsistent!My the manual wife's 2011 Imprezza with the 2.5L doesn't say anything about synthetic one way or another while the same 2.5L for the same year Forester says synthetic only. On the Frontier, my 2013 manual calls for oil changes at 3750 while newer Frontiers say 5000. Engine is the same 4.0L as far as I know. Just goes to show that manufacturers are inconsistent on the subject.
While I use full-synthetic, personally, one thing I found interesting when I had my oil analyzed by Blackstone Labs is that they claim their own employees use conventional oil. That tells you a lot right there.
Dealership Dino for the first LOF @ 2500mi. Then it got M1 @ 5500, At 10,500 German Castrol went in. Its been Penzoil Platinum from 15,500 to present(38k) and prolly continue for duration of ownership. Filters were Nissan at first, but Purolator and Wix have won out for my goto filter.
If your conventional oil is to the point of "breaking down," then you are working your engine way too hard!My gal's Honda Fit uses 0w-20...and yet it is not a synthetic.
They may be out there, but the Nissan dealers around here only offer a 'blend' as their synthetic choice. If synthetic oils break down more slowly than conventional oils, then why have/use a blend that would, in this respect, be somewhat inferior?
(Not being difficult, just adding to this debatable debate. :nerd
My 2011 now has 197,300 miles on it. I let the dealer change the first time, then it's been Mobil 1 5W30 and Mobil M110 filters since. I uses virtually NO oil in my 7500-8500 mile changes. I do 95% highway driving.
As juxtaposed as this may sound:
What I failed to mention re: the 0w-20 conventional oil in my gal's '13 Fit is that Honda has a recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles...and that lil engine is turning 4k RPM in 5th gear at hwy cruising speeds. Even stranger, Honda put a new 6-sp in the '15 Fits...and the gearing for 6th is the same as 5th in my example above = same 4k RPM at hwy speeds.
What I failed to mention re: the 0w-20 conventional oil in my gal's '13 Fit is that Honda has a recommended oil change interval of 10,000 miles...and that lil engine is turning 4k RPM in 5th gear at hwy cruising speeds. Even stranger, Honda put a new 6-sp in the '15 Fits...and the gearing for 6th is the same as 5th in my example above = same 4k RPM at hwy speeds.
I've heard of synthetic and synthetic blend 0W-20 oils, but who makes a conventional 0W-20? I've never seen that.
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